Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/J009725/1
Microbial degradation of isoprene in the terrestrial environment
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Professor JC Murrell, University of East Anglia, Environmental Sciences
- Grant held at:
- University of East Anglia, Environmental Sciences
- Science Area:
- Terrestrial
- Overall Classification:
- Terrestrial
- ENRIs:
- Biodiversity
- Global Change
- Science Topics:
- Biochemistry & physiology
- Environmental Microbiology
- Microbiology
- Soil microbes
- Biogeochemical Cycles
- Abstract:
- The Blue Mountains in Australia and Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, are so-named because of the blue haze that results from atmospheric reactions with isoprene, a gas produced in abundance by plants and especially many tree species. Trees that are starting to be grown widely as a source of bioenergy, namely willow and poplar, are among the highest isoprene emitters. Isoprene protects plants against heat and light-induced damage, and can also serve as a signaling molecule. Isoprene is so reactive with other chemicals in the lower atmosphere that it limits their capacity to react with methane and also generates ozone. Both ozone and methane are potent greenhouse gases, and ozone impairs plant growth. On the more positive side, isoprene can indirectly stimulate cloud formation which provides a cooling effect. Hundreds of studies have investigated isoprene production, primarily from trees, and examined the effect of a changing environment on its flux from tree to atmosphere. In stark contrast, only a handful of studies have shown that microbes in the soil consume isoprene, and a few of those microbes have been grown in the laboratory. Microbes are abundant (several billion per teaspoon of soil and more than a million per square cm of leaf) and the most important catalysts for cycling chemicals in the environment. We know from studying the cycles of other climatically important gases, like methane, that microbial consumption is an extremely important process that is greatly influenced by climate change. From hundreds of methane-consuming bacteria in culture, we have extensive knowledge of their metabolic pathways, which allows the development of investigative tools to help inform land-use management decisions. For isoprene, which is produced in similar abundance to methane, we lack this knowledge and tools. Therefore, in addition to those bacteria that we already have in culture, we propose to culture isoprene-degrading microbes, focusing on soil and leaf inhabitants. Using powerful genomic-based techniques, we will determine the DNA sequences of the genes involved in isoprene degradation. Additionally, we will use tools developed by the PI to identify and investigate those isoprene degraders that are not easy to grow. Most bacteria look alike and so we frequently use DNA sequences to study their roles in nature. Selected unique DNA sequences will be used to identify, view and count key species of isoprene-degrading bacteria in natural samples. This will enable us to determine precisely where they live, e.g. we envisage that they will be especially abundant around stomata (pores in the leaf) from where most isoprene escapes; and the use of state-of-the art imaging techniques (developed by our project partner) will allow us to identify which individual microbes are actively degrading isoprene in the soil or on the leaf surface. Complementing this study, a PhD student will measure isoprene consumption in forest soils, and for the first time, on leaves from various tree species, comparing isoprene emitters with non-emitters as well as sun and shade leaves. We will test whether adding permutations of isoprene-degrading microbes to leaf surfaces enhances consumption, and by measuring the microbes' ability to survive or grow on the leaves, we will obtain insights into whether this is a potential strategy for reducing isoprene flux. All of the data emanating from this project will be valuable for management of natural woodlands and bioenergy crops, in relation to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Period of Award:
- 17 Aug 2012 - 31 Jan 2016
- Value:
- £357,397 Lead Split Award
Authorised funds only
- NERC Reference:
- NE/J009725/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Standard Grant (FEC)
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Standard Grant
This grant award has a total value of £357,397
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| DI - Other Costs | Indirect - Indirect Costs | DA - Investigators | DA - Estate Costs | DI - Staff | DA - Other Directly Allocated | DI - T&S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £39,107 | £108,498 | £35,710 | £38,414 | £99,490 | £29,881 | £6,299 |
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