Details of Award
NERC Reference : NER/O/S/2003/00669
Tropospheric ozone pollution: using stable isotopes to quantify ozone deposition, uptake and detoxification (TOPS).
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Professor P Ineson, Newcastle University, Sch of Biology
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor M Ashmore, University of York, Environment
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor RP Evershed, University of Bristol, Chemistry
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor J Barnes, Newcastle University, Sch of Natural & Environmental Sciences
- Grant held at:
- Newcastle University, Sch of Biology
- Science Area:
- Terrestrial
- Earth
- Atmospheric
- Overall Classification:
- Terrestrial
- ENRIs:
- Pollution and Waste
- Natural Resource Management
- Global Change
- Environmental Risks and Hazards
- Biodiversity
- Science Topics:
- Pollution
- Environmental Physiology
- Land - Atmosphere Interactions
- Soil science
- Abstract:
- Ground-level concentrations of ozone (O3) have increased up to five-fold since the last century with current concentrations in southern Britain (as well as in many other parts of the world) high enough to reduce crop yield and quality, drive changes in the diversity of wild plant populations and cause damage to forest trees. However, major uncertainties remain as to the processes and pathways through which vegetation and soil scavenge O3 from the atmosphere and also the primary reaction targets once the pollutant gains entry to the leaf interior. We propose, for the first time, to utilise the 180 stable isotope of oxygen to trace and quantify O3 deposition to external plant and soil surfaces, and to explore the fate of the pollutant by following it's uptake into the leaf interior via the stomata (leaf pores that facilitate the exchange of gases between plant and surrounding environment). The interdisciplinary nature of the proposed research programme requires the input of four internationally-respected research teams with complementary expertise. The University of York (Ineson and Emberson) will co-ordinate the project, providing particular expertise in the utilisation and bulk analysis of 18O and incorporation of findings into existing O3 deposition and effects models. The University of Bristol (Evershed) will provide expertise and state-of-the-art facilities for the analysis of 180 incorporation into individual compounds - allowing reaction hierarchies (i.e. the fate of 1803) and derivatives to be traced and quantified. The University of Bradford (Ashmore) provides internationally recognised expertise in O3 vegetation impacts to semi-natural communities as well as access to closed chamber facilities for exposing plants and soils to 1803. The University of Newcastle (Barnes) are leaders in the understanding the biochemistry of O3 interactions with plants and access to open-top chamber facilities capable of exposing established plant communities to O3 under conditions that are close to 'natural' field conditions. Data resulting from the project will be synthesised and collated to address key uncertainties in existing O3 deposition and detoxification models. The improved formulation and parameterisation of these models will deliver improved assessments of (i) the atmospheric O3 budget and (ii) the risks posed by ground-level O3 to natural (and semi-natural) vegetation. As such, findings will improve both national and European assessments of risks posed to vegetation by O3 and will contribute to the development of appropriate legislation and mitigation of this ubiquitous and damaging air pollutant. The total cost of the proposed research programme is approximately #600,000.
- Period of Award:
- 1 Apr 2004 - 30 Jun 2007
- Value:
- £159,338 Split Award
Authorised funds only
- NERC Reference:
- NER/O/S/2003/00669
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Consortiums Pre FEC
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Consortiums
This grant award has a total value of £159,338
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Staff | Total - T&S | Total - Other Costs | Total - Equipment | Total - Indirect Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £86,820 | £4,907 | £13,662 | £14,013 | £39,937 |
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