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Details of Award

NERC Reference : NER/T/S/2000/01353

Community structure and the stable isotope biogeochemistry of methanogenesis: insights into the carbon-flow paradox of freshwater and marine habitats.

Grant Award

Principal Investigator:
Professor RJ Parkes, University of Bristol, Earth Sciences
Co-Investigator:
Professor ERC Hornibrook, University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus
Co-Investigator:
Dr A Weightman, Cardiff University, School of Biosciences
Co-Investigator:
Professor JC Fry, Cardiff University, School of Biosciences
Science Area:
None
Overall Classification:
Freshwater
ENRIs:
Biodiversity
Science Topics:
Environmental Microbiology
Biogeochemical Cycles
Community Ecology
Soil science
Abstract:
At present it is unclear whether carbon-flow pathways to CH4 in freshwater and marine systems are controlled by direct environmental effects or via differences in the biodiversity of methanogens selected by each habitat. Moreover, the commonly held view that acetate fermentation and H2/CO2, methanogenesis dominate, respectively, in freshwater and marine systems has never been rigorously tested, yet it forms the basis for stable isotope proxy models of CH4 formation. This investigation will directly link methanogen and acetogen biodiversity, as determined by phylogenetic and functional genetic marker analysis, and 13C-labelling of archaeal lipids, to ecosystem function. Carbon-flow pathways to CH4 in freshwater, marine and estuarine habitats will be investigated by incubation of intact sediment cores injected with 14C-labelled substrates and by manipulation of anaerobic slurries. These data will be used to rigorously test the validity of a stable isotope proxy model that is commonly used to study carbon-flow pathways in freshwater and marine environments.
Period of Award:
1 Jan 2002 - 31 Oct 2003
Value:
£203,558
Authorised funds only
NERC Reference:
NER/T/S/2000/01353
Grant Stage:
Completed
Scheme:
Directed Pre FEC
Grant Status:
Closed

This grant award has a total value of £203,558  

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FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)

Total - StaffTotal - T&STotal - Other CostsTotal - Indirect CostsTotal - Equipment
£98,466£7,775£44,698£45,294£7,324

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