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CO2 fixation in newly-deglaciated soils under investigation : do the microbial autotrophs contribute to the carbon dynamics in initial soil ecosystems undergoing global change ?
Microbial CO2 fixation in newly deglaciated soils might participate in terrestrial ecosystem establishment. However, the importance of this function and its key players remains to be determine, in particular under global change. Both lab and field experiments will be conducted to address this topic.
Keywords: Master project, CO2 fixation, global change, glacier retreat, microbial photoautotrophs, heterotrophs, initial soil ecosystem, field experiment, next-generation sequencing, 13C-labeling.
Alpine glaciers are currently receading due to global change and leave behind rock
debris promptly colonized by microorganisms. Photo/chemolithoautotrophs represent
an important proportion among the microbial community and might thus participate in
the establishment of initial soil processes by providing an available source of C and thus
sustaining the heterotrophic community. However, a direct trophic link between
microbial autotrophs and heterotrophs remains to be shown in nutrient-depleted soils.
Further, there is limited knowledge about the magnitude of C fixation in
newly-deglaciated soils and, in particular, how changing environmental conditions (e.g.
increasing N deposition, higher temperature, drought events) impact on this function,
the microbial autotrophs and overall community.
his master project consists in both field campaign and lab work. Therefore, we seek
highly motivated master students who enjoy working in a breathtaking alpine
environment (Damma glacier forefield, Uri, CH) and performing state-of-the-art lab
analyses. The methods will include :
- DNA-based next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics
- PCR-based fingerprinting of functional genes
- Stable isotope labeling and phospholipid biomarker extraction
- Soil chemical characterization
All analytical procedures will be carried out within the Department of Forest Soils and
Biogeochemistry at WSL in Birmensdorf.
Alpine glaciers are currently receading due to global change and leave behind rock debris promptly colonized by microorganisms. Photo/chemolithoautotrophs represent an important proportion among the microbial community and might thus participate in the establishment of initial soil processes by providing an available source of C and thus sustaining the heterotrophic community. However, a direct trophic link between microbial autotrophs and heterotrophs remains to be shown in nutrient-depleted soils. Further, there is limited knowledge about the magnitude of C fixation in newly-deglaciated soils and, in particular, how changing environmental conditions (e.g. increasing N deposition, higher temperature, drought events) impact on this function, the microbial autotrophs and overall community. his master project consists in both field campaign and lab work. Therefore, we seek highly motivated master students who enjoy working in a breathtaking alpine environment (Damma glacier forefield, Uri, CH) and performing state-of-the-art lab analyses. The methods will include : - DNA-based next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics - PCR-based fingerprinting of functional genes - Stable isotope labeling and phospholipid biomarker extraction - Soil chemical characterization All analytical procedures will be carried out within the Department of Forest Soils and Biogeochemistry at WSL in Birmensdorf.
- Determine links between microbial auto- and heterotrophs in model ecosystems
- Investigate the CO2 fixation and flux in newly deglaciated soils
- Relate changes in CO2 fixation with microbial community shifts under a global change scenario.
- Determine links between microbial auto- and heterotrophs in model ecosystems - Investigate the CO2 fixation and flux in newly deglaciated soils - Relate changes in CO2 fixation with microbial community shifts under a global change scenario.
Thomas Rime
Forest soil and biogeochemistry WSL
Zürcherstrasse 111
8903 Birmensdorf
Tel: +4144 739 23 57
Email: thomas.rime@wsl.ch
Thomas Rime Forest soil and biogeochemistry WSL Zürcherstrasse 111 8903 Birmensdorf Tel: +4144 739 23 57 Email: thomas.rime@wsl.ch