Completion funding for data analysis and publication in the framework of DFG research unit 763, Natural halogenation processes in the environment - atmosphere and soil

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Heinz-Friedrich Schöler
• Subject Area: Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry
• Term: from 2013 to 2014
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 239537272

The objective of this proposed completion funding is to finalize the pending research tasks of the DFG Research Unit 763 - Natural Hagenation Processes (HALOPROC) - and to publish the respective scientific outcomes.Halocarbons widespread in all environmental compartments (atmosphere, pedosphere, and biosphäre) play an important ecological role affecting global warming, ozone depletion, and ecosystem health. They can induce productivity but also act as toxicants. The increasing pollution of the biosphere through semi-/volatile organohalogens is considered to have a large impact on the well-being of mankind. Natural halogenation processes eventually make an impact on the carbon storage, transport and emission of (previously unaltered) ecosystems, resulting in additional climate feedbacks and phytotoxic effects. Halocarbonformation and their fate and role in the carbon cycle are not clear.In the past 4 ½ years of HaloProc we collected a large number of field and laboratory data, which enable us to better understand and describe the phenomenon of natural halogenation processes in terrestrial saline ecosystems including import factors and driving forces of the underlying mechanism.To achieve the objectives of the research unit these data packages have to be processed and evaluated for publication. We will provide evidence to the importance of terrestrial saline ecosystems up to now poorly understood regional and global budgets of volatile organohalogens.Based on the hypothesis und objectives expressed in the HALOPROC three scientific publications will be prepared and submitted in this proposed four month's program. Without the assigned PostDoc as leading author of the announced publications, the stipulated goals of HALOPROC are difficult to achieve.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants