The research project investigates which organisms and processes are responsible for the release of greenhouse gases like CO2 and ammonium when organic material is broken down into oxygen-free sediments. Next, Erik Kristensen wishes to answer the question about how quickly microbial communities can adjust to changes in the composition and the quality of the accessible organic material. Answers to the questions are sought by cultivating sediment without supply of oxygen.
Contact:
Erik Kristensen, Associate professor at the Department of Biological Sciences, SDU,
e-mail:ebk@biology.sdu.dk, Tel: 6550 2754 or 40503766
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Biologists under the tropical sun
Bacteria hold more than one key position in nature's housekeeping. They contribute considerably to both photosynthesis and the decomposition of organic material and they alone carry out a large number of processes that are essential for the maintenance of favourable living conditions for plants and animals on Earth. Bacteria have been the dominant life form through the majority of Earth's history, and their activity throughout billions of years has had fundamental importance for the formation of an oxygenous atmosphere.
Contact:
Bo Thamdrup, Professor at the Department of Biological Sciences, SDU, e-mail: Tel: 60112477
Related links:
Overview of research projects