Production and consumption of atmospheric methyl halides in Irish soil ecosystems

Redeker, KR and Keppler, F. and Boshoff, G. and Hamilton, JTG and Kalin, R. (2003) Production and consumption of atmospheric methyl halides in Irish soil ecosystems. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 67 (18, Su). A393.

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Abstract

Several important atmospheric processes, including ozone depletion and aerosol formation have been linked to halogen radicals in the atmosphere. A significant fraction of the halogen radicals in the troposphere and the stratosphere are due to oxidation and photo-oxidation of methyl halide gases. In turn, terrestrial ecosystems appear to be major sources of these gases. We examine three ecosystems in Ireland (peatland, agricultural pastureland, and forest) to explore the influence of various soil constituents on methyl halide production and consumption within the soil column. Here we present the results from soil that has been irradiated and therefore is indicative of physical and chemical processes only. We identify whether these soils are capable of modifying overlying ambient air under multiple soil pore water saturation conditions. The effect of a range of temperatures (5-25 degrees C) is also investigated. Isotopic values for these abiotic processes were measured and are presented.