A new study (Principal Investigator Marja Maljanen, UEF) funded by The Academy of Finland (2022-2026) is focusing on emissions of reactive nitrogen gases (HONO and NO) from northern peatlands under changing climate (acronym ERNO). Both gases play a significant role in the atmospheric chemistry, HONO as a source of cleaning agent hydroxyl radical and NO regulates ozone and nitrate radical formation. The production pathways of these gases from soils are poorly known, however they are emitted in nitrogen cycle processes similarly as greenhouse gas nitrous oxide. Northern peatlands are large storages not only of carbon but also nitrogen and therefore they are potential sources of these nitrogen gases. In this study the processes and factors affecting the emissions of HONO and NO along a peatland gradient within the boreal to subarctic and arctic zones, including permafrost-affected peatlands will be examined and the results will be used to upscale HONO and NO emissions to regional level and to validate atmospheric and emission models of these reactive gases from northern peatlands.
Contact:
Professor Marja Maljanen
Biogeochemistry research group
Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences
University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio Campus
Mobile: +358403553587