Fate of Mineral-Associated Organic Matter at the transition between terrestrial and aquatic environments
Organic carbon in soils and sediments plays a central role in the global carbon cycle and, consequently, in the Earth's climate system. A major carbon reservoir in soils is mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM). The transfer of this MAOM into aquatic systems—such as rivers, lakes, and oceans—has so far been little studied, yet it has a significant impact on the long-term storage or release of carbon dioxide. The research project, led by Mina Bizic, Professor of Environmental Microbiomics at the Technical University of Berlin, and Maya Engel, Assistant Professor of Soil and Water Sciences at HUJI, will now systematically investigate how MAOM behaves under various conditions—ranging from laboratory experiments to field studies and the analysis of natural occurrences. The goal of this interdisciplinary project, which brings together microbiology, soil science, and geochemistry, is to better understand whether MAOM in aquatic environments acts as a carbon sink or a carbon source—an important question for climate research.
Funding period: 10/2025 - 10/2028
Contact:
Prof. Dr. Mina Bizic
Technische Universität Berlin
Fachgebietsleitung Umweltmikrobiomik
Ernst-Reuter-Platz 1
10587 Berlin
Applicant: Technische Universität Berlin
Partner: Hebrew University of Jerusalem