Molecular, microbial & enzymatic synergies and their significance to peatland condition

Peat bogs are organic matter-rich soils that are widespread in the northern latitudes where they formed under cold, wet and glaciated landscapes. Despite the fact that peat bogs are seen by many as waste lands, they are vital to life on this planet. Peatlands are a major carbon (C) store and actively remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by changing the C in plant debris and locking it up as peat. In fact, peatlands store twice as much C as all the Earths' biomass. In addition, they act as a sponge which stores and filters water, preventing floods and safeguards our drinking water supply. They are also a rich habitat for unique plants and animals. However, peatlands can only deliver all these important services if they are healthy and, unfortunately, the majority of peatlands (>80% in the UK) are in a state of deterioration. This is a global concern, as peatlands in damaged states release C to the atmosphere and natural waters, which affects our daily life and hampers our efforts to combat climate change.
One of the major causes of peatland damage is drainage, as a bog can only form peat when it has a waterlogged anoxic layer that protects the stored C. In order to restore damage by drainage, the site is typically rewetted by installing dams. While we know that dams can bring back the water logged conditions and important surface plants may reappear, the question remains whether rewetting successfully restores bogs to their full health. To answer this question, we need to know what is happening below the surface and examine the roles of key players in peat formation and C cycling, namely the microbes, the enzymes and the C containing organic molecules. It is not clear which of these players is more important, or how do they depend on each other. Scientists have suggested that if certain protective molecules, so called phenolics or some carbohydrates are not present (e.g. removed because of drainage) then the peat bogs cannot store C. The question remains what controls the presence of these molecules? Is it specific microorganisms and the enzymes they release? Or is it the peat molecules that have the ultimate control over the microbes? Focussing on peatland drainage as the cause of damage, the aim of this project is to study these key players and to gain understanding of the processes leading to C storage/loss in peatlands. We plan to investigate several peatbogs in UK, but also abroad in Sweden and Canada to take into account different climates.
The technology to carry out this research now exists in form of DNA sequencing (microbes), biochemical methods (enzymes) and spectroscopy/spectrometry (molecules). In Edinburgh we have all the necessary equipment, in particular very powerful spectrometers for nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry to characterise the thousands of molecules that make up the organic matter in peat. Such an interdisciplinary approach will guarantee that we address the major gaps in our knowledge of the processes that lead C storage/loss in peatlands.
At the same time, we want to develop a simple method for monitoring the state of the peatbog and will therefore investigate a possibility to extend the teabag project (http://www.teatime4science.org/about/the-project/) that aims to provide information on the global C cycle by burying tea bags for 90 days in various soils and measuring the resulting weight loss. Our initial experiments indicate that by looking deeper at the molecular makeup of tea buried in peat in different conditions, we will be able to classify the state of peat bog.
To enable peatlands regain their functions, multimillion pound restoration projects are being set up around the world. This research aims to ensure that the approaches used in restoration/management of peatlands are underpinned by the latest scientific understanding that ensure the long-term protection of these vulnerable soils.

Who will benefit?
The research outlined in this proposal has a far-reaching impact due to the number of global ecosystem services and social-economic benefits provided by peatlands. This research will therefore benefit the following bodies:
o Peatland stakeholders and organisations.
o Charitable bodies and conservation groups linked to peatlands.
o Environmental regulators.
o Policy makers (regional or national authorities/governments), concerned with climate change, biodiversity, conservation and land management.
o Government departments impacted by peatland ecosystem services.
o Water quality agencies.
o Water services providers.
o Companies using peatlands or peat, onshore windfarm construction companies.
o Landowners and landowner associations.
o Industries dealing with complex mixtures.
o General public, educators, students and society as a whole.

How will they benefit?
The overarching impact of this research is to promote the restoration and preservation of healthy peatlands by working towards understanding of the processes that lead to a given condition. Healthy functioning peatlands are vital for many of their ecosystem services from C storage, water filtration, and flood mitigation to supporting flora and fauna. Thus restoration of the damaged peatlands and ensuring their resilience to future changes is essential for the health and safety of society as well the maintenance of biodiversity.
Peatlands have far reaching societal-economic benefits. They are grounds for recreational activities such as hunting, hill-walking as well as a tranquil open space that promote well-being and a feeling of national identity. Peat is also the source of one of the essential flavours to the billion £ whisky industry.
A number of governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, landowners and industries are actively involved in peatland restoration and conservation. Research that leads to better understanding of how peatlands function and respond to land use changes is essential to inform their decision making processes and to guide the design of management protocols. Providing reliable and simple indicators of restoration efficiency (e.g. tea bags) is essential for ensuring optimal use of investments into peatland restoration.
Degraded peatlands are a major source of GHGs and research that leads to better understanding of the drivers of C cycling in peatland will help to produce more effective C accounting models. Such models are required as global GHG emissions targets bind national governments to put in place policy based responses that must be underpinned by solid scientific evidence.
Drinking water quality is threatened by increased DOC levels and pollutants potentially released from damaged peatlands. Knowledge of the origin and composition of these pools will allow design of more effective water treatment processes thus improving quality of potable water. Tools that enable effective characterisation of labile phases of peat will enable these industries to test their treatments and technologies.
A number of industries need to characterise complex mixtures such as food, drinks, fuel, pharmaceuticals, natural products, cosmetics in order to ensure quality standards and safety of their products. Protocols for characterising mixtures across multiple phases is of high interest to them. Bodies that aim to protect products from counterfeiters, or examine potential contaminants, will also benefit from the high resolution methodology developed in this project.
It is the public perception that will pave the way for actions safeguarding the peatlands for future generations. Therefore it is essential that the scientific knowledge of peatland restoration and conservation are convergent with public understanding of the importance of societal-economic benefits these ecosystems provide. The outreach part of this project aims to achieve this, thus helping science and ultimately bringing benefit the society as a whole.