Stable Isotopes in Environmental Research SIER2012 (4ECTS)

Transcription

1 Stable Isotopes in Environmental Research SIER2012 (4ECTS) Course for PhD students , Kuopio, Course content Many ecological processes produce a distinct isotopic fingerprint. This fingerprint can be used to trace the origin and movement of the substances involved in the processes, to track metabolic or environmental changes and thus to understand complex processes taking place in ecosystems. Stable isotope techniques can provide essential information in environmental research, and are as such a powerful tool. Objectives The course will give a broad overview on the stable isotopes of key elements in environmental research, carbon, nitrogen and oxygen. It intends to introduce stable isotope ecology, stable isotope language and methodology. The students learn specific isotopic techniques to study carbon and nitrogen cycling. Modes of study During the course lectures on stable isotopes will be given (carbon, nitrogen and water isotopes) and specific topics will be introduced (e.g. tracer studies, stable isotope applications in food webs, SIP). The course includes exercises on sample preparation for stable isotope analyses, operating a state-of-the-art isotope ratio mass spectrometer (Finnigan Delta Plus IRMS) and associated peripherals (elemental analyzer, GC, pre-con) the interpretation of the results, and calculation exercises. Modes of study The course includes 35% lectures, 35% practical classes, 15% workshops and 15% seminars. Study materials A reading package will be provided prior to the course. Organized by the Biogeochemistry group, Department of Environmental Science, University of Eastern (Kuopio campus), PhD Christina Biasi and Prof. Pertti Martikainen Application and Registration Students should send their application including a brief CV (max. 1 page) and a letter of motivation to [email protected] prior to Only 25 students are taken in this course). Students of NordSIR from foreign institutes may apply for travel grants for this course ( Travels and accommodation are covered for students belonging to supporting graduate schools (see below). Please indicate your funding plan in your application. This course is supported by NordSIR, UEF, GSForest and EnSTE. The selection is made by the end of June and students are informed of the decision by . More information will be available in spring on Contact person: [email protected] Confirmed lecturers Per Ambus (Technical University of Denmark), Daniel Epron (Nancy University), Tobias Rütting (University of Gothenburg), Marja Tiirola (University of Jyväskylä), and Christina Biasi (University of Eastern ). A number of other national and international experts will participate.

2 Lecturers and Tutors (I/II) Per Ambus Professor Technical University of Denmark Frederiksborgvej Roskilde Denmark P: E: Christina Biasi Assistant Professor University of Eastern Neulaniementie Kuopio P: E: [email protected] Maxim Dorodnikov PostDoc University of Eastern Neulaniementie Kuopio P: E: [email protected] Daniel Epron Professor Université de Lorraine BP70239, Vandoeuvre- les-nancy Cedex, France. P +33 (0) E: [email protected] Helena Jäntti PostDoc University of Helsinki P.O. Box 65 (Viikinkaari 1) Helsinki P: E: [email protected] Fernando Lattanzi Scientific Assistant Technische Universität München Alte Akademie Freising-Weihenstephan Germany P: E: [email protected] Jukka Pumpanen Academy Research Fellow University of Helsinki PL 27 (Latokartanonkaari 7) Helsinki P: E: [email protected] Eloni Sonninen Senior Researcher University of Helsinki PL 64 (Gustaf Hällströmin katu 2) Helsinki P: E: [email protected] Tobias Rütting Associate Senior Lecturer University of Gothenburg Botanical Building Box GÖTEBORG Sweden P: E: [email protected] Marja Tiirola Academy Research Fellow University of Jyväskulä PL Jyväskylä P: E: [email protected]

3 Lecturers and Tutors (II/II) Jari Syväranta Researcher University of Jyväskulä PL Jyväskylä P: E: Simo Jokinen Student University of Eastern Neulaniementie Kuopio P: E: [email protected] Maarit Liimatainen Student University of Eastern Neulaniementie Kuopio P: E: [email protected]

4 Schedule Typically, there will be lectures on main topics in the morning and laboratory exercisers including work in the isotope laboratory in the afternoon. The afternoon sessions finishes with one shorter lecture to highlight a specific topic. All lectures are hold in B2440 (Bioteknia) Laboratory work will take place in labs of Biogeochemistry Research Group, Bioteknia We have also booked the following computer rooms: MC4: (12:00-16:00), (11:00-16:0), ( 8:00-13:00) and MC9: (12:00-16:00) Monday, , evening: come to Pub Malja (Kauppakatu 29, Kuopio; if you like

5 Practical Lessons Experiment I Nitrification measurements from water samples using bacterial denitrifer method to analyse 15 NO 3 Objective of the exercise In this exercise we learn to measure nitrification rates by using the 15 NH 4 + oxidation technique. Because the 15 NH 4 + oxidation technique requires precise analysis of 15 NO 3 -, we also learn how to analyze 15 NO 3 - by using the denitrifier method and products ( 15 N 2 O measurements) here. Experiment II: Gross mineralization rates from soils by using pool dilution method Objective of the exercise In this exercise we learn to measure gross mineralization rates from soils incubated in the laboratory. We will demonstrate the pool dilution method including microdiffusion to recover 15 NH 4. Experiment III: Mineralization of soil carbon substrates with different stability Objective of the exercise The objective of this short experiment is to address decomposability of various substrates by adding labelled C sources to soil samples (e.g. glucose, cellulose, phenol) and to investigate the effect the substrate additions have on native soil organic matter decomposition (priming effect) Experiment IV: Isotope signature of humans with different food source and geographical origin Objective of the exercise This study will examine the 13 C and 15 N signal of fingernails from humans (participants, students tourists, etc.) with variable diet (vegetarians or omnivores) and from variable geographical origin. We want to test whether there is a stepwise enrichment of 15 N along food chains and whether we can see differences in C3 and C4 diet. The influence of other factors (e.g. gender, age) are studied as well. PLACE PHOTO HERE, OTHERWISE DELETE BOX The experiments include practical work on stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen. Students get hands-on experience with isotope mass spectrometer (IRMS). Each student has to choose which experiment he or she likes to join. Results will be presented in the end, of the course. OTHERWISE DELETE BOX

6 Participants Nr. First name Family name Country code University/Institute 1 Alessandra D'Annibale DK Aarhus University 2 Anna Karlson SE Lund University 3 Anna Reunamo FI University of Turku, SYKE 4 Anna Mikusinska SE Örebrö University 5 Anna-Karin Björsne SE University of Gothenburg 6 Gesche Blume-Werry SE Umea University 7 Lorenzo Menichetti SE SLU, Uppsala 8 Merjo Laine FI University of Helsinki 9 Aura Nousianinen FI SYKE 10 Ville Juusela FI University of Jyväskulä 11 Anna Siwertsson NO University of Tromsoe 12 Antti-Jussi Kieloaho FI University of Helsinki 13 Heli Miettinen FI University of Helsinki 14 Parvathy Venugopal FI University of Eastern 15 Chao Zhang FI University of Eastern 16 Markus Stocker FI University of Eastern 17 Patricia Sarai Giron Calva FI University of Eastern 18 ABREFA DANQUAH JONES FI University of Eastern 19 Rajendra Ghimire FI University of Eastern 20 Carolina Voigt FI University of Eastern A few other students will participate in the lectures, but not practical classes

7 Course Venue How to get to Kuopio You can travel either by plane or by train to Kuopio. If you chose plane: You can fly via Helsinki (Finnair or Blue1) or via Riga (Air Baltic) to Kuopio. There is bus transfer from airport to Kuopio city, but this airportbus (route 40) operates only on weekdays Mo-Fri, and departs not very frequently (routes and timetables). Second option is taxi. Ask for airport taxi which costs 20 /person. The train from Helsinki to Kuopio takes about 4 hours ( 60. There are also ferry connections from Sweden to Helsinki and Turku. How to get to your accommodation (student s accommodation) We have pre-booked rooms in University Guest House which is located in the University campus. The address is: Guest room / Canthia, Yliopistonranta 1 C, Guest room / Snellmania, Neulaniementie 1, Kuopio. Within the City of Kuopio, the local busses 4, 16, 21, 23 and 48 depart from the city centre and drive past the university campus. Walking from train terminal to the guest house takes about 30 minutes. Rooms can be paid in cash during your stay. It is not necessary to bring your own towels and sheets. Breakfast and dinner must be organized individually (there is kitchen). More information on the guest house here

8 Course Venue (II/III) How to get to the Hotel (teacher s accommodation) We have per-booked for you rooms in the Hotel Sokos which is located in city center ( The address is Minna Canthinkatu 16, Kuopio, (Tel ). Please reserve a rooms by yourself referring to SIER2012 while booking ([email protected]). It is a 10 minutes walk from railway station to the Hotel and you may take a bus to University campus..

9 Course Venue (III/III) How to get to University of Eastern (UEF) The course will take place in the lecture rooms and labs of the Biogeochemistry Research Group, UEF. You find us in Bioteknia (Nr. 14 in campus map of previous picture on University campus), Neulaniementie 2, Kuopio. Main lecture room will be B2440. If you stay in the guest house, you can walk there in 2-10 minutes. If you are in Hotel Sokos: within the City of Kuopio, the local busses 4, 16, 21, 23 and 48 depart from the city centre and drive past the university campus (ask for stop). Distance from Hotel to nearest bus station is maybe 0.5 km, please ask at the lobby hall for more detailed information. Bus tickets can be bought in the bus. Walking distance about 30 minutes.

10 Apendix Campus Map Location of Lecture and Computer Rooms

11 Telephone numbers You can always call us if you have any questions: Name: Christina Biasi tel: The organization of the course is supported by Niina Hyvönen Name: Niina Hyvönen tel: