B05 will identify microbially-driven key processes involved in nitrate input into and nitrogen loss from the limestone aquifers of the Hainich CZE. We will follow nitrification potential and nitrifying communities from the forest canopies to the aquifers, address the potential role of complete nitrifiers (comammox organisms), and evaluate the relevance of anaerobic ammonia oxidation (anammox) versus denitrification for groundwater nitrogen loss. Activity measurements of nitrification, anammox, and denitrification will be linked to the spatial distribution and transcriptional activity of the corresponding microbial groups, employing ¹⁵N-based techniques, quantitative PCR, Illumina amplicon sequencing, and single cell genomics.

PI

Dr. Martina Herrmann Aquatic Geomicrobiology, Institute of Biodiversity Friedrich Schiller University Jena +49 (0)3641 9-49459 +49 (0)3641 9-49462 Email

Doctoral Researcher

Markus Krüger Aquatic Geomicrobiology, Institute of Biodiversity Friedrich Schiller University Jena +49 (0)3641 9-49458 +49 (0)3641 9-49462 Email