Research Project

Isoprene, a volatile organic compound (VOC) emitted by plants, accounts for over a third of global VOC emissions, significantly impacting atmospheric chemistry and climate. Annually, around 550 teragrams of isoprene are released, yet its behaviour in Arctic ecosystems remains poorly understood, especially under global warming and drought conditions. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the u-Arctic project aims to address this gap. The project focuses on isolating isoprene-degrading bacteria, quantifying isoprene dynamics, and examining the effects of rising temperatures and drought. Utilising advanced methods like stable isotope probing, this research is crucial for understanding the role of microbes in Arctic VOC cycling amid climate change.