Image: Kristina Viklund
Research project Objectives of this project are to identify factors which influence the formation of halogenated natural products (HNPs) in Nordic and Arctic ecosystems and predict how their levels and transport pathways might be affected by climate change.
EcoChange
Anders Tysklind, Kosterhavet National Park, Länsstyrelsen Västra Götaland, Sweden
Olle Nygren, Damina AB, Umeå, Sweden
Kathleen Agosta, Umeå, Sweden
Penny Vlahos, Dept. of Marine Science, University of Connecticut, USA
Halogenated natural products (HNPs) are secondary metabolites containing chlorine, bromine and/or iodine. They are produced in oceans and seas by bacteria, phytoplankton, macroalgae and some invertebrate animals, and on land by fungi and plants. HNPs have many ecological functions which include chemical communication, antimicrobial and antifouling activity, and protection from herbivory and predation. They are also of concern from an environmental perspective. Halomethanes diffuse to the stratosphere where they participate in ozone destruction. Some of the higher molecular mass HNPs bioaccumulate and have toxic properties similar to those of anthropogenic chemicals.
Halogenated natural products (HNPs) are secondary metabolites containing chlorine, bromine and/or iodine. They are produced by marine bacteria, phytoplankton, macroalgae and some invertebrate animals.
ImageTerry BidlemanClimate change is expected to cause shifts in the environmental distribution of producing species and formation of secondary metabolites, which will have consequences for ecosystem functioning and environmental quality. We are investigating sources and pathways of brominated and chlorinated HNPs in Nordic and Arctic ecosystems with the goal of identifying climate change impacts. Current studies involve
Land-sea-air cycling of HNPs is investigated as a regional transport pathway which links marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
