Kai Uwe Totsche

Abstract The family Pirellulaceae (phylum Planctomycetota) is known for its environmental versatility, with members isolated from marine habitats, algal surfaces, soil and lakes; yet, no member has been isolated from terrestrial subsurface habitats. Here, we describe the planctomycetal strain NA78T that was discovered in percolates from fractured limestone in ca. 0.6 m depth at the Hainich Critical Zone Exploratory (CZE) in central Germany.

Abstract Formation of mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM) is a key process in the global carbon cycle, stabilising organic carbon in soils. The relative importance of mineral composition and land use as potential controls of MAOM stability at regional scales and underlying microbial processes are still unresolved.

Abstract Heavy precipitation, drought, and other hydroclimatic extremes occur more frequently than in the past climate reference period (1961–1990). Given their strong effect on groundwater recharge dynamics, these phenomena increase the vulnerability of groundwater quantity and quality. Over the course of the past decade, we have documented changes in the composition of dissolved organic matter in groundwater.