Project Number: 26-22965K
Project Title: Chromium transformation in the soil-water-plant continuum at ambient temperature and during fire using stable isotopes as biogeochemical tracer
Provider: Czech Science Foundation
Program: GAČR Lead Agency
Recipient: Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Faculty of Environmental Sciences
Principal Investigator for CULS: prof. RNDr. Vladislav Chrastný, Ph.D.
Contact person and project administration: Ing. Hana Jenšíková
Project Duration: 7/2026 – 6/2029
Project Budget: CZK 7,476,000
Abstract:
This project investigates key processes generating toxic Cr(VI) in soils, groundwater, and the atmosphere while validating Cr isotopes as tracers. We focus on Cr mobilization in low-temperature soil processes, plant uptake, and wildfire transformations. Despite progress in Crredox research, the isotope effects of these processes remain unclear. WP1 examines Cr(III) oxidation by manganese oxides and the role of organic ligands. WP2 studies Cr uptake in plants and isotopic shifts in biomass and ash. WP3 explores Cr isotope behavior during redox oscillations. WP4 assesses high-temperature Cr transformations in iron oxides during fires. Using laboratory experiments, field studies, and advanced analytics, we aim to quantify isotopic effects and establish Cr isotopes as environmental tracers.