@misc{SproeteFischerVesteetal., author = {Spr{\"o}te, Roland and Fischer, Thomas and Veste, Maik and Raab, Thomas and Wiehe, Wolfgang and Lange, Philipp and Bens, Oliver and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Biological topsoil crusts at early successional stages on recultivated post-mining sites in Brandenburg, NE Germany}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SutLohmannRepmannFischeretal., author = {Sut-Lohmann, Magdalena and Repmann, Frank and Fischer, Thomas and Raab, Thomas}, title = {Retardation of iron-cyanide complexes in soils of a former Manufactured Gas Plant site}, series = {Book of abstracts, XII International Congress of Young Chemists, YoungChem2014, Szczecin, Poland 8th-12th October 2014}, booktitle = {Book of abstracts, XII International Congress of Young Chemists, YoungChem2014, Szczecin, Poland 8th-12th October 2014}, address = {Warsaw}, isbn = {978-83-61037-28-6}, pages = {S. 44}, language = {en} } @misc{BonhageMykhailovaHirschetal., author = {Bonhage, Alexander and Mykhailova, Larysa and Hirsch, Florian and Schneider, Anna and Raab, Thomas and Fischer, Thomas and Raab, Alexandra and Donovan, Sally and Ouimet, William}, title = {Effects of historical charcoal burning on soil landscapes in West Connecticut - Quantifying pyrogenic and organic soil carbon content of Technosols by FTIR analysis}, series = {European Geosciences Union, General Assembly 2019, Vienna, Austria, 7-12 April 2019}, journal = {European Geosciences Union, General Assembly 2019, Vienna, Austria, 7-12 April 2019}, address = {Katlenburg-Lindau}, language = {en} } @misc{PreusserBroeringFischeretal., author = {Preußer, Daniel and Br{\"o}ring, Udo and Fischer, Thomas and Juretzek, Thomas}, title = {Effects of antibiotics ceftriaxone and levofloxacin on the growth of Calliphora vomitoria L. (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and effects on the determination of the post-mortem interval}, series = {Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine}, volume = {81}, journal = {Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine}, number = {5}, issn = {1878-7487}, doi = {10.1016/j.jflm.2021.102207}, abstract = {The determination of the post-mortem interval (PMI) is one of the main tasks of forensic entomology, where growth and stages of development of arthropods are used for PMI determination. It is well acknowledged that maggot development is significantly influenced by temperature. Attention has also been paid to the microbial populations of the cadaver, because toxic substances contained in the substrate can influence the microorganisms and affect arthropods growth and development. However, little is known about the influence of antibiotics taken during lifetime of a person on insect development after that persons death. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the antibiotics ceftriaxone and levofloxacin cause inhibition of growth and delay of pupation of the blow fly Calliphora vomitoria, which would then lead to an incorrect determination of the post-mortem interval in forensic cases. It was found that maggot development was delayed by levofloxacin mixed in minced pork, where a mixture of both antibiotics increased this effect. The maggot growth in the samples with ceftriaxone was not delayed. Pupation was delayed in treatments with a mixture of both antibiotics. The mortality was reduced by separate or combined application of ceftriaxone and levofloxacin, which we attribute to a bactericidal effect of the antibiotics on maggot pathogens. Depending on the concentration of the antibiotics, an underestimation of the post-mortem interval between 24 and 48 h could be suspected. We conclude that antibiotics need to be considered if instar stages are to be used to determine the PMI and that some antibiotics may improve the breeding conditions of maggots.}, language = {en} } @misc{BonhageRaabSchneideretal., author = {Bonhage, Alexander and Raab, Thomas and Schneider, Anna and Fischer, Thomas and Ramezany, Shaghayegh and Ouimet, William and Raab, Alexandra and Hirsch, Florian}, title = {Vertical SOC distribution and aromatic carbon in centuries old charcoal-rich Technosols}, series = {European Journal of Soil Science}, volume = {73}, journal = {European Journal of Soil Science}, number = {4}, doi = {10.1111/ejss.13293}, pages = {1 -- 16}, abstract = {Charcoal-rich Technosols on century-old relict charcoal hearths (RCHs) are the subject of ongoing research regarding potential legacy effects that result from historic charcoal production and subsequent charcoal amendments on forest soil properties and forest ecosystems today. RCHs consist mostly of Auh horizons that are substantially enriched in soil organic carbon (SOC), of which the largest part seems to be of pyrogenic origin (PyC). However, the reported range of SOC and PyC contents in RCH soil also suggests that they are enriched in nonpyrogenic SOC. RCH soils are discussed as potential benchmarks for the long-term influence of biochar amendment and the post-wildfire influences on soil properties. In this study, we utilised a large soil sample dataset (n = 1245) from 52 RCH sites in north-western Connecticut, USA, to quantify SOC contents by total element analysis. The contents of condensed highly aromatic carbon as a proxy for black carbon (BC) were predicted by using a modified benzene polycarboxylated acid (BPCA) marker method in combination with diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy-based partial least square regression (r2 = 0.89). A high vertical spatial sampling resolution allowed the identification of soil organic matter (SOM) enrichment and translocation processes. The results show an average 75\% and 1862\% increase in TOC and BPCA-derived carbon, respectively, for technogenic Auh horizons compared to reference soils. In addition to an increase in aromatic properties, increased carboxylic properties of the RCH SOC suggest self-humification effects of degrading charcoal and thereby the continuing formation of leachable aromatic carbon compounds, which could have effects on pedogenic processes in buried soils. Indeed, we show BPCA-derived carbon concentrations in intermediate technogenic Cu horizons and buried top/subsoils that suggest vertical translocation of highly aromatic carbon originating in RCH Auh horizons. Topmost Auh horizons showed a gradual decrease in total organic carbon (TOC) contents with increasing depth, suggesting accumulation of recent, non-pyrogenic SOM. Lower aliphatic absorptions in RCH soil spectra suggest different SOM turnover dynamics compared to reference soils. Furthermore, studied RCH soils featured additional TOC enrichment, which cannot be fully explained now.}, language = {en} } @misc{PreusserFischerJuretzek, author = {Preußer, Daniel and Fischer, Thomas and Juretzek, Thomas}, title = {Effects of antibiotics ceftriaxone and levofloxacin on the growth of Protophormia terraenovae (Diptera: Calliphoridae)}, series = {Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology}, journal = {Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology}, issn = {1556-2891}, doi = {10.1007/s12024-024-00804-9}, pages = {1 -- 13}, abstract = {AbstractProtophormia terraenovae is a colonizer of decomposing bodies and is known to cause pre-mortem myiasis as the female flies lay eggs in uncleaned wounds. In this study the effects of different concentrations of antibiotics levofloxacin and ceftriaxone on maggot development, weight, length, and mortality were examined. The maggot length and weight were significantly increased by therapeutical doses of levofloxacin and ceftriaxone. The maggot development time was significantly decreased in every levofloxacin treatment compared to the control. The time to start pupation was significantly increased in the control compared to the antibiotic treatments. Levofloxacin significantly increased the survivability of the maggots. Every levofloxacin treatment significantly improved the rearing conditions for the maggots. Reaching the third instar was delayed by 24 h in the control compared to the Levo 3.57 treatment. The Pupation in the control was delayed by an average of 48 h compared to the Levo 3.57 treatment. The significantly reduced development time of the maggots in the antibiotic treatments might lead to an overestimation of the post-mortem interval and therefore an incorrect time of death determination. The improved rearing conditions may be an indication of the potential of a combined application of antibiotics and maggot therapy.}, language = {en} } @misc{PreusserFischerJuretzek, author = {Preußer, Daniel and Fischer, Thomas and Juretzek, Thomas}, title = {Effects of antibiotics ceftriaxone and levofloxacin on the growth of Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae)}, series = {Medical and Veterinary Entomology}, volume = {37}, journal = {Medical and Veterinary Entomology}, number = {4}, issn = {0269-283X}, doi = {10.1111/mve.12685}, pages = {805 -- 815}, abstract = {Lucilia sericata is one of the most studied species in forensic entomology due to its widespread distribution, forensic importance as well as medical use. The growth and development stage of maggots is often used to determine the post-mortem interval in forensic cases. L. sericata can cause myiasis in humans who are not able to maintain personal hygiene due to age or medical condition and can therefore be used to determine the time period of neglect. The influence of the temperature on the maggot development has been examined in various studies. Different examinations on the effects of toxic substances on the maggot development and survival have been conducted in order to test the influence and resulting deviations. In this study, the effects of different therapeutical doses of the antibiotics ceftriaxone and levofloxacin were examined on L. sericata in order to determine and compare deviations in maggot development and survival. The used antibiotics did not significantly influence the maggot weight and length. A significant delay in the time of pupation has been determined in the treatments with high concentrations of levofloxacin. The mortality was significantly increased in all treatments with antibiotics compared to the control, whereby the survivability of all treatments remained over 80\%. Because of the high doses needed to produce an effect, we concluded that an overestimation of the post-mortem interval is unlikely but higher antibiotic concentrations or possible interactions with other medications could increase the maggot development time.}, language = {en} } @misc{SproeteFischerVesteetal., author = {Spr{\"o}te, Roland and Fischer, Thomas and Veste, Maik and Raab, Thomas and Wiehe, Wolfgang and Lange, Philipp and Bens, Oliver and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Biological topsoil crusts at early successional stages on Quaternary substrates dumped by mining in Brandenburg, NE Germany}, series = {Geomorphologie: relief, processus, environnement}, volume = {16}, journal = {Geomorphologie: relief, processus, environnement}, number = {4}, issn = {1957-777X}, doi = {10.4000/geomorphologie.8083}, pages = {359 -- 370}, abstract = {The influence of biological soil crusts in natural ecosystems on structures and processes is well investigated. However, in South-Brandenburg (Germany), it is possible to study the development of biological soil crusts (BSC) during initial ecosystem genesis on two artificial water catchments with well-known ages and under differing starting conditions. The two experimental sites are located in the recultivation area of the lignite open-cast mining district of southern Brandenburg with a distance of approximately 1 km between them. Two different topographies were constructed at the experimental sites: the experimental plot at the catchment Neuer Lugteich was shaped like a dune, whereas the artificial water catchment H{\"u}hnerwasser was modelled as an inclined slope. The catchment Neuer Lugteich is four years older than H{\"u}hnerwasser. The original substrate at Neuer Lugteich is more sandy and carbonate-free compared to the original substrate dumped at H{\"u}hnerwasser. At both sites geomorphological differentiation and crust development were compared and the importance of substrate-dependent water availability and crust type clarified. Once settled, the crusts influenced the water regime of the soils by delaying infiltration through enhanced water repellency, and by limiting water infiltration. Chlorophyll analysis revealed that all crusts were at early stages of development. At Neuer Lugteich, the establishment of the biological soil crusts was closely associated with the vegetation succession, whereas no clear succession of the crusts could be observed at H{\"u}hnerwasser. The mosaic-like pattern of the biological soils crusts is associated with the distribution of fine-grained material here.zeige weniger}, language = {en} } @misc{HirschSproeteFischeretal., author = {Hirsch, Florian and Spr{\"o}te, Roland and Fischer, Thomas and Forman, Steven L. and Raab, Thomas and Bens, Oliver and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Late Quaternary aeloian dynamics, pedostratigraphy and soil formation in the North European Lowlands - new findings from the Baruther ice-marginal valley}, series = {Die Erde}, volume = {148}, journal = {Die Erde}, number = {1}, issn = {0013-9998}, doi = {10.12854/erde-148-30}, pages = {58 -- 73}, abstract = {The formation of dunes in central Europe reflects ample sediment supply during the last deglacial hemicycle. A Quaternary inland dune complex in southern Brandenburg, Germany, was studied to frame the duration of pedogenesis in two outcrops containing buried paleosols. An integrative approach, which combined geomorphological, sedimentological, pedological and chronological methods was used to identify aeolian deposition events, ensuing pedogenesis and anthropogenic remobilization. At the outcrops, which were situated approximately 2 km apart from each other, a total of twelve samples of the aeolian sands were dated using optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and a further six samples using 14C dating. Although the dunes have similar morphological features, these forms have a different history of aeolian sand deposition and pedogenesis. At the older dune (Gl 1) the surface soil is a well developed Podzol, whereas soil development of the younger dune (Gl 2) is clearly in an initial state. The studied sites of the dune complex also differ in grain size distribution and in the presence of buried soils, thereby indicating a climatic impact on aeolian remobilization.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SproeteFischerVesteetal., author = {Spr{\"o}te, Roland and Fischer, Thomas and Veste, Maik and Lange, Philipp and Bens, Oliver and Raab, Thomas and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Hydrophobicity in sandy soils triggered by the development of Scots Pine stands in southern Brandenburg, Germany}, series = {EGU General Assembly 2010, held in Vienna, Austria, 02 - 07 May 2010}, booktitle = {EGU General Assembly 2010, held in Vienna, Austria, 02 - 07 May 2010}, publisher = {European Geophysical Society}, address = {Katlenburg-Lindau}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SproeteFischerVesteetal., author = {Spr{\"o}te, Roland and Fischer, Thomas and Veste, Maik and Yair, Aaron and Wiehe, Wolfgang and Lange, Philipp and Bens, Oliver and Raab, Thomas and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Structures and processes of biological soil crusts during initial ecosystem genesis of an artificial watershed in Lusatia, NE Germany}, series = {EGU General Assembly 2010, held Vienna, Austria, 02 - 07 May 2010}, booktitle = {EGU General Assembly 2010, held Vienna, Austria, 02 - 07 May 2010}, publisher = {European Geophysical Society}, address = {Katlenburg-Lindau}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SproeteVesteFischeretal., author = {Spr{\"o}te, Roland and Veste, Maik and Fischer, Thomas and Raab, Thomas and Bens, Oliver and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Development of biological soil crusts and their influence on soil hydrology in the recultivation area of lignite open-cast mining district in Lower Lusatia (Germany)}, series = {EGU General Assembly 2012, held 22-27 April, 2012 in Vienna}, booktitle = {EGU General Assembly 2012, held 22-27 April, 2012 in Vienna}, publisher = {European Geophysical Society}, address = {Katlenburg-Lindau}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{FischerSproeteVesteetal., author = {Fischer, Thomas and Spr{\"o}te, Roland and Veste, Maik and Wiehe, Wolfgang and Lange, Philipp and Bens, Oliver and Raab, Thomas and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Functions of biological soil crusts on central European inland dunes:Water repellency and pore clogging influence water infiltration}, series = {EGU General Assembly 2010, held in Vienna, Austria, 02 - 07 May 2010}, booktitle = {EGU General Assembly 2010, held in Vienna, Austria, 02 - 07 May 2010}, publisher = {European Geophysical Society}, address = {Katlenburg-Lindau}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SproeteBensFischeretal., author = {Spr{\"o}te, Roland and Bens, Oliver and Fischer, Thomas and Raab, Thomas and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Soil water repellency as a phenomenon of initial soil formation - approaches and first results from the Transregional Collaborative Reserch Centre (SFB/TRR) 38}, series = {EGU General Assembly 2009, held in Vienna, Austria, 19 - 24 April 2009}, booktitle = {EGU General Assembly 2009, held in Vienna, Austria, 19 - 24 April 2009}, publisher = {European Geophysical Society}, address = {Katlenburg-Lindau}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SproeteVesteFischeretal., author = {Spr{\"o}te, Roland and Veste, Maik and Fischer, Thomas and Lange, Philipp and Bens, Oliver and Raab, Thomas and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Wie beeinflussen Kiefern (Pinus sylvestris L.) die Entwicklung der Benetzungshemmung auf Sandb{\"o}den?}, series = {B{\"o}den verstehen - B{\"o}den nutzen - B{\"o}den fit machen, Jahrestagung der Deutschen Bodenkundlichen Gesellschaft, 3. - 9. September 2011}, booktitle = {B{\"o}den verstehen - B{\"o}den nutzen - B{\"o}den fit machen, Jahrestagung der Deutschen Bodenkundlichen Gesellschaft, 3. - 9. September 2011}, language = {de} } @inproceedings{SproeteVesteFischeretal., author = {Spr{\"o}te, Roland and Veste, Maik and Fischer, Thomas and Lange, Philipp and Bens, Oliver and Raab, Thomas and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Development of biologicalsoil crusts in initial ecosystems in Lusatia, Germany}, series = {DBG Jahrestagung 2009 Bonn "B{\"o}den - eine endliche Ressource", 05.-13.09.2009, Bonn}, booktitle = {DBG Jahrestagung 2009 Bonn "B{\"o}den - eine endliche Ressource", 05.-13.09.2009, Bonn}, language = {en} } @misc{ElmerBachmannGutschetal., author = {Elmer, Michael and Bachmann, Ute and Gutsch, Martin and Schr{\"o}der, Jens and B{\"a}ucker, Ernst and Lange, Mike and Clauder, Lothar and Bens, Oliver and Suckow, Felicitas and K{\"a}tzel, Ralf and Bues, Claus-Thomas and Frommhold, Heinz and Sonntag, Herbert and Fischer, Thomas and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {OakChain: Eichen-Kiefern-Mischbest{\"a}nde im Spannungsfeld von Klimawandel, Waldumbau und internationalem Holzmarkt}, series = {Forst und Holz}, volume = {64}, journal = {Forst und Holz}, number = {7/8}, issn = {0932-9315}, pages = {26 -- 29}, language = {de} } @misc{SutLohmannFischerRepmannetal., author = {Sut-Lohmann, Magdalena and Fischer, Thomas and Repmann, Frank and Raab, Thomas and Dimitrova, Tsvetelina}, title = {Feasibility of field portable near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to determine cyanide concentrations in soil}, series = {Water, Air and Soil Pollution}, volume = {223}, journal = {Water, Air and Soil Pollution}, number = {8}, issn = {1573-2932}, doi = {10.1007/s11270-012-1298-y}, pages = {5495 -- 5504}, abstract = {Vicinities of manufactured gas plants were often contaminated with solid iron-cyanide complexes as a result of the coal gasification process. During the remediation of affected soils, knowledge about contaminant concentrations is crucial, but laboratory methods are often expensive and time consuming. Rapid and non-destructive field methods for contaminant determination permit an analysis of large sample numbers and hence, facilitate identification of 'hot spots' of contamination. Diffuse near infrared reflectance spectroscopy has proven to be a reliable analytical tool in soil investigation. In order to determine the feasibility of a Polychromix Handheld Field Portable Near-Infrared Analyzer (FP NIR), various sample preparation methods were examined, including homogenizing, sieving, drying, and grinding. Partial least squares calibration models were developed to determine near infrared (NIR) spectral responses to the cyanide concentration in the soil samples. As a control, the contaminant concentration was determined using conventional flow injection analysis. The experiments revealed that portable near-infrared spectrometers could be a reliable device for detecting cyanide concentrations >2,400 mgkg-1 in the field and >1,750 mgkg-1 after sample preparation in the laboratory.We found that portable NIR spectrometry cannot replace traditional laboratory analyses due to high limits of detection, but that it could be used for identification of contamination 'hot spots'.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{MykhailovaRaabGypseretal., author = {Mykhailova, Larysa and Raab, Thomas and Gypser, Stella and Fischer, Thomas}, title = {Development and hydrology of biological soil crusts -- first results from a surface inoculation experiment}, series = {European Geosciences Union, General Assembly 2016, Vienna, Austria, 17 April - 22 May 2016}, booktitle = {European Geosciences Union, General Assembly 2016, Vienna, Austria, 17 April - 22 May 2016}, publisher = {European Geophysical Society}, address = {Katlenburg-Lindau}, language = {en} } @misc{SutLohmannFischerRepmannetal., author = {Sut-Lohmann, Magdalena and Fischer, Thomas and Repmann, Frank and Raab, Thomas}, title = {Long-Term Release of Iron-Cyanide Complexes from the Soil of a Manufactured Gas Plant Site}, series = {Journal of Environmental Protection}, volume = {4}, journal = {Journal of Environmental Protection}, number = {11B}, issn = {2152-2219}, doi = {10.4236/jep.2013.411A2002}, pages = {8 -- 19}, abstract = {Iron-cyanide (Fe-CN) complexes have been detected at Manufactured Gas Plant sites (MGP) worldwide. The risk of groundwater contamination depends mainly on the dissolution of ferric ferrocyanide. In order to design effective reme- diation strategies, it is relevant to understand the contaminant's fate and transport in soil, and to quantify and mathe- matically model a release rate. The release of iron-cyanide complexes from four contaminated soils, originating from the former MGP in Cottbus, has been studied by using a column experiment. Results indicated that long-term cyanide (CN) release is governed by two phases: one readily dissolved and one strongly fixed. Different isotherm and kinetic equations were used to investigate the driving mechanisms for the ferric ferrocyanide release. Applying the isotherm equations assumed an approach by which two phases were separate in time, whereas the multiple first order equation considered simultaneous occurrence of both cyanide pools. Results indicated varying CN release rates according to the phase and soil. According to isotherm and kinetic models, the long-term iron cyanide release from the MGP soils is a complex phenomenon driven by various mechanisms parallely involving desorption, diffusion and transport processes. Phase I (rapid release) is presumably mainly constrained by the transport process of readily dissolved iron-cyanide complexes combined with desorption of CN bound to reactive heterogeneous surfaces that are in direct contact with the aqueous phase (outer-sphere complexation). Phase II (limited rate) is presumably driven by the diffusion controlled processes involving dissolution of precipitated ferric ferrocyanide from the mineral or inner-sphere complexation of fer- ricyanides. CN release rates in phase I and II were mainly influenced by the pH, organic matter (OM) and the total CN content. The cyanide release rates increased with increasing pH, decreased with low initial CN concentration and were retarded by the increase in OM content.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SutLohmannFischerRepmannetal., author = {Sut-Lohmann, Magdalena and Fischer, Thomas and Repmann, Frank and Raab, Thomas}, title = {Feasibility of field portable near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to determine cyanide concentrations in soil}, series = {European Geosciences Union, General Assembly 2013, Vienna, Austria, 07 - 12 April 2013}, booktitle = {European Geosciences Union, General Assembly 2013, Vienna, Austria, 07 - 12 April 2013}, publisher = {European Geophysical Society}, address = {Katlenburg-Lindau}, abstract = {In Germany, at more than 1000 sites, soil is polluted with an anthropogenic contaminant in form of iron-cyanide complexes. These contaminations are caused by former Manufactured Gas Plants (MGPs), where electricity for lighting was produced in the process of coal gasification. The production of manufactured gas was restrained in 1950, which caused cessation of MGPs. Our study describes the application of Polychromix Handheld Field Portable Near-Infrared (NIR) Analyzer to predict the cyanide concentrations in soil. In recent times, when the soil remediation is of major importance, there is a need to develop rapid and non-destructive methods for contaminant determination in the field. In situ analysis enables determination of 'hot spots', is cheap and time saving in comparison to laboratory methods. This paper presents a novel usage of NIR spectroscopy, where a calibration model was developed, using multivariate calibration algorithms, in order to determine NIR spectral response to the cyanide concentration in soil samples. As a control, the contaminant concentration was determined using conventional Flow Injection Analysis (FIA). The experiments revealed that portable near-infrared spectrometers could be a reliable device for identification of contamination 'hot spots', where cyanide concentration are higher than 2400 mg kg-1 in the field and >1750 mg kg-1 after sample preparation in the laboratory, but cannot replace traditional laboratory analyses due to high limits of detection.}, language = {en} } @misc{RodionovNiiAnnangFischeretal., author = {Rodionov, Andrei and Nii-Annang, Seth and Fischer, Thomas and Gattinger, Andreas and Bens, Oliver and Raab, Thomas and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Cross-linked polyacrylates in post-mining substrates: persistence and effects on plant growth}, series = {Soil Use and Management}, volume = {30}, journal = {Soil Use and Management}, number = {1}, issn = {1475-2743}, doi = {10.1111/sum.12103}, pages = {78 -- 87}, abstract = {Application of hydrophilic polymers composed of cross-linked polyacrylate can improve soil water-holding capacity and accelerate the restoration of post-mining substrates. In this work, we studied the persistence of a polyacrylate polymer incorporated into a soil and its impact on plant nutrients at a reclamation site of former lignite mining in Lusatia (Germany). In contrast to autumn application, the incorporation of the polymer enhanced the sequestration of plant-derived carbon in the soil, which was reflected by a significant increase in the concentration of a lignin marker. Attenuated total reflexion-Fourier transform infrared spectra (ATR-FTIR) and total elemental contents in the applied polymer suggested an intensive cation exchange between the polymer framework and the soil-forming substrate. In addition, there was an enrichment of carbonaceous material, which seems to reduce the swelling and thus the water-holding capacity of the cross-linked polyacrylate. Conversely, this process protected the polymer structure from rapid decomposition.}, language = {en} }