Natural formation and degradation of chloroacetic acids and volatile organochlorines in forest soil--challenges to understanding.

GOAL, SCOPE AND BACKGROUND: The anthropogenic environmental emissions of chloroacetic acids and volatile organochlorines have been under scrutiny in recent years because the two compound groups are suspected to contribute to forest dieback and stratospheric ozone destruction, respectively. The two organochlorine groups are linked because the atmospheric photochemical oxidation of some volatile organochlorine compounds is one source of phytotoxic chloroacetic acids in the environment. Moreover, both groups are produced in higher amounts by natural chlorination of organic matter, e.g. by soil microorganisms, marine macroalgae and salt lake bacteria, and show similar metabolism pathways. Elucidating the origin and fate of these organohalogens is necessary to implement actions to counteract environmental problems caused by these compounds. MAIN FEATURES: While the anthropogenic sources of chloroacetic acids and volatile organochlorines are relatively well-known and within human control, knowledge of relevant natural processes is scarce and fragmented. This article reviews current knowledge on natural formation and degradation processes of chloroacetic acids and volatile organochlorines in forest soils, with particular emphasis on processes in the rhizosphere, and discusses future studies necessary to understand the role of forest soils in the formation and degradation of these compounds. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Reviewing the present knowledge of the natural formation and degradation processes of chloroacetic acids and volatile organochlorines in forest soil has revealed gaps in knowledge regarding the actual mechanisms behind these processes. In particular, there remains insufficient quantification of reliable budgets and rates of formation and degradation of chloroacetic acids and volatile organochlorines in forest soil (both biotic and abiotic processes) to evaluate the strength of forest ecosystems regarding the emission and uptake of chloroacetic acids and volatile organochlorines, both on a regional scale and on a global scale. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the overall role of forest soil as a source and/or sink for chloroacetic acids and volatile organochlorines is still unclear; the available laboratory and field data reveal only bits of the puzzle. Detailed knowledge of the natural degradation and formation processes in forest soil is important to evaluate the strength of forest ecosystems for the emission and uptake of chloroacetic acids and volatile organochlorines, both on a regional scale and on a global scale. RECOMMENDATION AND PERSPECTIVE: As the natural formation and degradation processes of chloroacetic acids and volatile organochlorines in forest soil can be influenced by human activities, evaluation of the extent of this influence will help to identify what future actions are needed to reduce human influences and thus prevent further damage to the environment and to human health caused by these compounds.

Formation of volatile iodinated alkanes in soil: results from laboratory studies.

Volatile iodinated organic compounds play an important role in the tropospheric photochemical system, but the current knowledge of the known sources and sinks of these alkyl iodides is still incomplete. This paper describes a new source of alkyl iodides from the pedosphere. Different organic-rich soils and humic acid were investigated for their release of volatile organoiodides. Six volatile organoiodides, iodomethane, iodoethane, 1-iodopropane, 2-iodopropane, 1-iodobutane and 2-iodobutane were identified and their release rates were determined. We assume an abiotic reaction mechanism induced by the oxidation of organic matter by iron(III). The influence of iron(III), iodide and pH on the formation of alkyl iodides was investigated. Additionally, different organic substances regarded as monomeric constituents of humus were examined for the production of alkyl iodides. Two possible reaction pathways for the chemical formation of alkyl iodides are discussed. As humic acids and iron(III) are widespread in the terrestrial environment, and the concentration of iodide in soil is strongly enriched (compared to seawater), this soil source of naturally occurring organoiodides is suggested to contribute significantly to the input of iodine into the troposphere.