The formation and fate of chlorinated organic substances in temperate and boreal forest soils

Abstract

Chlorine is present as chloride ion and/or chlorinated organic compounds (OCls) in all compartments of temperate and boreal forest ecosystems. It contributes to the degradation of soil organic matter (SOM), thus also affecting carbon sequestration in the forest soil.

The soil pool of OClS seems to be a result of the balance between chlorination and degradation processes. Organochlorines may for example also function as antibiotics.

Forest ecosystem can affect the chlorine cycle, although little is at present known about how.

Keywords

• Carbon cycle
• Chlorination
• Chlorine biogeochemistry
• Forest management
• Forest soil
• Microbial soil processes
• Organochlorines
• Soil organic matter (SOM)
• Temperate and boreal forests