This study is unravelling the role of northern peatlands as source of reactive nitrogen gases, nitrous acid (HONO) and nitric oxide (NO). Both gases play a significant role in the atmospheric chemistry, HONO as a source of cleaning agent hydroxyl radical and NO regulates ozone and nitrate radical formation. The production pathways of these gases from soils are poorly known, however they are emitted in nitrogen cycle processes similarly as greenhouse gas nitrous oxide. Northern peatlands are large storages not only of carbon but also nitrogen and therefore they are potential sources of these nitrogen gases. Here we will study deeply the processes and factors affecting the emissions of HONO and NO along a peatland gradient within the boreal to subarctic and arctic zones, including permafrost-affected peatlands. Our results will be used to upscale HONO and NO emissions to regional level and to validate atmospheric and emission models of these reactive gases from northern peatlands.

2022

2026