Occurrence and distribution of chemical elements in plants ‐ outlook and further research plans

Abstract

Trace element analysis is an increasing challenge for research. In the last two decades, approximately every two years the status of a trace element changes from non‐essential to essential, formerly nontoxic elements change to potentially toxic, and elements not detectable by older techniques have been found in quantitative amounts for organisms by using modern equipment. Besides this increase in analytical improvement in trace element research, new thinking must be established to clearify objectives and interests for future biological research. The University of Osnabrück and the Institute for Inland Water Research Magdeburg of GKSS are organizing an international study assessing the inorganic resources of ecosystems. This programme is designed to provide an understanding of the chemical structure and element fluxes of ecosystems on a global, regional and local scale. The programme involves ecologists, pedologists, and chemists. It contributes to the goals of the International Geosphere‐Biosphere Programme (IGBP) by describing the patterns of chemical abundance in the biota and their fluxes between the biota and the geosphere. The International Union of Biological Sciences (IUBS) and the International Association for Ecology (INTECOL) sponsor this global project and set up an organizing and coordinating structure for it. Since the programme is interdisciplinary, the members of the organizing committee will have the task of having the programme cosponsored by relevant unions within ICSU, IUBS and IUPAC.