Peatland Biogeochemistry
Prof Chris Freeman's work on the enzymology of soil, particularly in wetlands, has demonstrated a pivotal role for phenol oxidase in the regulation of wetland functioning (Nature 409, 149, 2001). This finding is also of significance for development of bioremediation strategies, and in predicting mobilisation of the peatland carbon store with climate change, where phenol oxidase can be a 'latch mechanism' holding very large carbon stores in place.