# The Future of the Atmospheric Hydrogen Soil Sink

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Arizona (AZ) · $1,720,000

## Abstract

This project aims to improve understanding of the removal of atmospheric hydrogen due to microbe-mediated soil uptake. The central question addressed by the project is whether microbial adaptation to elevated hydrogen is sufficient to mitigate leaks from the hydrogen energy sector. Soil uptake is currently the largest source of uncertainty in the budget, lifetime, and distribution of hydrogen. The project evaluates microbial adaptation to two key forces: moisture regulation of soil hydrogen uptake and micrometeorological regulation of hydrogen plume-surface interactions. The research consists of field measurements in two natural systems differing in moisture and temperature regimes, computational modeling analyses, and measurements using a state-of-the-art mobile laboratory in the vicinity of real hydrogen energy installation sites and from controlled-release experiments. Advancing understanding of the hydrogen soil sink addresses societally important issues of air quality, radiative balance, and UV levels. The project includes research, education, and mentoring opportunities for young scientists and students. 

The proposal team will leverage their expertise in soil microbial hydrogen uptake, modeling, and novel in situ ecological and mobile lab measurements to generate data and improve models with the following specific project activities planned: (1) generate continuous in situ measurements of hydrogen fluxes under ambient and elevated hydrogen conditions at two sites wi

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2516265
- **Awardee organization:** University of Arizona (AZ)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** ED44Y3W6P7B9
- **PI:** Laura K Meredith
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** INTERDISCIPLINARY PROPOSALS
- **Estimated total:** $1,720,000
- **Funds obligated:** $1,720,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2516265

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2516265, The Future of the Atmospheric Hydrogen Soil Sink. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2516265. Licensed CC0.

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