Research

Information on the different research areas of the Department of Environmental Microbiology.

Surfactant impacts from glyphosate application

In a new project funded by the ERC, we take a completely novel route and focus on the impacts of surfactants from glyphosate application. [...]

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Microbial oil degradation in the ocean

Oil inputs into the oceans (estimated 1500 million liters per year worldwide) result in environmental pollution of global concern because oil contains hazardous compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that can exert toxic or mutagenic effects on living organisms. [...]

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Drilling rig at the field site near Baisingen (catchment of Bronnbach spring, SW Germany).

Microbial nitrate reduction in an aquifer

Groundwater is an important drinking water source. However, the application of fertilizers in regions with high agricultural activity leads to the contamination of groundwater with nitrate. [...]

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Isolates capable of degrading glyphosate that were isolated from a variety of different environments.

Microbial glyphosate degradation

Glyphosate is an herbicide that is used globally to kill weeds in several industrial sectors such as to clear rail lines or in private gardens. The dominant user of glyphosate, however, is the agricultural sector, especially since many crops have been genetically modified to withstand glyphosate application. [...]

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Arsenic mobilization in groundwater

Geogenic arsenic (As) contamination in groundwater poses a significant health risk, affecting millions globally through the consumption of contaminated water. [...]

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Impact of surfactants in wastewater treatment plants

Surfactants, commonly used in household and industrial products, are increasingly found in wastewater and pose a challenge to nitrogen turnover in WWTPs. These amphiphilic molecules can affect microbial communities  [...]

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The red waters of Rio Tinto, Spain.

Understanding the environmental role of extremophiles

In the Rio Tinto, Spain, we investigate extremophiles that thrive in highly acidic and metal-rich environments, exploring their role in heavy metal transport and microbial iron cycling. [...]

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Greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater treatment plants

Wastewater treatment plants play a critical role in the management of nitrogen compounds, but they also contribute to significant GHG emissions, particularly nitrous oxide (N2O). [...]

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