It is my primary research goal to characterize the interplay between ecology and key geochemical processes. In my scientific approach, I would like to develop an interdisciplinary research program on the biogeochemistry of carbon and iron in aquatic environments. Such work is a fundamental prerequisite for the development of realistic models of carbon cycling and for effective implementation of bioremediation techniques.
Interactions between microorganisms and their environments were crucial to the origin and the evolution of life and continue to dominate the geo/biosphere exchanges. Bacteria can regulate the chemistry of their immediate environment. In turn, the environment affects the ecology and the structure of microbial communities. Understanding biomineralization mechanisms in modern microbial communities hold keys to the interpretation of geological records. Biominerals differ in shape from inorganically grown crystals. The ability of bacteria to make crystalline structures and to stabilize them is an intriguing problem which will be addressed in my research program.
Microbial activity often causes the formation of nanoscale-sized minerals; consequently, a significant part of my research activity will focus on the formation of nano-crystals. Such particles are known to transport pollutants due to their large surface to volume ratio and their ubiquitous abundance in the environment. Of special interest are mixed organic-nano-particle materials as exemplified in bacteria/minerals systems. One of the key questions in this context concerns the role of surface macromolecules: lipids, proteins for nano-mineral nucleation.
Close to the sediment-water interface intensive microbiological, geochemical and physical processes determine the fraction of organic mater, solid compounds, dissolved nutrients and pollutants, which is released to the overlying water. Detailed knowledge of the processes occurring in the top few centimeters of the sediment is essential for the assessment of water quality and the management of surface waters. However, in-situ investigations of the processes are often difficult to make. We apply a modeling approach combing reactive-transport modeling with system and data analysis. The obtained knowledge will improve predictions of sediment system behaviour and ultimately enhance the outcomes of lake management activities.
Stromatolites and laminated structures, considered to have developed as microbial mats, are widely found occurring in sedimentary rocks deposited throughout the geologic record and are considered to be the earliest representation of life on Earth, being found in sedimentary rocks as old as 3.45 Ga. However, our understanding of the biotic and abiotic processes controlling the mechanisms of lamination formation, textures and growth rates remains poor.
Research Seminar in Environmental Science - EESC15S
To be announced
