Research

Our research interests cover a wide range of areas in molecular environmental sciences including biogeochemical processes in soils and groundwater, reactions and phase transfer processes of pollutants and development and application of in situ methods to characterize and quantify processes in pristine and polluted subsurface environments. As surface mediated processes play a key role in determining the transport and transformation of natural and xenobiotic compounds in the subsurface we are interested in a process-based understanding of the factors that control the formation of reactive surfaces, in particular at minerals, and how such surfaces interact with natural and anthropogenic compounds. To this end our work interfaces aquatic and environmental chemistry with geomicrobiology and geochemistry. For our laboratory and field studies we apply a wide array of modern instrumentation and techniques, including compound specific stable isotope analysis (CSIA) as well as Mössbauer spectroscopy.

Sketch illustrating the significance of surface mediated processes for speciation, reactivity, bioavailability, and biodegradation of natural and anthropogenic organic compounds in the subsurface.

The overall objective of our research is to provide through an improved understanding of biogeochemical key processes the scientific basis for assessment, management and remediation options of soil and groundwater environments