20 April 2026
Environmental Background:
APPs such as ATMP, EDTMP, and DTPMP are frequently detected in wastewater systems and aquatic environments due to their high stability and widespread use as scale inhibitors, detergents, and complexing agents. biogenic Fe–Mn oxides produced by iron- and manganese-oxidizing bacteria, are known to play an important role in the transformation and immobilization of various environmental contaminants. However, their role in the transformation pathways of aminopolyphosphonates (APPs), a widely used group of phosphorus-containing chelating agents in industrial and household applications, remains poorly understood.
Goals:
Evaluate the role of Fe/Mn-oxidizing bacteria in the formation of biogenic Fe–Mn minerals.
Assess the environmental relevance using real groundwater, river water, and sediment samples.
One master student will work on this project and focus on Biological Formation of Fe–Mn Minerals and Biotransformation of APPs.
Responsibilities include: Cultivation of Fe/Mn-oxidizing bacteria and mineral formation, Biotransformation of APPs in medium, Data analysis.
Methods and Analytical Techniques:
You will gain experience in: Microbial cultivation and batch experiments under sterile conditions, Analysis of Fe, Mn, and APP transformation products.
Application:
Students who are interested in participating in this project are encouraged to contact us for further information. Please send a short motivation statement and your CV to:
Email: mehrnoosh.gol-soltani@uni-tuebingen.de, stefan.haderlein@uni-tuebingen.de
