Nutrient Cycles and Chemical Analytics

Our research revolves around the biogeochemical cycling of nutrients in the aquatic ecosystems and the impact of changing environmental variables over time – both in the past and today. We are particularly interested in the role of nutrient phosphorus and its intricate links to carbon, iron, and nitrogen transfers. We investigate these processes in the water column and underlying sediments, and the role that microorganisms play in the various transformations of these elements.

Our approach includes field research in lakes and other waters, geochemical analyses on liquid and solid samples, and analytical modelling. We are fond of stable and radioisotope tracing techniques, as they provide exciting tools to discover microbial pathways of element cycles.

At the same time, we run the central analytical laboratory at IGB that provides analytical services to all departments. In this role, we contribute to many IGB cross-department projects in terms of experimental planning, data analysis, and interpretation, and we provide training in chemical analyses for IGB staff and cooperation partners. This includes research in analytical chemistry for the development and application of new methods and the testing and refinement of existing protocols.