Department Environmental Chemistry
Process Studies
Pollutant degradation reduces the exposure of ecosystems to pollutants, but in a worst-case scenario it can also lead to the formation of problematic transformation products. Thus, we investigate the transformation processes of organic micropollutants in natural and engineered systems, analysing both microbial and abiotic reactions of various chemicals on different scales ranging from laboratory systems to field studies.
The focus of this work is currently on
- Mechanistic studies in model systems, e.g. with enzymes, oxidants or pure cultures;
- Laboratory and field tests for pollutant degradation in activated sludge from wastewater treatment plants, in river bank filtration and groundwater recharge, and in drinking water treatment.
A wide range of different environmental chemical research methods and concepts is required to understand the molecular mechanisms of transformation reactions, identify reaction kinetics and characterize reactive environmental phases.
The aim of this work is to translate the acquired knowledge into conceptual and mathematical models which can help to predict degradation as well as exposure to anthropogenic pollutants.
