Biogeochemistry and pollutant dynamics

The human-induced acceleration of global elemental cycles, such as that of carbon and nitrogen, has led to numerous environmental problems. In addition, more than 100,000 new organic compounds have been synthesized in recent decades, many of which have been released into the environment, where some of them are very toxic.

The Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics (IBP) of D-UWIS focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to quantifying the dynamic behaviour of natural and anthropogenic compounds in the environment. Topics such as the environmental fate and impacts of greenhouse gas emissions, nutrient loads and accelerated cycles of metals and organic substances are assessed. Physical, chemical and microbiological processes are considered for predicting the distribution, transformation and effects of these compounds. Research is conducted at spatial scales ranging from molecular interactions to global scale processes and comprises experimental studies in the laboratory and in the field, as well as mathematical and numerical models.

Research groups

• Prof. Martin Ackermann: Chair of Molecular Microbial Ecology »»
• Prof. Nicolas Gruber: Chair of Environmental Physics »»
• Prof. Gerhard Furrer: Group Environmental Geochemistry »»
• Prof. Janet Hering: Director Eawag, Chair of Environmental Biogeochemistry »»
• Prof. Ruben Kretzschmar: Chair of Soil Chemistry»»
• Prof. Kristopher McNeill: Chair of Environmental Chemistry »»
• Prof. Bernhard Wehrli: Chair of Aquatic Chemistry »»
• Prof. Josef Zeyer: Chair of Environmental Microbiology »»

Associated groups

• Prof. Flavio Anselmetti: Sedimentology »»
• Prof. Jürg Beer: Radioaktive Tracers »»
• Prof. Rik Eggen: Molecular Environmental Toxicology »»
• Prof. Thomas Egli: Drinking Water Microbiology and Ecophysiology »»
• Prof. Rolf Kipfer: Environmental Isotopes »»
• Prof. Peter Reichert: Systems Analysis, Integrated Assessment and Modelling »»
• Prof. Laura Sigg: Biogeochemistry of Trace Metals »»
• Prof. Urs von Gunten: Drinking Water »»
• Prof. Alfred Johny Wüest: Aquatic Physics »»