In Soil and Environmental Chemistry we have specialised in quantification of solid-solution processes in soil and other matrices in relation to quality of groundwater and surface water, and for linkages to biodegradation, toxicology and plant uptake.

Development of new methods for the analysis and speciation of solutes in aquous solution as well as characterization of solids and particle surfaces takes a key role in many research projects.

New chemometric approaches for quantification of water quality, pollutant sources and pollutant effects in complex mixtures and matrices are being developed.

Fundamental chemical insight is used in for soil quality assessment, pollutant source identification and risk evaluation of new types of pollutants, prediction of pollutant reactions and spread, and development of soil remediation technologies.

Current projects focus on the use and risks of natural toxins, heavy metal speciation and bioavailability, chemometric analysis of complex mixtures, nanomineralogy, pesticides in tropical environments and phosphate retention in wetlands.

Research

Soil chemistry and soil quality

Effects of land use changes on soil composition and properties are studied, especially impacts due to transitions from intensive agriculture to forestry, organic farming and other extensive forms of land use.

Current projects comprise:

• Influence of land use changes on soil organic matter and phosphate retention.
• Capacities and properties of urban soils.
• Molecular tools for soil quality assessment.
• Pedology of soils in Ghana and Tanzania, and mineral licks in Peru.

Soil pollution and water quality

Soils are loaded with numerous substances - natural or anthropogenic - which can adversely affect soil functioning, biodiversity, food and water quality. Analysis of pollutant sources and mass balances, characterization of pollutant properties, and soil processes controlling the sorption, degradation/ metabolism, speciation, toxicity and transport of pollutants are studied in laboratory systems and at field scales.

Current projects comprise: Fate and effects of natural toxins in soils and natural water (phyto-, myco- and GMO toxins). Mobilisation of phosphate in wetlands Distribution, speciation and bioavailability of heavy metals in soils. Pesticide sorption, degradation and transport. Plant biomarkers for pesticide contaminated soils. Bioremediation of contaminated soils. Fate and effects of toxic elements in aquatic food production systems in South-East Asia.

Soil mineralogy and environmental nanoscience

Soil minerals are fundamental to the functioning of soils due to sorption, buffering, surface catalytic and transport properties. The association of soil minerals and pollutants, formation of new minerals and surface chemical reactions are studied.

Current projects comprise:

• Natural and synthetic nano crystalline iron oxides.
• Colloidal transport of nutrients and pollutants via field drainage systems.
• Abiotic reduction of pollutants by mixed valence iron hydroxides.
• Immobilization of enzymes on soil minerals.
• Synthesis of organo-layered double hydroxide nanocomposites

Analytical Chemistry

Analytical chemistry is essential for research projects focused on interface reaction between solid surfaces and solutions. Modern equipment is used for chemical characterisation of solid surfaces, and new methods are developed for extraction, sample preparation and chemical analyses of soil, water and plant tissue for inorganic and organic constituents, and pollutants.

Current projects comprise: Analysis, degradation and sorption of organic pollutants and heavy metals in the environment. Characterisation of soil particles and mineral surfaces. Analysis and fate of complex mixtures in environmental samples (environmental profiling). Environmental forensics and chemometric data analysis.