Biogeochemical interfaces and colloids

The aim of the research group is the understanding of the role of interfaces and colloids in biogeochemical processes. One focus lies on biogeochemical interactions within the plant-soil compartment and their coupling to surface and groundwater. The exchange and transfer of nutrients in the solid and liquid phase and at their interface are studied from the molecular scale to the field scale using state-of-the-art physico-chemical and analytical methods such as NMR, field flow fractionation (AF4, SPLITT), microscopy (SEM/TEM, fluorescence), and scattering (light, X-ray). This research is supported by process-oriented modelling and enables us to elucidate biogeochemical processes in the fluxes and cycling of essential elements, especially nutrients.

Current projects:
DFG CRC 1211 – “Earth - Evolution at the Dry Limit”: Soils of the Atacama Desert: reservoir and fingerprint of life
DFG FOR 2179 – “MAD Soil”: The role of colloids and nanoparticles in the soil microaggregate formation, stability, and architecture
DFG SPP 1685 – “Ecosystem Nutrition“: Nanoparticles and colloids as vectors of P-losses and -redistribution during forest ecosystem development

Contact :

Prof. Dr. Erwin Klumpp
Tel. : +49 2461 61 6635
E-mail: e.klumpp@fz-juelich.d