Welcome New Group Member: Gwen Jezequel
EDGE
Gwen Jezequel joined EDGE as a PhD student in October 2025. His doctoral research, supervised by Göksu Çelik, Michael Zumstein, and Thilo Hofmann,…
Division of Environmental Geosciences
Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science
About EDGE
The Division of Environmental Geosciences | EDGE at the Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science | CeMESS investigates key processes controlling the natural environment and anthropogenic impacts.
Researchers at EDGE combine field observations with experimental work, linking molecular-scale mechanisms at environmental interfaces with complex large-scale environmental processes using quantitative modelling.
At EDGE, we accept the challenges posed by the release of known and emerging pollutants and recognise the need to understand their impacts on soils, ground and surface waters, and human health using process-based and mechanistic research.
CeMESS/Maximilian Prag
News
Congratulations Dr. Singh
EDGE
Veer Vikram Singh successfully defended his PhD thesis entitled "Role of mineral surface adsorption in the long-term persistence of DNA in the…
Welcome New Group Member: Patrick Schacksen
EDGE
Patrick Skov Schacksen joined EDGE as a postdoctoral researcher in October 2025. His research, supervised by Michael Zumstein and in collaboration…
New Publication in Water Research Highlights the Importance of Data Handling in Pollution Research
EDGE
Understanding the link between socioeconomic drivers and surface water pollution is crucial for protecting aquatic ecosystems and drinking water. Yet,…
New Publication in Polymer Degradation and Stability Explores Biodegradation of PEG by Wastewater Microbes
EDGE
Water-soluble polymers (WSPs) like polyethylene glycol (PEG) are common in personal care and household products, but they often enter wastewater…
New Publication in Environmental Science & Technology Explores the Impact of Eco-Corona on Nanoplastics' Fate
EDGE
Nanoplastics in aquatic environments often interact with natural macromolecules, forming what scientists call an “eco-corona.” This eco-corona can…
Events
Two Sides of the Redox Story - Contaminant Reduction and Oxidation by Iron-Bearing Clay Minerals
EDGE Lecture Series
Anke Neumann
Persistence Testing of Chemicals in Mixtures
EDGE Lecture Series
Philipp Mayer
Redox-Induced Iron Mineral Transformations and Implications for Soil Nutrients and Contaminants
EDGE Lecture Series
Ruben Kretzschmar
Recent Publications
Lotteraner L, Möller T, Hofmann T. The Importance of Being Thorough: How Data Analysis Choices Impact the Perceived Relationship between Pollutants and Predictors. Water Research. 2026 Jan 1;288:124639. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2025.124639
Bak NK, Østergaard SK, Schacksen PS, Nielsen JL, Rohde PD, Kristensen TN. Host genetics and diet jointly shape the microbiome of Drosophila melanogaster but do not predict lifespan or age-related traits. 2025. doi: 10.1101/2025.10.21.683603
Singh VV, Kumar N, Kimber RL, Weiser Á, Pinhasi R, Kraemer SM. Polymer Length Governs DNA Adsorption Dynamics on Mineral Surfaces. Environmental Science & Technology. 2025 Sept 17. Epub 2025 Sept 17. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c08180
F.M. de Carvalho C, Lehmann MF, Pati S. Variability in oxygen isotopic fractionation of enzymatic O2 consumption. Biogeosciences. 2025 Sept 12;4579-4600. doi: 10.5194/bg-22-4579-2025
Kintzi A, Göldner V, Daturpalli S, Battagliarin G, Künkel A, Hofmann T et al. Combining respirometry and HPLC-HRMS to elucidate the biodegradation of polyethylene glycol and its derivatives. Polymer Degradation and Stability. 2025 Sept 1;242:111639. doi: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2025.111639
Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science
University of Vienna
CeMESS/Maximilian Prag