About Us

The Division of Environmental Geosciences 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, using process-based and mechanistic research.

 News

15.09.2025
 

Stable isotope analysis of O2 has emerged as a valuable tool to study O2 dynamics at various environmental scales, from molecular mechanisms to...

15.09.2025
 

Nanoplastics in aquatic environments often interact with natural macromolecules, forming what scientists call an “eco-corona.” This eco-corona can...

15.09.2025
 

Water-soluble polymers (WSPs) like polyethylene glycol (PEG) are common in personal care and household products, but they often enter wastewater...

11.09.2025
 

Siraz Kader joined EDGE as Ph.D. student in September 2025. His research, supervised by Michael Zumstein, will focus on the biodegradation of...

11.09.2025
 

Madeline O’Connor joined EDGE as a Ph.D. student in August 2025. Her research, supervised by Michael Zumstein, will focus on the characterization of...

27.08.2025
 

New research shows that compounds from everyday tire wear can travel through soil into crops, though levels remain low.

 EDGE Lecture Series

26.06.2025 16:00
 

Anke Neumann

Paul Scherrer Institute

Eberhard Clar Saal (2B204), UZA II

12.06.2025 16:00
 

Philipp Mayer

DTU

Eberhard Clar Saal (2B204), UZA II

22.05.2025 12:00
 

Ruben Kretzschmar

ETH Zürich

Eberhard Clar Saal (2B204), UZA II

 Publications

Martino, C., Savoca, D., Mauro, M., Byrne, M., Hüffer, T., Chiarelli, R., Badalamenti, R., Maccotta, A., Arizza, V., & Vazzana, M. (2025). Heatwave conditions increase the toxicity of phthalates in marine organisms. Science of the Total Environment, 979, Article 179479. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179479