Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science
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.
Stable isotope analysis of O2 has emerged as a valuable tool to study O2 dynamics at various environmental scales, from molecular mechanisms to…
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…
Siraz Kader joined EDGE as Ph.D. student in September 2025. His research, supervised by Michael Zumstein, will focus on the biodegradation of…
New research shows that compounds from everyday tire wear can travel through soil into crops, though levels remain low.
Human activities are driving rapid environmental change on a global scale, with pollutants playing a critical role in pushing planetary systems beyond…
What do paper straws, drinking water, and human blood have in common? PFAS – the so-called “forever chemicals” – are everywhere. A recent Supreme…
Ksenia Groh
Lea Ann Dailey
Katharina Kitzinger
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
University of Vienna
