EDGE

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.

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News

New Publication in Microplastics and Nanoplastics Explores the Influence of Plastic Shape During Composting

27.03.2024 EDGE

A new study in cooperation with BASF sheds light on the crucial role of physical shape in the fragmentation of biodegradable plastics during…

Thilo Hofmann featured in Austrian newspaper "Der Standard"

13.03.2024 EDGE

EDGE's Thilo Hofmann is featured in the Austrian newspaper "Der Standard" in an article about the Kick-Off event of the new Environment and Climate…

New Publication in Heliyon explores the Impact of Heavy Metals on Carbon and Nitrogen Uptake of Heterostegina Depressa

12.03.2024 EDGE

A recent study delved into the uptake of inorganic carbon and nitrogen by the photosymbiont-bearing benthic coral reef foraminifera Heterostegina…

Univie Teaching Award 2024: CeMESS

08.03.2024 CeMESS

The Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science (CeMESS) at the University of Vienna is proud to announce the establishment of the…

Welcome New Group Member: Julius Heinemann

28.02.2024 EDGE

Julius Heinemann joined EDGE as an M.Sc. student in February 2024 to support the project collaboration between the University of Vienna and BASF on…

EDGE welcomes new Assistant Professor Sarah Pati

27.02.2024 EDGE

Sarah Pati has joined EDGE as an assistant professor in February 2024.

Events

EDGE Lecture: Agricultural Water Reuse: The Dark Side of the Moon

20.04.2023 EDGE Lecture Series

Prof. Benny Chefetz

Recent Publications

Formentin G, Nogay V, Hofmann T. Data Space Inversion for efficient and uncertainty-informed contaminant source identification in aquifers. Water Research. 2026 Sept;302:1-14. 126176 . doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2026.126176

Gao C, Mordehay V, Sherman A, Hämmerle LE, Hofmann T, Polubesova T et al. Tire wear particles as a source of organic contaminants in the agro-environment:Release of tire wear-derived compounds and their plant uptake. Environmental Research. 2026 Aug 15;303:1-10. 124681. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.124681

Zhou H, Li Z, Wu Z, Zou L, Sun H, Li H et al. Zinc accumulation as a primary contributor to co-exposure toxicity with 6PPD-quinone in earthworms: Multi-level evidence. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 2026 Aug;514:1-13. 142749. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142749

Chen W, Hofmann T. From Particles to Chemicals: Redefining the Impact of Agricultural Plastics on Water Quality. Environmental Science & Technology. 2026 Jun 23;60(24):17058-17062. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.6c05931

Hendriks L , Lomax-Vogt M , Breuninger ES, Braeuer S, Koellensperger G. Nanoparticle Analysis, from Standards to Sunscreens: Teaching Graduate Students Single-Particle ICP-TOFMS through a Hands-On Laboratory Course. Journal of Chemical Education. 2026 Jun 9;103(6):3405-3416. Epub 2026. doi: 10.1021/acs.jchemed.6c00228

All publications

Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science

University of Vienna

More about CeMESS

CeMESS/Maximilian Prag