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.
Sarah Pati has joined EDGE as an assistant professor in February 2024.
Recent research underscores the significance of even minor alterations in the physicochemical attributes of nanoforms (NFs), which can significantly…
New research highlights the efficacy of biochars as sustainable and cost-effective sorbents for cleansing metal(loid)-polluted waters. The study…
The Environment and Climate Research Hub (ECH), led by Thilo Hofmann from EDGE and Sabine Pahl, just launched its new website!
Göksu Çelik joined EDGE as postdoctoral researcher in February 2024. Within the “Cluster of Excellence: Microbiomes Drive Planetary Health”, she will…
Valentin Göldner joined EDGE as junior group leader in February 2024. His research focuses on identifying transformation products of organic…
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
University of Vienna
