Biogeochemistry and the Environment
Biogeochemistry and the Environment
Biogeochemistry and the Environment is a major research theme for us. It underpins a research agenda that is multidisciplinary. It covers a wide range of temporal and spatial scales.
Research strengths
We have particular strengths in:
- microbial ecology
- mineralogy
- organic, inorganic and isotope geochemistry
We work with natural samples and experimental set-ups. We combine techniques from these disciplines to address major issues.
These relate to the past and present evolution of surficial Earth environments.
Modern environments
Our research into modern environments currently addresses topics as diverse as:
- biogeochemical cycling in soils and peatlands
- studies of redox-sensitive environments, including anoxic sediments and waters
- multi-scale processes involved in atmosphere-land-ocean coupling
- carbon cycling in tropical rainforests
The latter is through microbial, isotopic and organic characterisation. This is of key biogeochemical reactions in the Earth system.
Ancient environments
This work also underpins much of our research into ancient environments. We are investigating a range of major events in Earth history.
We look at periods of extreme climate change. These include the Paleogene-Mesozoic (Oceanic Anoxic Events, hyperthermals).
We also look at the most recent periods of global warmth (the warm Pliocene). And we conduct research around glacial-interglacial cycles of the most recent Ice Ages.
Planetary science
We are involved in the ongoing scientific exploration of Mars linked to the ExoMars programme. This involves:
- looking at the potential for biosignatures to be preserved in Martian soil in preparation for the ExoMars 2020 rover and future Mars Sample Return
- investigating fundamental mechanisms for the sources and sinks of gases such as methane in the Martian atmosphere, linked to the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter
- investigating the potential of Martian glaciers and ice caps to host liquid water and host past or present life, linked to the ongoing exploration of subglacial lakes in Antarctica
We are a member of the UK Cosmochemical Analysis Network (UKCAN) that hosts a wide range of world class analytical equipment for the analysis of extraterrestrial materials.
Industry focus
Our focus extends to biogeochemical processes that are relevant to industry. This includes designing and implementing biosensors to track organic pollutants in wastewater treatment streams.
