The Geomicrobiology program in the School of Earth Sciences investigates how ubiquitous natural micro-organisms can strongly influence the form and fate of geological materials.
Geomicrobiology (and biogeochemistry) involves understanding the microbially mediated chemical reactions occurring at microscopic scales that can affect natural water quality.
To achieve these aims, geomicrobiologists/biogeochemists draw from a range of techniques involving: molecular biology, spectroscopy, electron microscopy and isotope geochemistry.
Current research directions involve:
- microbial origins and evolution on the early Earth;
- biogeochemical cycling of major and trace elements;
- the deep sub-surface microbial biosphere;
- bioremediation; and other related topics.
For more information, visit the Geomicrobiology Group.