Environmental geochemistry

Environmental geochemistry focuses on the distribution and behaviour of inorganic (e.g., heavy metals like copper, cadmium, and nickel) and organic (e.g., pesticides and contaminants of emerging concerns like PFAS and microplastics) contaminants in the environment. Our lab is well-equipped to perform various advanced analytical techniques to understand the processes involved, and we have strong collaborations within and outside WUR to even extend the range of techniques we have at hand.

The resulting data is used to further develop and parameterise reliable geochemical modelling tools to predict the behaviour of contaminants and nutrients in soil and (ground)water. Our expertise in state-of-the-art geochemical modelling stands at the forefront of worldwide geochemical research. With our models, we develop a mechanistic understanding at the molecular scale of the processes that control contaminant and nutrient behaviour in the soil system, and their potential undesirable effects on soil, water, and crop quality. In this way, we aim to support sustainable management of our soils.