Soil Mineralogy and Soil Chemistry
Welcome to the Research Group of Soil Mineralogy and Soil Chemistry
Soils are the interface of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere and fulfill multiple functions in the ecosystem, but also for mankind. Soils do not only form the basis for human food production and purify our drinking water, they also protect us from pollutants released into the environment.
Prof. Dr. Moritz Bigalke,
Head of the Research Group of Soil Mineralogy and Soil Chemistry
Soil is the basis of our life. It must be preserved and protected. Therefore, our working group investigates the behavior and effects of pollutants in soil.
Our research
Our research focuses on the biogeochemistry of contaminants in soils to contribute towards the preservation of essential soil functions. We primarily investigate (trace) metals and plastics particles at macro, micro and nano sizes within the soil system, their interactions with the soil solution and their uptake by plants. We develop innovative methods to identify, quantify and characterize these substances in the environment, and investigate processes from the nano to the field scale through field investigations and experimental approaches.
News from our Research Group
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Scientific Networking in Japan
January 15, 2026
Dr. Kai Nitzsche was a JSPS BRIDGE Fellow in Japan
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Picture: Dr. Kai Nils Nitzsche![]()
Picture: Dr. Kai Nils NitzscheNew DFG project funded on trace metal fluxes in agriculture
November 21, 2025
Tracing copper and zinc in organic agriculture by stable isotope labelling
Manure and copper-based fungicides are known sources of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in agriculture, and their long-time application can cause an accumulation of these trace metals in agricultural soils. While Cu and Zn are essential micronutrients to plants, animals and humans, elevated Cu and Zn concentrations can pose environmental risks to biota and affect soil fertility.
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Picture: Collin Weber![]()
Picture: Collin WeberNew research project on tyre abrasion in soils funded
November 04, 2025
Geospatial Record and Interpolation of Tire Wear Pollution in Roadside Soils
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DBG Conference 2025 in Tübingen
October 01, 2025
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Picture: Collin Weber![]()
Picture: Collin WeberMicroplastic sampling of high alpine soils and glaciers
July 23, 2025
Tour in the high alpine region
In June 2025, members of the Soil Mineralogy and Soil Chemistry group, together with Prof. Dr. Stephan Weinbruch (Environmental Mineralogy) and the active support of Thomas Dirsch and others, were active in the Kaunertal (Austria) for a sampling campaign.
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Picture: FG Bodenmineralogie und Bodenchemie![]()
Picture: FG Bodenmineralogie und BodenchemieFiF Project „ForestHealth“
July 23, 2025
An interdisciplinary project on the state of the forest ecosystem in southern Hesse
As in many other regions of Germany, the condition of forests in southern Hesse has deteriorated noticeably in recent years. When assessing the condition of forests, attention is often focused exclusively on the tree population, without taking into account the forest floor as the foundation of the forest ecosystem.
