In the Environmental Microbiology section (EMBI), we specialize in soil microbial ecology and Arctic microbiology, focusing on fungi, bacteria, protists, and viruses. Our expertise also covers geochemistry, environmental pathogens, aero-microbiology, and the breakdown of organic micro-pollutants. Additionally, we focus on industry-related microbiology and the effects of agricultural practices on microbe-driven ecosystem services and biogeochemical processes.
In our advisory capacity, EMBI conducts environmental risk assessments of microorganisms, including GMOs, production organisms, microbial control agents, and bio-stimulants. EMBI also employs eDNA-based monitoring techniques to investigate non-indigenous species, supporting efforts to maintain ecological balance and biodiversity.
In addition to traditional microbiological techniques, we heavily utilize molecular methodologies for our research. These methodologies, for instance, involve sequencing pure cultures and environmentally derived DNA and RNA using Illumina and Oxford Nanopore platforms.
EMBI focuses on seven priority areas to address current and future societal research and knowledge demands, providing advice to both the public and private sectors in all these areas:
We explore the role of soil microorganisms in mitigating climate change, focusing on how soil microorganisms can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the impact of agricultural climate change mitigation measures on soil quality. This research area intersects with our study of eDNA, soil viruses, and soil protists.
We study the ecology of microbial communities on the Greenlandic ice sheet, examining how these microbes interact with each other and influence carbon and nutrient cycles, as well as their critical role in ice melting. Our research focuses on microbial diversity, the nutritional background of the ice microbiota, and the hydrological processes that drive microbial communities in the Arctic.
We explore the low-level presence of nutrients and particles in Arctic environments, ice sheets, glacial runoff, and glacial hydrology. This research area strongly interacts with the cryo-microbiological research area.
We study microorganisms' incidence, effect, and dispersion in the atmosphere. This includes sampling methodologies for airborne microbes such as viruses, bacteria, fungal propagules, and pollen. We also employ methodologies such as eDNA and ddPCR to identify and quantify these microorganisms and understand their interactions with aerosols.
We aim to discover and develop biotechnological approaches for the sustainable use of waste materials. Additionally, we strive to optimize industrial processes, such as enzymatic ones, to improve sustainability and conduct research on cold-adapted microorganisms.
We are investigating viruses that interact with microorganisms in everything from soils to glaciers. For example, we are uncovering how mycoviruses influence fungal ecology in relation to plants, soil, and technical systems.
We conduct research at the intersection of microbial ecology and medical microbiology, examining the role of the environment as a habitat for pathogenic microorganisms and for their spread and exposure to humans.
We use various in-house methods and continually develop new methodologies, such as SIP, total RNA, and transcriptomics. These methods help us measure the presence and activity of microorganisms. They also allow us to study plant pathogens, the impact of predators on population dynamics, and the presence of prokaryotes and eukaryotes like protozoa and nematodes, which serve as bio-indicators of soil quality. Additionally, we focus on detecting non-indigenous species, analyzing microbial processes involved in pollutant degradation, and understanding microbial interactions and dynamics in icy environments.
