Biogeochemistry

Geomicrobiology and

Biotechnology

in the sulfur environment

Research staff

Projects

Publications

The field of research in our laboratory is the study of acidophilic chemolithotrophic iron- and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria and their role in oxidation of sulfide minerals. These bacteria are used in biohydrometallurgy (biomining). In addition to the industrial processes, spontaneous (bio)oxidation of sulfide minerals in abandoned mines and mine wastes also results in formation of sulfuric acid (acid mine drainage) and mobilization of toxic metals with resulting environmental impact. Our subject is related to environmental studies in affected areas and optimization of biohydrometallurgical processes.

Fields of interest

Enzymes in oxidation of inorganic sulfur substances

Microbial kinetics and mechanism of substrate oxidation

Proteomics in iron and sulfur biooxidation

PCR methods in detection of bacterial strains

Bioleaching of sulfide wastes