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Content archived on 2024-05-30

The Role of Microbial Metabolites in Pb-Calcite Surface Interactions

Objective

The behavior of metals, many of which are toxic even in trace quantities, is an important topic as population growth puts pressure on the world’s drinking water resources. Relatively little is yet known about the interdependencies between the biotic and abiotic aspects of metal sorption. The overall aim of my project is to define the processes by which microbial metabolites mediate Pb sorption on calcite. I will use a combination of surface sensitive techniques, including X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation Monitoring (QCM-D) to extend current understanding of the biogeochemical controls on Pb behavior to the molecular scale. My study lies at the intersection of geoscience, surface physics and biointerface science and uses an interdisciplinary approach to answer questions at the crossover of environmental bio- and geochemistry, that are critical for society. The results will provide insights for the water industry, so treatment can be improved by providing criteria for selecting bacteria that can synthesize particular metabolites to immobilize specific toxic metals. Internal corrosion of Pb pipes in water distribution systems is currently an immediate, world-wide public health concern. A recent study estimated that 25% of houses in the EU have at least one Pb pipe, putting 120 million Europeans at risk. My background in drinking water treatment, the new expertise I will gain and the results from the MiMe project will address this concern. I bring my experience and motivation to the members of the Nano-Science Center, to exchange for the opportunity to learn new skills on a set of unique instruments that can “see” at the molecular-level. This new knowledge will form the base for my future research. Indeed, my host, Prof. Stipp’s expertise in the nano-scale processes on mineral surfaces is at the top of the field; I will benefit tremendously from my time at the University of Copenhagen

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IIF
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Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

MC-IIF - International Incoming Fellowships (IIF)

Coordinator

KOBENHAVNS UNIVERSITET
EU contribution
€ 230 627,20
Address
NORREGADE 10
1165 KOBENHAVN
Denmark

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Region
Danmark Hovedstaden Byen København
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

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