Soils
Research group
Aims
- To examine all aspects of minerals in soil environments, including mineral occurrence, mineral transformations, and the interactions of microbes and natural organics with soil minerals.
- To study mineral-water-ion interactions and the composition of near-surface waters with respect to organic solutes and metal speciation.
Description
This cross-disciplinary programme is the earth science focus for soils research. The diverse range of projects within this programme reflect the complexity of soil systems and serve to interface with the Soil Biodiversity Programme within the Ecological Patterns and Processes Theme.
A major goal of the Soils Programme is to elucidate the many and varied interactions of soil minerals with microbes, natural organics and xenobiotics. These intimate organo-mineral associations play a critical role in governing the health of terrestrial ecosystems and in controlling overall soil quality. Specifically, the surfaces of soil minerals are important in controlling enzyme activity, the formation of humic substances and the degradation of organic contaminants. Furthermore, investigations of these organo-mineral interactions provide a natural and effective link with soil biology and biochemistry.
Research team
Dr Bill Dubbin
Prof Andrew Fleet
Dr Paul Schofield
Dr Eva Valsami-Jones
For further information contact:
Dr Bill Dubbin
Tel: +44 (0)20 7942 5616
Fax: +44 (0)20 7942 5537
email
Toolbox
Until 1938 whale carcasses were buried in the Museum grounds so that their flesh would decay leaving only the skeletons.