Contact

Porträt Dr. Kubeil, Manja; FWOB

Dr. Manja Kubeil

Head Radiation Research on Biological Systems
Marie Curie Alumna
m.kubeilAthzdr.de
Phone: +49 351 260 2006

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Department of Radiation research on biological systems

Research in the department of Radiation research on biological systems focuses on understanding the interaction of long-lived radionuclides with biosystems. We are interested in the various levels from biomolecules to individual organisms and complex biocoenoses. On the one hand, the aim is to understand the influence of biological systems on the behavior of radionuclides in the environment (release, mobility and bioavailability). On the other hand, we investigate the effects of radionuclides on the metabolism of cells and the whole organism (uptake, accumulation, chemo- and radiotoxicity) and the resulting dangers for us humans.

Using state-of-the-art molecular biological, spectroscopic and microscopic methods, we work in the fields of repository research to improve the long-term safety of a repository for high-level radioactive waste and radioecology to protect humans and the environment from the dangers of naturally and artificially released radionuclides.

In addition to basic research, our aim is to use the knowledge gained to develop innovative remediation methods and improve models to describe the behavior of radionuclides in the environment.

Interested in working with us?

To support our work, we are always looking for students and interns from the fields of biology, chemistry and environmental sciences who either want to write their thesis with us or simply gain practical experience. Are you interested? Then please get in touch to clarify any questions you may have.

Current research topics

Working fields of the departement of biogeochemistry at the Institute of Resource Ecology (EN) ©Copyright: Dr. Matschiavelli, Nicole
  • Determination of the microbial diversity in water and soil environments contaminated with heavy metals and radionuclides as well as in different host rocks for potential radioactive waste disposals
  • Microbe-radionuclide-interactions with reference strains and isolates
  • Interaction of eukaryotic cells with radionuclides and lanthanides in particular with plants, fungi, sponges and algae
  • Investigation of the interaction of selected bioligands and model compounds with f-elements
  • Characterization of microbial processes affecting the conditions in deep geological repositories for radioactive waste (e.g. transformation of bentonite as barrier material)
  • Calculation and determination of the metal speciation relevant to the environment
  • Verification and validation of transport models
  • Characterization of particles in the environment relevant to the transport of radionuclides
  • Investigation of the transport processes of radionuclides by particles (including microbes) in natural water

Latest Publication

Citric and malic acids influence uranium(VI) uptake into Brassica napus in hydroponic culture by affecting solubility and speciation

John, W. A.; Steudtner, R.; Jessat, J.; Hübner, R.; Bok, F.; Sachs, S.

Abstract

The migration of uranium (U) in soil and its uptake into plants is known to be affected by many factors, one of which is the presence of organic acids, e.g. as root exudates of plants, in soil. To date, the influence of the organic acids on mobilization and uptake is known but very little has been elucidated about the mechanisms involved. In this study, using hydroponic cultivations of Brassica napus and combining the analytical methods time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, we explored the influence of two organic acids on the U speciation in hydroponic culture medium and the bioassociation of U to B. napus plants. Both citric acid and malic acid significantly increased the solubility of U in the hydroponic solution by forming U(VI) citrate and U(VI) malate complexes compared to control samples without the addition of the organic acids, in which a significant amount of U precipitated. By using this multi method approach, for the first time, we could demonstrate the correlation between certain spectroscopically observed U species in solution and varying degrees of bioassociation to the plant as well as differences in U translocation patterns in B. napus between citric and malic acids, providing more insights into the interaction of U with plants.

Keywords: Uranium; Plants; Bioavailability; Citric acid; Malic acid; Solubility

Related publications

Permalink: https://www.hzdr.de/publications/Publ-41185

More publications

Projects

An overview of completed projects can be found here.

Latest publication

Citric and malic acids influence uranium(VI) uptake into Brassica napus in hydroponic culture by affecting solubility and speciation

John, W. A.; Steudtner, R.; Jessat, J.; Hübner, R.; Bok, F.; Sachs, S.

Abstract

The migration of uranium (U) in soil and its uptake into plants is known to be affected by many factors, one of which is the presence of organic acids, e.g. as root exudates of plants, in soil. To date, the influence of the organic acids on mobilization and uptake is known but very little has been elucidated about the mechanisms involved. In this study, using hydroponic cultivations of Brassica napus and combining the analytical methods time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, we explored the influence of two organic acids on the U speciation in hydroponic culture medium and the bioassociation of U to B. napus plants. Both citric acid and malic acid significantly increased the solubility of U in the hydroponic solution by forming U(VI) citrate and U(VI) malate complexes compared to control samples without the addition of the organic acids, in which a significant amount of U precipitated. By using this multi method approach, for the first time, we could demonstrate the correlation between certain spectroscopically observed U species in solution and varying degrees of bioassociation to the plant as well as differences in U translocation patterns in B. napus between citric and malic acids, providing more insights into the interaction of U with plants.

Keywords: Uranium; Plants; Bioavailability; Citric acid; Malic acid; Solubility

Related publications

Permalink: https://www.hzdr.de/publications/Publ-41185

More publications

Team

Head

NameBld./Office+49 351 260Email
Dr. Manja Kubeil801/P1272006
m.kubeilAthzdr.de

Deep Biosphere

NameBld./Office+49 351 260Email
Dr. Andrea Cherkouk801/P3562989
a.cherkoukAthzdr.de
Sindy Kluge801/P2193194
s.klugeAthzdr.de
Dr. Nicole Matschiavelli801/P3182759
n.matschiavelliAthzdr.de
Dr. Ting-Shyang Wei801/P3182759
t.weiAthzdr.de

Terrestrial Microbiology

NameBld./Office+49 351 260Email
Dr. Johannes Raff801/P3142951
j.raffAthzdr.de
Rahel Bertheau801/P3543138
Dr. Alix Günther801/P2562433
2522
a.guentherAthzdr.de
Dr. Evelyn Krawczyk-Bärsch801/P2522076
e.krawczyk-baerschAthzdr.de

Plants and Rhizosphere

NameBld./Office+49 351 260Email
Dr. Susanne Sachs801/P2082436
s.sachsAthzdr.de
Raul Eduardo Linares Jimenez801/P1032457
r.linares-jimenezAthzdr.de
Julia Marie Mätzkow801/P1533032
j.maetzkowAthzdr.de
Dr. Henry Moll801/P2562433
2549
h.mollAthzdr.de
Jana Seibt801/P2193194
2510
j.seibtAthzdr.de

Spectroscopy and Speciation of f-elements

NameBld./Office+49 351 260Email
Dr. Robin Steudtner801/P3172895
r.steudtnerAthzdr.de
Katrin Flemming801/P3092958
k.flemmingAthzdr.de
Max Klotzsche801/P3063241
m.klotzscheAthzdr.de