Contact

Porträt Dr. Kubeil, Manja; FWOB

Dr. Manja Kubeil

Head Radiation Research on Biological Systems
Research Topic Group Leader
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

Follow me: Mechanistic insights into Eu(III) uptake, translocation and speciation in hydroponically grown Sand oat (Avena strigosa)

Klotzsche, M.; Drobot, B.; Schymura, S.; Vogel, M.; Raff, J.; Stumpf, T.; Steudtner, R.

Abstract

As rare earth elements gain strategic importance, knowledge of their environmental pathways becomes increasingly needed. In particular, mechanistic insight into plant uptake of rare earth elements informs both risk assessment and mitigation strategies in case of environmental contaminations and modern green applications such as biomining. In this study, we addressed the mobility, speciation and deposition of Eu(III), serving as surrogate for trivalent lanthanides, within the Poaceae Sand oat (Avena strigosa) from both microscopic and macroscopic perspectives. Using hydroponic bioassociation and extraction experiments, we tracked the metal’s pathway within the plant. A combination of (micro)spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques, mass spectrometry, autoradiography and iterative factor analysis enabled us to develop a comprehensive understanding of Eu(III) speciation and its influence on translocation of lanthanides within plants. The results show that Eu(III) is absorbed by epidermal cells and root tips, but predominantly the apoplast, in which Eu(III) is subjected to cell wall binding and phosphate precipitation. Internalized Eu(III) is bound to organophosphate ligands in the cell interior. Xylem loading occurs within less than one hour and translocation to the shoots is achieved by complexes with oxalate, citrate and malate. The use of radioactive 152Eu(III) as tracer revealed that the majority of the metal remains in the roots, while a minor portion is deposited uniformly in the non-vascular tissue of both young and mature leaf lamina. These findings advance our mechanistic comprehension of rare earth element transport, the chemical binding environments encountered in plants and lay the foundation for environmental risk assessments and phytomanagement for metal-enriched areas.

Keywords: Chemical microscopy; Autoradiography; Hydroponics; Bioassociation; Xylem sap; Rare earth elements; Laser spectroscopy; Liquid chromatography; Phytoremediation; Plants

Related publications

Permalink: https://www.hzdr.de/publications/Publ-41428


More publications


Projects

An overview of completed projects can be found here.


Latest publication

Follow me: Mechanistic insights into Eu(III) uptake, translocation and speciation in hydroponically grown Sand oat (Avena strigosa)

Klotzsche, M.; Drobot, B.; Schymura, S.; Vogel, M.; Raff, J.; Stumpf, T.; Steudtner, R.

Abstract

As rare earth elements gain strategic importance, knowledge of their environmental pathways becomes increasingly needed. In particular, mechanistic insight into plant uptake of rare earth elements informs both risk assessment and mitigation strategies in case of environmental contaminations and modern green applications such as biomining. In this study, we addressed the mobility, speciation and deposition of Eu(III), serving as surrogate for trivalent lanthanides, within the Poaceae Sand oat (Avena strigosa) from both microscopic and macroscopic perspectives. Using hydroponic bioassociation and extraction experiments, we tracked the metal’s pathway within the plant. A combination of (micro)spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques, mass spectrometry, autoradiography and iterative factor analysis enabled us to develop a comprehensive understanding of Eu(III) speciation and its influence on translocation of lanthanides within plants. The results show that Eu(III) is absorbed by epidermal cells and root tips, but predominantly the apoplast, in which Eu(III) is subjected to cell wall binding and phosphate precipitation. Internalized Eu(III) is bound to organophosphate ligands in the cell interior. Xylem loading occurs within less than one hour and translocation to the shoots is achieved by complexes with oxalate, citrate and malate. The use of radioactive 152Eu(III) as tracer revealed that the majority of the metal remains in the roots, while a minor portion is deposited uniformly in the non-vascular tissue of both young and mature leaf lamina. These findings advance our mechanistic comprehension of rare earth element transport, the chemical binding environments encountered in plants and lay the foundation for environmental risk assessments and phytomanagement for metal-enriched areas.

Keywords: Chemical microscopy; Autoradiography; Hydroponics; Bioassociation; Xylem sap; Rare earth elements; Laser spectroscopy; Liquid chromatography; Phytoremediation; Plants

Related publications

Permalink: https://www.hzdr.de/publications/Publ-41428


More publications


Team


Head

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

Employees

NameBld./Office+49 351 260Email
Dr. Björn Drobot801/P3022978
b.drobotAthzdr.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
Antonio Newman Portelaa.newman-portelaAthzdr.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/P3063032
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
Lukas Waurick801/P3063241
l.waurickAthzdr.de