Working group Environmental Microbiology

We investigate the importance and function of microorganisms or microbial communities in aquatic ecosystems, especially in the Baltic Sea. Of special interest are microorganisms or communities exhibiting unusual characteristics or special social relevance like potential pathogenic bacteria in aquatic ecosystems.  

We use approaches based on cultivation as well as cultivation independend methods. One of our main aims is the development of new innovative instruments allowing automatic analysis of microbial parameters at offshore stations, in order to reach a higher spatial and temporal resolution of microbial communities and accordant activities. In consequence, we develop new in situ sampling and incubation techniques, especially useful for further handling by molecular techniques.  

Our main research topics are: