EM (Environmental Metallomics)

Metabolomics is the study of chemical processes in biological systems by investigating the metabolic profiles of organisms. Metabolomics is used in medical studies to correlate human metabolic profiles (from blood and/or urine) with disease, and in biological and environmental studies to investigate biotransformations/detoxifications of chemicals in organisms and ecosystems.

In our research group we focus on trace element metabolomics. Our methods are based on HPLC and GC separations coupled with elemental and molecular mass spectrometry to provide quantitative metabolic profiling of compounds containing essential and toxic trace elements (e.g. Se, As, Cd, Hg). Our results are revealing large inter- and intra-species differences in the way organisms handle trace elements, with clear implications for environmental exposure and human health.

The focus of the research group is also "Food and Water Analysis" is on the development and application of new analytical methods for the determination of toxic and / or essential trace elements in foods and environmental samples. The applied methods base on coupling of HPLC or GC with elemental or molecular mass spectrometry.

Another focus of the group is the analysis of water and moor according to the Austrian Heilvorkommen- und Kurortegesetz.