The SOMER Group works across tailing pedogenesis, degraded soil rehabilitation, organo-mineral interactions, and elemental biogeochemical processes through an integrated framework linking field experiments, controlled laboratory studies, and molecular- to nano-scale characterization. Our methodological strength relies on both in-house platforms and long-term collaborative access to large-scale facilities and analytical resources.

Synchrotron and Advanced Spectroscopy

  • XAFS for resolving oxidation state, coordination environment, and mineral phase transformation of Fe, Al, Si, and related elements.
  • Synchrotron FTIR mapping for identifying organic functional group distributions and their spatial coupling with mineral phases.
  • STXM for micro- to nano-scale characterization of co-localization patterns between organic matter and minerals.

Nano- and Molecular-Scale Characterization

  • NanoSIMS for micro-scale elemental mapping and organo-mineral interface analysis.
  • 12T FTICR-MS for molecular-level characterization of complex organic matter mixtures.

Controlled and Field Experimental Platforms

  • Indoor climate chambers for controlled studies of temperature, moisture, plants, and microbial processes.
  • Large automated greenhouse facilities for larger-scale tailing rehabilitation and soil process simulations.
  • Collaborations with ecological field stations for long-term monitoring and comparative field experiments.

Shared Analytical Resources

  • Bruker Vertex 80v vacuum FTIR spectrometer (30 - 30000 cm-1)
  • AFM (Bruker)
  • Confocal Raman microscopy (Renishaw)
  • Micro-FTIR (Bruker)
  • Elemental analyzer (LEEMAN)
  • TOC/TN analyzer (multiCN 2100s, Jena)
  • HPLC (Agilent 1260)
  • Gas chromatography systems (Shimadzu GC2014 with TCD/FID; Agilent with FID/ECD)
  • Picarro water isotope analyzer