Microbial ecology and functions of microorganisms in biogeochemical cycles and relationship between microbial communities and envirnomental parameters in agricultural, natural, temperate and extreme ecosystems

Microbial communities deeply affect environmental characteristics and functioning and ecosystem services.
The research group studies distribution, diversity and functions of microorganisms in the environment and the relationship with chemical and environmental factors controlling their activity in agricultural and natural ecosystems, also in relation to pollution and climate change influence.
In particular, the research topics are:

• Microbial Activities modulating biological fertility of soils with and their impact on agricultural systems
• Structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms involved in biogeochemical cycles inhabiting soil, water and sediments in temperate and extreme habitats
• Microbial communities involved in bioremediation of organic and inorganic pollutants
• Growth of bacterial biofilms on antimicrobial surfaces

• Dămătîrcă, C., Moretti, B., Bertora, C., ...Gorra, R., Zavattaro, L. 2023. Residue incorporation and organic fertilisation improve carbon and nitrogen turnover and stabilisation in maize monocropping. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, 342 108255.
• Freppaz, M., Williams, M.W., Gabrieli, J., ...Egli, M., Celi, L. 2021. Characterization of organic-rich mineral debris revealed by rapid glacier retreat, Indren Glacier, European Alps. Journal of Mountain Science, 18(6), pp. 1521–1536.
• Mania, I., Pellicciaro, M., Gorra, R. 2021 Insights into the microbial autotrophic potential of a shallow oligotrophic alpine pond. Marine and Freshwater Research, 72(6), pp. 899–903.
• Costamagna, G., Chiabrando, V., Fassone, E., ...Ginepro, M., Giacalone, G. 2020. Characterization and use of absorbent materials as slow-release fertilizers for growing strawberry: Preliminary results. Sustainability (Switzerland), 12(17), 6854.
• Mania, I., Gorra, R., Colombo, N., ...Martin, M., Anesio, A.M. 2019. Prokaryotic Diversity and Distribution in Different Habitats of an Alpine Rock Glacier-Pond System Microbial Ecology, 78(1), pp. 70–84.

Prof. Alexandre Anesio, University of Bristol, Bristol (UK)
Prof. John Parkes, Cardiff University, Cardiff (UK)
Dr. Gordon Webster, Cardiff University, Cardiff (UK)
Prof. Andrew Weightman, Cardiff University, Cardiff (UK)