Research Project
In April 2025, I began my PhD at the University of Bern in the Soil Science group, in collaboration with the Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS) in the Laboratory for Inorganic Analysis and References. My doctoral research focuses on developing advanced methods and protocols to characterize mercury (Hg) nanoparticles naturally present in pristine and contaminated waters, soils and sediments. In addition, I investigate their behavior under environmentally relevant conditions. My work aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the parameters (concentration, size, elemental composition and reactivity) that influence the environmental mobility and toxicological impact of these nanoparticles.