Mingkai Ma

Geochemist | Postdoctoral researcher @UU | MSCA researcher

My research interests lie in nutrient/metal dynamics at the mineral-water interface, with a special focus on the Iron redox processes. Currently I am a postdoctoral researcher at UU geochemistry group focusing on the trace elements composition of pore waters in clay-rich sediments.

As an experimental and environmental geochemist, I am interested in employing various laboratory techniques [spectroscopies(X-ray and synchrotron-based absorption, diffraction, Mössbauer), isotopes(stable isotopes, radionuclides), microscopies(EM, TEM, AFM)] and modeling [kinetic, mechanistic, and machine learning] to study the mechanisms and kinetics of the adsorption, desorption and transformation processes in nature environments.

Check my publications on google scholar

Binding and release of phosphate accompanying Fe mineral transformation

Phosphate has been an emerging issue both environmentally and agriculturally, as part of the EU P-TRAP project, my PhD thesis focuses on the mechanism and kinetics of how P interacts with Fe minerals, with a special emphasis on redox transformations of Fe oxides and a detailed exploration of Vivianite, a charming Fe(II) phosphate mineral.

The interaction force between Fe mineral and common soil microbes

The occurrence of natural processes relies on intricate interactions between different components, e.g., mineral-bacteria interactions, which could provide a fundamental understanding of key geochemical processes, such as mineral dissolution/transformation, nutrient/pollutant adsorption/desorption, organic carbon sequestration, etc. For this purpose, we used Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) to study the adhesion of bacteria (P. putida) onto Goethite (α-FeOOH).

Surface complexation model of heavy metals adsorption onto Fe mineral

Lead(Pb), Cadmium(Cd) and Copper(Cu) are widespread metal pollutants, threatening human health. Understanding the adsorption behavior of these heavy metals onto Fe minerals would provide comprehensive insights into environmental remediation strategies. In this part, surface complexation model was implemented to make a thorough understanding of the adsorption behavior.

Aims

The purposes of my research targeted the fundamental understanding of processes in the real natural environment, I aim at addressing environmental pollutions(heavy metal pollution, excessive nutrient pollution) and contribute to the nutrients recycling(phosphate recycling)

Pollution Solutions

Developing effective methods for environmental cleanup.

Ecosystem Protection

Advancing understanding of natural process mechanisms for ecosystem health.

Water Quality Improvement

Enhancing techniques to purify and protect water sources.

Soil Restoration

Studying soil interactions to improve land rehabilitation.

Cleaner Environment

Creating new approaches for environmental restoration and protection.

Remediation Strategies

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Get in touch

Interested? Please feel free to contact me for possible collaborations, projects, or inspirations.

  • Address

    Vening Meineszgebouw A room 3.10
    Princetonlaan 8a, 3584 CB Utrecht
    the Netherlands
  • Phone

    + 31 30 2535032