Healthy soil,
healthy plants...
with a little plastic?
The project
The vision
A healthy soil, a healthy plant. In collaboration with the industry, our research team is striving to establish sustainable, healthy agriculture.
The problem
In this project, we are investigating whether and to what extent microplastics are present in the soil, and if they affect soil and plant health.
The solution
We are investigating whether our agricultural soils contain the solution we're looking for: plastic-degrading bacteria or fungi, which are used to break down (micro)plastics.
Are you interested?
About MiCoS
The MiCoS project is part of Professor Caroline De Tender's Micro2Soil laboratory, which is part of the Microbiology Laboratory at Ghent University. Our research focuses on microbial diversity in soil and how it is affected by soil cultivation and environmental stress, including microplastics.
The MiCoS Team
Prof. Caroline De Tender
Bioengineer and biotechnologist"As leader of this project, I combine my expertise in marine microplastics research, gained during my PhD, with my experience as a biotechnologist working on microorganisms in soil and plants"
Further information
Dr. Lisa Joos
Biologist and biotechnologist"With my PhD in hand, on soil health and microbial life, I became deeply fascinated by the complexity hidden beneath our feet. As a post-doctoral fellow in the MiCoS project, I intend to explore this complexity further, but this time with a plastic twist."
Further information
Msc. Benthe Van Buyten
Biochemist and biotechnologist"As a recent graduate with a master's degree in biochemistry and biotechnology, I have developed a fascination for microbiology and want to further my knowledge of microbial life. As a PhD student in the MiCoS project, I want to immerse myself in the microbial world of soils and plastics."
Further information
Msc. Jozefien Demeulenaere
Biochemist and biotechnologist"As a master in biochemistry and biotechnology, I developed a passion for soil complexity and plant health. As a PhD student in the MiCoS project, I will explore the impact of microplastic pollution on soil and plant health, and search for plastic-degrading microorganisms."
Funding
This project is funded by the European Union (ERC, MiCoS, 101075944). However, the opinions expressed are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Council. Neither the European Union nor the funding authority can be held responsible for any statements relating to the project.
