Research
Research Areas
We focus broadly on Geomicrobiology, Microbial Biogeochemistry, and Bioremediation in subsurface environments. We are interested in :
Subsurface biogeochemical processes that govern the fate and bioavailability of organic and inorganic compounds within both aquatic and terrestrial environments
Microbial ecology and biogeochemistry of extreme environments including mine tailing, acid mine drainage, smelter, and CO2-leakage analog sites
Bioremediation strategies and technologies for the treatment of toxic organic and inorganic compounds in subsurface environments
Conceptual Model and Analytical Workflow
A key conceptual model of our study is microbe to mineral interactions and the geological and environmental implications of these interactions in subsurface environments.
We conduct both field and laboratory experiments and assess those results together with biogeochemical modeling. We often isolate anaerobic bacteria from subsurface environments and use them as a model species for better understanding subsurface biogeochemical reactions. For mineralogical analysis, we use X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) and other X-ray techniques. For microbial analysis, we use 16S rDNA sequencing, q-PCR, epifluorescent microscope (EP), and confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM).
Current Research Projects
Abiotic and biotic transformation of Sb in subsurface environments : supported by National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) (March, 2021 - February, 2026)
Microbial biogeochemistry / Bioremediation
Isolation and characterization of a novel Sb(V) reducing bacterium from contaminated soil
Microbial Sb(V) reduction under iron and sulfate reducing conditions
Biofilm formation & development in deep fractured rock aquifer system : supported by KIGAM (March, 2020 - December, 2022)
Geomicrobiology / Microbial biogeochemistry
Visualization and microbial community composition of biofilm on rock surfaces - column and in-situ incubation study
Anaerobic TPH biodegradation in subsurface environments : supported by Korea Ministry of Environment (June, 2018 - December, 2022)
Microbial biogeochemistry / Bioremediation
Microbial TPH degradation coupled with Fe(III) reduction - batch and field study
Spatial distribution and activities of microbes in deep subsurface environments : supported by National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF)(April, 2021 - December, 2026)
Microbial biogeochemistry / Bioremediation
Geochemical and microbiological characteristics in deep groundwater from potential radwaste disposal sites
Distribution and activity of microbial community in bentonite
Impact of iron and sulfate reducing bacteria on the transformation of radionuclides
Temperature effects on subsurface biogeochemical reactions
Radiation effects on subsurface biogeochemical reactions
Effects of cement debris and acetate on urban subsurface biogeochemistry and microbial community : supported by Korea University (April, 2021 - present)
Microbial biogeochemistry / Bioremediation
Impacts of cement debris, acetate, and sulfate on microbial iron and sulfate reduction in soils - column study
Isolation of alkaliphilic Fe(III) reducing bacteria from cement debris contaminated soil
Geochemical influence on microbial communities at CO2-leakage analog sites : funded by Korea University (September, 2017 - present)
Microbial biogeochemistry
Microbial community diversity and composition and physicochemical properties of soils affected by geogenic CO2