Study of natural organic matter and contaminants as a source of knowledge of the evolution of ecosystems, including climate change and transport processes, distribution, transformation and effects of organic pollution in organisms and humans

The Environmental Toxicology group carries out basic and applied research in the areas of ecotoxicology and aquatic toxicology with a multidisciplinar perspective, including endocrine disruption studies in fish and invertebrates and assessing molecular and physiological mechanisms of action. The group has been working in several environmental issues, including the assessment of oil spills, urban and industrial discharges in fresh water systems and coastal areas. The group actively participates in international research projects in the areas of biodisponibility and toxicity of contaminants.

Sources, transport, transformation and fate of the organic matter and contaminants in the ocean, continents and atmosphere at global scale. Transport and fate of organic pollutants to the Arctic and Antarctica. Influence of the semi-volatile and anthropogenic organic matter on the biogeochemical cycles of carbon and nutrients driven by primary producers and bacterial communities. Gene expresion responses of bacteria and phytoplankton due to anthropogenic pollutants and nutrients. Interactions of the organic pollutants with other vectors of global change.

Observation, experimentation and modelling of surface hydrology and erosion processes in a Global Change context. Conribution of physical hydrology to the improvement of river basin management. The hydrology of Mediterranean mountains is less understood than in more temperate or dry environments, principally because it shows, throughout the year, processes which are characteristic of wet and dry areas.

Research on physico-chemical atmospheric processes and emissions that govern the formation, composition and concentrations of atmospheric pollutants with environmental and climate implications, such as health impact or the Earth’s radiative balance. International leaderhip on research on air quality, and long-distance transport of natural and anthropogenic pollutants. The team has conducted research in more than 50 sites across Spain and Europe, and has participated in studies of aerosols in mega cities such as Mexico (MILAGRO campaign) and Wuhan (China).

The Group of Underground Hydrology and Hydrogeochemistry (HSH) carries out research, teaching and transfer of knowledge to society in the field of hydrogeology and geochemistry. It is made up of 8 post-docs (J. Lapeyre, E. Torres, J Carrera, C Ayora, M Dentz, I Queralt, J Soler, E Vàzquez, J Cama and V Vilarrasa) S. de Simone, C. Valhondo, J. Hidalgo, V. Hakoun, T. Aquino, J. Palau, C. Chaparro, L.

Development of new strategies for enantioselective catalytic activation mediated by transition-metal complexes

The main objective of the research group is the application of catalysis to sustainable processes, especially easily separable, recoverable and reusable catalysts, both solid (heterogeneous catalysis) and biphasic. Among those sustainable processes, some of the most interesting are those related to bioeconomy, through the transformation of renewable raw materials into high added value products, and circular economy, through the use of industrial waste with the same objective.

The group's research: - Focuses on coordination chemistry, organometallic chemistry and homogeneous catalysis. - Pursues the rational design of new catalysts and new catalytic applications. - Comprises two main types of activity: a) Synthesis of potential catalyst precursors: transition metal complexes incorporating new concepts, designs or structural motifs which, according to our working hypothesis, are suitable for the target catalytic applications. b) Study of the behavior of the novel complexes in solution and versus molecules relevant in the context of the target catalytic applications.

The Biological and Computational Chemistry research group (BCC) is focused on the exploration and modulation of biological processes involved in diverse pathologies. Supported by its vast experience in asymmetric organic synthesis, the BCC group aims to design and synthesise small molecules with therapeutic applications or what may be used for elucidation of biological and biochemical mechanisms.