Dr. Maria Laura Ferreira: Employing Bacteria in the Fight Against Microplastics
Today we’re happy to introduce new WiRe fellow Dr. Maria Laura Ferreira, whose research is focused on the problem of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems.
Originally from Argentina, Maria associates her homeland with mate, gaucho, and tango, as well as the memories of tea, breakfast, and a queen during her last research stay in England.
As a microbiologist, Maria is investigating how bacteria isolated from freshwater attach to chitin and plastic material. At the University of Münster, she works with Prof. Bodo Philip at the Institute of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology to understand the surface properties that enable or even facilitate this process. Maria’s research is crucial to understanding the effects of non-biodegradable materials on aquatic environments.