Katrin Morr, M.Sc.
E-Mail: kmorr
uni-koeln.de
PhD project part of CRC 1211 subproject C04
Research Description
My research focuses on the interaction between plant chemistry and soil geochemistry, using Sr isotope ratios and rare earth elements (REEs) to explore how desert plants absorb critical nutrients from soil, fog, and dust. I aim to identify factors that influence elemental uptake and bioavailability, enhancing our understanding of plant growth in extreme environments like the Atacama Desert, Chile.
A neutral pH digestion protocol was developed to selectively dissolve gypsum and salts, minimizing detrital contamination, which is effective for Sr isotopes, alkaline, alkaline earth metals, and REEs. Additionally, I am refining Sr isotopic and REE measurements in carbonates using LA-MC-ICPMS/MS techniques to improve the precision and accuracy of trace element and isotope analysis in environmental samples.
Research Interests
- Interaction between plant and soil chemistry in arid environments
- Sr isotopes and REEs as tracers of nutrient uptake in desert plants
- Bioavailability of trace elements in soils, fog, and dust
Analytical Expertise
- Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS)
- High-precision Sr isotope and REE analysis via MC-ICPMS
- Selective digestion protocols for gypsum and carbonate measurements