The thematic focus of the working group is on the development of further recycling routes for mineral residues, production residues, and wastes (e.g., ash, slag, construction waste, tunnel and excavation material, or mineral wool waste). Additionally, the research field of environmental remediation covers topics such as contaminated soils, groundwater, surface waters, landfills, leachate, and industrial wastewater.

The mobility of pollutants, which has a considerable impact on the environment and humans, plays a central role. In the area of recyclable materials, the focus is on their utilisation to generate new secondary raw materials, thereby increasing resource efficiency and promoting circular economy.

The aim of the working group is to apply interdisciplinary approaches to specifically identify recyclable materials and pollutants. Subsequently, these substances are separated from their substrates and/or immobilized to enable material flows to be fed into high-quality material recycling or to reuse contaminated soils. Innovative approaches are pursued for groundwater, surface water, and wastewater treatment to ensure contaminated water becomes safe for use again.

In our projects, recyclable materials and pollutants are fundamentally characterised using microscopic, spectroscopic, thermochemical, and hydrogeochemical methods. This includes investigations into the bonding type of individual elements and the incorporation of elements/substances into mineral phases. The results obtained are utilised to manipulate material flows in a targeted manner to minimise potentially negative environmental effects or maximise the potential of recyclable materials. Common chemical-mineralogical analysis methods or thermodynamic modelling in the area of water-solid interactions (dissolution and precipitation reactions) are implemented.

Theoretical approaches are tested, evaluated, and, if necessary, improved in laboratory and technical centre experiments wherever possible. Often, these approaches are then implemented in pilot plants. This approach allows for the development of customised, resource-efficient, and environmentally friendly solutions in close cooperation with participating industrial partners, as well as other research institutions in Austria and abroad.