Challenge
Wastewater overflows cause episodic discharges of a wide range of pollutants into surface waters. They introduce easily degradable organic matter, nutrients, heavy metals, micropollutants, and microorganisms, including antibiotic resistance genes. These substances increase COD and BOD loads, contribute to eutrophication and toxicity for aquatic organisms, and reduce water and sediment quality. The impacts are particularly severe in small streams and in waters used for recreation or drinking water supply.
Strategy
The aim of this PhD project is to systematically analyze pollution of water bodies caused by wastewater overflows. The research includes monitoring and analyzing wastewater discharges in various locations during and after rainfall events, focusing on chemical and biological indicators (organic carbon, nutrients, micropollutants, ARB/ARG). The project will also assess impacts on receiving waters and propose extensive treatment technologies, such as constructed wetlands and soil filters.
Another area of interest/Projects:
- Stable isotopes in environmental studies (δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N, δ³⁴S)
- International cooperation in environmental protection and policy
- Hydrobiology and ecology of aquatic ecosystems
- Advanced and extensive wastewater treatment technologies
Education:
- 2023–2025: Master’s degree, Environmental Protection, Faculty of Science, Charles University; Master’s thesis: Application of sulfur isotope composition in animal keratin derivatives for forensic purposes
- 2018–2022: Bachelor’s degree, Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University; Bachelor’s thesis: Diversity and function of patterns in the microworld
Participation in teaching:
- Laboratory Course in Water Analysis
Publications
- Soudek, P., Langhansová, L., Dvořáková, M., Revutska, A., Petrová, Š., Hirnerová, A., Bouček, J., Trakal, L., Hošek, P., Soukupová, M. (2024), The impact of the application of compochar on soil moisture, stress, yield and nutritional properties of legumes under drought stress. Science of The Total Environment, 914, 169914.
