“The Earth system – our environment – could only become a habitat through life itself. In other words, only through the contribution of the tiniest bacteria, plants and animals, including humans.” Lau investigates these interactions within the ecosystem, focusing on the carbon and nutrient cycles. “We do this at a local level, but also globally. From the chemistry of the soil at a specific location right through to the chemistry of the atmosphere.”

Smart solutions modelled on nature

When natural cycles are disrupted, the biogeochemist looks to nature itself for potential solutions. “We often use mechanisms that nature itself has developed and consider how we can ‘translate’ these into technologies. That’s what I mean by nature-based solutions.” 

One example of this is a research project centred on the Sosa drinking-water dam. Water availability, precipitation and evaporation patterns have changed significantly since the dam was built in the early 20th century. The water in the dam originates from a forested area with varying characteristics, including protected and commercially managed peatlands. Higher levels of organic decomposition products from these areas make the treatment process for drinking water more complex. “Our research into a nature-based solution: newly created ponds upstream of the dam collect the bog water and prevent it from flowing away for long enough to allow the sun and bacteria to break down the organic matter before it enters the dam.”

These solutions are not only relevant regionally, says Lau; they can be applied to other regions, because “land-use changes must be reassessed everywhere on the globe due to climate change”. Newly developed tools for measurement and assessment are also being used beyond the region: “Water body monitoring, for example, is a global task. Together with the Chair of Robotics, we have developed a survey vehicle that enables a better understanding of inland waters. A robot can carry out measurement tasks more quickly and thoroughly, thereby creating an entirely new data set.”

Working in an interdisciplinary manner right from the start of their studies

Professor Maximilian Lau also emphasises to his students that the smartest solutions arise through collaboration with other disciplines. “We work with various tools and techniques from robotics, data processing and artificial intelligence – and we take into account the business world and the people who will put these solutions into practice.”

At the TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Lau offers the techno-ecological project module together with lecturers from other departments: “Together with the students, we have already worked on intelligent solutions for insect monitoring on campus, or taken a close look at the Spreewald as a habitat for fish. In doing so, we draw on the individual skills of the participants from a wide variety of degree programmes, their ideas, and their ability to ask informed and creative questions. The latter, incidentally, preferably without AI”.

Responsible research

What motivates Lau in particular? “Yes, our ecosystems are under threat. But we can work together to prevent further damage! Through our research projects in the region, we are taking responsibility within the Free State of Saxony. Our graduates are working on local strategies to adapt to climate change, providing risk assessments or improving forecasts. That gives me cause for optimism.”