Mingkai Ma

Dr. Mingkai Ma is a postdoctoral researcher in Geochemistry at Utrecht University's Department of Geochemistry. His research focuses on nutrient/metal dynamics at mineral-water interfaces, particularly iron redox processes and trace element behavior in clay-rich sediments. Collaborations include projects with COVRA and TU Delft.

During his PhD (funded by the Marie-Curie P-TRAP project), he investigated phosphate binding/release mechanisms linked to iron mineral transformations in aquatic sediments. His experimental approaches integrate synchrotron-based spectroscopy, Mössbauer spectroscopy, isotopic analysis, and machine learning modeling to study adsorption, desorption, and transformation processes.

Key research areas include environmental remediation of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cu), phosphate cycling in sediments, and microbial-mineral interactions. He employs advanced techniques like AFM, TEM, and surface complexation modeling.

Awards: None explicitly listed. Advisor/Student roles: No listed advisees. Lab affiliations: Utrecht University Geochemistry Group. Contact: Vening Meineszgebouw A, Princetonlaan 8a, Utrecht (Netherlands).