Philipp Wanner

Philipp Wanner is an Associate Professor (Docent) in Contaminant Hydrogeology at the Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Gothenburg, Sweden. He leads the IsoGot Laboratory and serves as Principal Investigator of the North American Consortium for Field-Focused Groundwater Research. Additionally, he is a member of the steering group of the Centre for Future Chemical Risk Assessment and Management (FRAM). His work focuses on understanding how contaminants behave in groundwater systems to improve protection and management strategies for this vital resource, which provides drinking water for nearly half the global population and supports 40% of global food production.

Dr. Wanner's research centers on contaminant hydrogeology, with particular emphasis on both legacy contaminants (chlorinated solvents, pesticides) and emerging contaminants (microplastics, PFAS). His work combines field studies, laboratory experiments, and advanced analytical techniques like stable isotope analysis to investigate contaminant transport mechanisms, degradation pathways, and risk assessment. This research is critical for developing effective groundwater protection strategies, as contamination often goes unnoticed until it's too late, despite groundwater being a cornerstone of human health, ecosystem stability, and climate change resilience.

His recent publication record shows a strong focus on emerging contaminants, particularly PFAS and microplastics, while maintaining expertise in traditional contaminants. The research spans method development, field applications, and risk assessment, with increasing emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches connecting hydrogeology with microbiology, atmospheric science, and environmental policy. This trend reflects the growing complexity of groundwater contamination challenges in the 21st century.

Dr. Wanner has secured significant research funding as Principal Investigator for multiple projects:

• Swedish Research Council (VR) Project Grant: Revolutionizing PFAS Source Identification in Drinking Water (2026-2030)
• Swedish Research Council (VR) Starting Grant: Plastic and pesticides in agricultural soils (2022-2026)
• FORMAS Early Career Research Project: Artificial groundwater recharge and PFAS (2022-2026)
• Carl Trygger Foundation Project: Chlorinated solvent biodegradation (2022-2024)

He currently supervises PhD student Tabea Mumberg and postdoc Swagatam Chakraborty, focusing on critical issues at the intersection of agricultural practices, plastic pollution, and groundwater quality. As head of the IsoGot Laboratory, Dr. Wanner leads a research group applying innovative isotope techniques to solve complex groundwater contamination problems, collaborating with researchers across multiple institutions in Sweden, North America, and Europe.