Agata Zdarta

Dr. Eng. Agata Zdarta is a researcher at the Faculty of Chemical Technology, Poznań University of Technology, specializing in the Department of Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry. Her work bridges environmental biotechnology with microbial adaptation mechanisms.

Education

• Biotechnology, Master of Science in Engineering (2013), Poznań University of Life Sciences
• Quality Management, Postgraduate studies (2014), Poznań School of Banking
• Chemical Sciences, PhD (2020), Poznań University of Technology

Research Focus
Her scientific interests center on biodegradation of pollutants, including hydrocarbons and antibiotics, with emphasis on bioaugmentation, microbial stress responses, and enzyme immobilization for environmental applications. She investigates how surfactants (both natural and synthetic) alter microbial cell properties to enhance pollutant bioavailability. Recent work includes membrane-based enzyme systems and microplastic sampling methods.

Scientific Contributions

• Developed advanced enzyme immobilization platforms using aluminum/gold-coated membranes
• Analyzed microplastic removal paradox in wastewater treatment plants
• Evaluated seasonal impacts on freshwater bacterial communities
• Authored 35+ scientific articles and 14 book chapters

Awards and Leadership

• 2020 Rector’s Award for scientific achievements
• 2017 Santander Universidades Award for social initiatives
• Chairwoman of University Doctoral Students’ Self-Government (2020)
• Editorial board member of Materials (MDPI) special issue