Brigit van Brenk

Dr. Brigit van Brenk is a Researcher in the Department of Biology at Utrecht University, Faculty of Science, specializing in Molecular Microbiology and Environmental Biology. Her work focuses on harnessing fungal systems for environmental applications, particularly in wastewater treatment.

Her research interests include Environmental Microbiology, Bioremediation, Fungal Biotechnology, and Molecular Microbiology, with a strong emphasis on using white rot fungi to degrade toxic micropollutants and adsorb heavy metals in water systems.

She is actively involved in educational initiatives, serving as a member of the Education Advisory Committee on Biology (OAC-B) and as the VO-HO coordinator for the U-talent program in Biology, promoting science education and outreach.

Dr. van Brenk contributed to a major interdisciplinary project on the removal of toxic micropollutants in wastewater using fungi (2018–2023), funded by Drinking Water Company Oasen and Utrecht University. This project explored the enzymatic mechanisms of white rot fungi in degrading polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their potential for ammonium conversion into biomass.

• Project: Removal of toxic micropollutants in wastewater using fungi (2018–2023)
• Financing: Drinking Water Company Oasen and Utrecht University
• Collaborators: Prof. Dr. Han Wösten, Prof. Dr. Ir. W.G.J. van der Meer

She works full-time at the Hugo R. Kruyt Building, Padualaan 8, Room N401, Utrecht, and is active from Monday to Friday during both morning and afternoon hours.