Chojnacka Katarzyna

Katarzyna Chojnacka is a full professor at the Wrocław University of Science and Technology (WUST) since 2012, specializing in technical sciences (chemical technology) at the Faculty of Chemistry's Institute of Inorganic Technology and Mineral Fertilizers. Her research focuses on biosorption and bioaccumulation of heavy metals using algal biomass, with applications in wastewater treatment, fertilizer development, and human exposure assessment to toxic elements. She leads an ISO 17025-certified laboratory for trace element analysis and has commercialized fertilizer products with microelements.

• 1999: MSc in Biotechnology (Environmental Chemistry specialization) from WUST
• 2003: PhD in Technical Sciences (Chemical and Process Engineering)
• 2008: Habilitation in Chemical Technology

Her research spans algal biotechnology, waste valorization, and environmental pollution control. She has developed techniques for producing biological feed supplements, fertilizers, and biomonitoring systems, while investigating biocompatibility of medical devices through hair mineral analysis and in vitro testing.

Key scientific recognitions include:

• Polish Prime Minister's award for habilitation (2009)
• European Membrane Society award (2002)
• Thermya Award for waste valorization research (2008)

Chojnacka has supervised seven PhD theses and currently mentors four doctoral candidates. She co-edited Wiley publications on marine algae extracts and trace elements, authored 350+ papers (3300+ citations, H-index 32), and holds 30 patents. Her advisory roles include National Science Centre expertise and supervisory board positions in chemical companies.

Laboratory leadership: Head of WUST's PCA-Accredited Chemical Laboratory of Multi-Elemental Analyses (AB 696) since 2012, specializing in trace element determination in environmental, biological, and commercial samples.