Heidi Birch

Heidi Birch is a Senior Researcher at the Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), where she conducts research on the fate and exposure of organic chemicals in aquatic environments. Her work focuses on biodegradation kinetics and the persistence of hydrophobic organic chemicals (HOCs) and complex mixtures such as UVCBs, particularly in stormwater and produced water systems.

Education:

• PhD in Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (2008–2012)
• MSc in Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (2001–2007)

Her research lies at the intersection of environmental chemistry, toxicology, and engineering, with strong emphasis on understanding the environmental fate of micropollutants. She employs advanced techniques such as passive dosing and non-target analysis to study chemical persistence and biodegradation under realistic environmental conditions. Her expertise contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to clean water and environmental protection.

The recent publications reflect a consistent focus on biodegradation testing methodologies, particularly for complex and hydrophobic substances. Trends include the development of modified biodegradability tests, assessment of mixture effects, and ecotoxicity profiling of industrial discharges. Her work spans both freshwater and marine environments, with applications in urban stormwater and offshore oil production.

Scientific Awards:

• No scientific awards listed in the provided text.

Heidi Birch actively supervises multiple PhD students and contributes to significant research projects related to chemical persistence and biochar pollutants. She has participated in key scientific conferences as a speaker and guest lecturer, demonstrating active engagement in the environmental research community. While no specific grants are named, her involvement in funded PhD projects indicates access to competitive research funding.

Her research is conducted within collaborative teams at DTU, particularly with Professor Philipp Mayer’s group, focusing on environmental exposure and risk assessment of emerging contaminants. The work integrates laboratory experimentation with real-world environmental monitoring, aiming to inform regulatory frameworks and sustainable chemical management.