Joachim Kuss

Joachim Kuss is a senior Researcher at the Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde (IOW), where he has been employed since 2005. His research focuses on marine biogeochemistry, particularly air-sea gas exchange processes, mercury cycling in the Baltic Sea, and nutrient dynamics. He leads multiple research projects and participates in regular Baltic Sea observation cruises.

Kuss completed his PhD at the Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel in 1994 with a thesis on volatile halogenated hydrocarbons and seawater-atmosphere exchange processes. His educational background includes a Diploma in Chemistry from CAU Kiel (1990) and undergraduate studies at Justus-Liebig-University of Gießen.

His research interests center on marine biogeochemical processes, with particular expertise in air-sea gas exchange of volatile compounds (including mercury species, CO₂, and oxygen), particle-associated trace elements, the carbonate system of the Baltic Sea, and nutrient cycling related to eutrophication and oxygen depletion. His work combines field measurements, laboratory analyses, and modeling approaches to understand biogeochemical cycles in marine systems.

Analysis of his most recent publications reveals a strong focus on long-term monitoring of the Baltic Sea ecosystem, with particular attention to how climate change and nutrient load reductions are affecting this sensitive marine environment. His research spans mercury biogeochemistry, oxygen dynamics in bottom waters, and the development of assessment methods for marine environmental status.

Dr. Kuss actively participates in numerous research cruises throughout the Baltic Sea as part of long-term observation programs. His work contributes to environmental monitoring efforts and provides scientific basis for policy decisions related to the Baltic Sea's ecological status.

He leads or contributes to several research projects examining mercury cycling in the Baltic Sea (Hg-Cyano, QueMar, Hg-trans), CO₂ air-sea exchange dynamics (Keddy, Keks), and broader environmental monitoring initiatives.