John Pote

Dr. John Pote is a Senior Lecturer and Researcher at the F.-A. Forel Department of Environmental and Water Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva. He has been a scientific collaborator at the university since 2004, following prior assistant roles at UNIGE and institutions in the Central African Republic and Democratic Republic of the Congo. His work integrates environmental chemistry, microbiology, and risk assessment in aquatic systems.

Research Interests:

• Identification and prevention of organic and inorganic micropollutants (PCBs, PAHs, antibiotics, heavy metals) in lake water and sediments
• Risk assessment of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and transgenic DNA transfer in the environment
• 16S and 18S rRNA characterization of microbial communities in sediment profiles for climate change studies
• Pharmaceutical pollution in global river systems

The trend in his recent publications centers on global environmental contamination, particularly pharmaceuticals in surface waters. His 2022 study in PNAS assessed pharmaceutical pollution across 104 countries, revealing significant ecological and human health risks in over 25% of sampled sites. This work underscores his leadership in international environmental monitoring and policy-relevant science.

Scientific Awards and Recognition:

• No formal awards explicitly mentioned in the provided text.

Advising and Grants: Dr. Pote actively supervises and co-directs doctoral theses and postgraduate diplomas. He has been involved in municipal environmental projects related to waste management, wastewater treatment, and general sanitation planning. His roles combine research leadership with practical environmental consultancy.

Laboratories and Teams: He manages the aquatic microbiology laboratory and clean room at the University of Geneva and is responsible for trace metal analyses using ICP-MS. He also serves as the Chemical and Biological Safety Officer, indicating leadership in lab operations and safety protocols.