Oliver Lechtenfeld

Dr. Oliver Lechtenfeld is a leading scientist in environmental analytical chemistry at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, heading the BioGeoOmics research group since 2018 and serving as Deputy Head of the Department since 2024. His work focuses on ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) applications in environmental and biogeochemical contexts.

• Education: PhD in Marine Biogeochemistry (University of Bremen/AWI, 2008–2012); Chemistry degree (University of Ulm, 2002–2008).

Research interests span Dissolved Organic Matter (DOM) molecular characterization, stable isotope labeling, chemoinformatics, and MALDI-MSI for spatial molecular imaging. Projects include E=OC², STRUCTOMICS, and nanoINHALE, addressing carbon cycling, PFAS detection, and soil-water interactions.

Recent publications highlight DOM degradation in aquatic systems, PFAS identification, and microbial impacts on carbon fluxes. Key collaborations involve Prof. Thorsten Reemtsma and institutions like the University of South Carolina. Tools developed include defendeR and Lambda-Miner for DOM data processing.

• Technologies: FT-ICR MS, MALDI-MSI, CSSIA
• Projects: SPP 2322 (Maddoms), InCeTo, nanoINHALE