
Dr James Byrne
MPhys, PhD
Expertise
My research explores the links between magnetism and microbial processes in the environment supported by my multidisciplinary background in physics, geomicrobiology and environmental mineralogy.
Current positions
Associate Professor
School of Earth Sciences
Contact
Press and media
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Research interests
My research explores the links between magnetism and microbial processes in the environment supported by my multidisciplinary background in physics, geomicrobiology and environmental mineralogy. I apply a range of analytical approaches including spectroscopic, magnetic and electron microscopy based techniques to develop understanding about fundamental processes occurring in the environment, and also show how these bioinspired materials can be used for technological applications including remediation or targeted medical therapies. Some specific research areas include:
- Iron mineral formation in the environment
- Environmental magnetism
- Electron exchange between bacteria and solid phase iron minerals
- Contaminant remediation by redox active mixed valent minerals
- Astrobiology and early earth
- 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy
- Scanning/Transmission electron and ion microscopy including cryogenic imaging
- Spectral fitting methods including web based tools
- Computer programming languages: Matlab, R, Arduino, Javascript, Python
Projects and supervisions
Research projects
FLF renewal: Unlocking the potential of iron biogeobatteries
Principal Investigator
Managing organisational unit
School of Earth SciencesDates
01/01/2026 to 31/12/2028
FLF renewal: Unlocking the potential of iron biogeobatteries
Principal Investigator
Managing organisational unit
Jean Golding InstituteDates
01/01/2026 to 31/12/2028
FLF renewal: Unlocking the potential of iron biogeobatteries
Principal Investigator
Managing organisational unit
School of Earth SciencesDates
01/01/2026 to 31/12/2028
Microbially mediated functionalised magnetic nanoparticles from acid mine drainage
Principal Investigator
Managing organisational unit
School of Earth SciencesDates
15/02/2023 to 14/02/2025
Iron biogeobatteries are sustainable electron sources and sinks in the environment
Principal Investigator
Managing organisational unit
School of Earth SciencesDates
01/01/2022 to 31/12/2025
Thesis supervisions
Publications
Recent publications
28/09/2026Collection and Analysis of High Temperature-Resolution 57Fe Mössbauer Spectroscopy for Detailed Iron Mineral Characterisation
ChemPhysChem
Insights into silicon isotopic fractionation during reverse weathering from in vitro incubations of sediments from a temperate estuary
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta
Phototrophic Fe(II)‐Oxidizers Can Use Multiple (In)Organic Substrates Simultaneously
Environmental Microbiology Reports
Removal of arsenic using Fe-modified biochar and Carbo-Iron® materials
Applied Geochemistry
The removal of Zn from complex circumneutral pH mine waters using magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs)
Environmental Science: Nano


