Research Projects (2023 - 2025)

Heavy Metals and Arctic Plants (HeMetAP)

Effects of heavy metal (HM) pollution on plant-associated bacteria in Arctic ecosystems during seasonal changes

The Kevo subarctic research station, UTU, Northern Finland has an ongoing field experiment since 1991 simulating HM pollution loads of smelters near Kola Peninsula. The plot offers valuable information of plant microbial communities affected by long-term HM treatments. With the funding from Alhopuro foundation, I am identifying the microbes and their functions in promoting plant health under HM treatment.

Effects of pesticides on gut microbiota of pollinators

We are investigating the effects of glyphosate-based herbicides on gut microbiota of bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) and their cognition. This study is part of Dr. Marjo Helander's project on the effects of pesticide use on bumblebee memory and learning behaviour.

Research Team 2024

Umanga Ranasinghe, Project Researcher

Anson Antony, Project trainee

Pawani Liyanage, Project Trainee

Roope Tuomola, Summer Intern