Rudo Verweij

Curriculum Vitae & Publications

Research interests

I am one of the technicians of Animal Ecology. After a study as botanical technician and assistance in a PhD project in Botswana (bush encroachment around boreholes) I could continue and develop my laboratory experience at the Animal Ecology department. Since 1985 I participated in various research studies of our staff members, PhD’s students and foreign guests. Most studies deal with ecotoxicological consequences of heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and nano-particles for soil invertebrates. I also take care of culturing the soil invertebrates we are testing.
We have cultures of  

Earthworms:              Eisenia andrei
Springtails                 Folsomia fimetaria
                                Folsomia candida
Potworms                  Enchytraeus crypticus 
Oribatid Mites            Oppia nitens

Research project

I am involved in most of the (eco)toxicological research projects at Animal Ecology. My role is to support and facilitate the analytical and experimental activities of our group.
This concerns the following:
- To determine soil properties we measure e.g. Loss on Ignition, Water Holding Capacity, Cation Exchange Capacity, pH etc.
- To measure the metals in litter, soil, soil pore water but also in the invertebrates, we make use of Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). To analyse metals in the tiny invertebrates, we make use of minidestruction and measure the concentration at the µg/l level by means of Graphite Furnace AAS.
- Making these measurements possible, we have several laboratories at our disposal. One laboratory specially equipped for sample destruction and metal measurements. The other laboratory is designed for extraction, purification and measurements of organic pollutants such as polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH). To detect the PAHs we make use of a HPLC with diode array detector coupled with a fluorescence detector. Both laboratories are under my supervision. A third laboratory is equipped for molecular work and is supervised by my colleague Janine Mariën.
- To facilitate the tests on different pollutants and soil animals, there are 11 large climate rooms at our disposal. We can set the temperature, light regime and relative humidity at any need. We both have the supervision on these rooms.
- Finally, I am responsible for the training of new students and guests. For that purpose I take care of regular updating , renewal and extension of our SOP (Standard Operating Procedures).