Even in times when the lights go out and urban infrastructure operates at its limits — life continues in our laboratories. Literally. Because we study the foundation of all living things: soil, microorganisms, and plants. 🌍

🧫 What are we doing right now?
Under the guidance of Prof. Oleksandr Kovrov, student teams are studying biocrusts — the living "skin" of the earth, formed by cyanobacteria, algae, and microorganisms. They:

• form soil structure,
  
• protect against erosion,
  
• and can become a natural starting point for restoring territories destroyed by war. 💔➡️🌿
  

👩‍🔬 Our researchers in action:

• Yuliia Ishchenko and Alina Bohun (gr. 091-24-1) — microscoping cyanobacteria, studying how filamentous forms create a "living network" in the soil.
  
• Valerii Malichenko (junior researcher) and Oleksandra Mulyk (master's student) — testing how phytoremediator plants grow on different substrates: sand, biocrust, biochar. 🌾🧪
  

🌿 What's the goal?

To develop nature-based technologies for land restoration:

• Select plants for specific types of disturbances.
  
• Use biocrusts as a "starter" for surface stabilization.
  
• Add biochar to improve soil structure.
  

📈 Next steps:


• Expanding the collection of biocrust cultures.
  
• A series of experiments for different soil types.
  
• Preparation for competitions and publications.
  

Microscoping cyanobacteria, studying how filamentous forms create a "living network" in the soil.

Testing how phytoremediator plants grow on different substrates: sand, biocrust, biochar.

🧑‍🎓 And most importantly — we invite YOU!

Want to try yourself in real science? Join our research: from field sampling to microscopy, cultivation, and biotesting. Here you'll gain modern skills and contribute to Ukraine's recovery. 🇺🇦💚

📬 Department of Environmental Technologies at Dnipro Polytechnic welcomes you!

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