Dr. Hanna Koch
Senior Scientist at the Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science

Nitrification is a crucial process for the removal of nitrogen from wastewater and drinking water. However, in agricultural systems, it can directly or indirectly contribute to nitrogen loss. To elucidate these microbial processes, Hanna’s research focuses on the physiology, genomics, and ecological distribution of the different nitrifying groups. She applies a combination of comparative genomics and targeted physiological assays to uncover novel functional traits and ecological niches of these microorganisms. A comprehensive understanding of these key nitrogen-transforming guilds is essential not only for optimizing biotechnological processes for nitrogen removal but also for developing strategies to mitigate nitrogen loss from soils and enhance sustainability in agroecosystems.
Publications
Kop LFM, Koch H, Speth D, Lüke C, Spieck E, Jetten MSM et al. Comparative genome analysis reveals broad phylogenetic and functional diversity within the order Nitrospirales. ISME Journal. 2025 Jul 22;19(1):wraf151. doi: 10.1093/ismejo/wraf151
Kop LFM, Koch H, Jetten MSM, Daims H, Lücker S. Metabolic and phylogenetic diversity in the phylum Nitrospinota revealed by comparative genome analyses. ISME Communications. 2024 Jan 10;4(1):ycad017. Epub 2024 Jan 10. doi: 10.1093/ismeco/ycad017
Kop LFM, Koch H, Spieck E, van Alen T, Cremers G, Daims H et al. Complete Genome Sequence of Nitrospina watsonii 347, Isolated from the Black Sea. Microbiology resource announcements. 2023 Apr 18;12(4):e0007823. doi: 10.1128/mra.00078-23
Daebeler A, Kitzinger K, Koch H, Herbold C, Steinfeder M, Schwarz J et al. Exploring the upper pH limits of nitrite oxidation: diversity, ecophysiology, and adaptive traits of haloalkalitolerant Nitrospira. ISME Journal. 2020 Dec;14(12):2967-2979. Epub 2020 Jul 24. doi: 10.1038/s41396-020-0724-1
Kitzinger K, Koch H, Lücker S, Sedlacek CJ, Herbold C, Schwarz J et al. Characterization of the First “Candidatus Nitrotoga" Isolate Reveals Metabolic Versatility and Separate Evolution of Widespread Nitrite-Oxidizing Bacteria. mBio. 2018 Jul 10;9(4):e01186-18. doi: 10.1128/mBio.01186-18