Dr Agnieszka Dybowska

Dr Agnieszka Dybowska

Postdoctoral Researcher, DIF

Department: Earth Sciences
Division: ES Mineral and Planetary Sciences Division
Phone: 02079425651 5651

Summary

I am an environmental chemist with research experience in the areas of experimental geochemistry, in particular contaminated site investigation and remediation, environmental sampling, sample preparation and analysis, statistical analysis of large datasets and environmental nanoscience, in particular detection, tracing and characterization of engineered and natural nanoparticles. My work so far focused on chemistry of environmental pollutants, their detection in the environment, interactions within the environment, potential impact on the environment and human health and clean up technologies. I have researched arsenic, heavy metals and engineered nanoparticles, tackling a variety of research questions: What is the mechanism of natural arsenic immobilization in soils in South-West England and what implications this process may have for tackling wide-spread arsenic pollution problems in other parts of the world? Can waste by-products be effectively used to clean up toxic metals at contaminated sites? How does the reactivity of materials change at the nanoscale and what implications this may have for the environment and human health, following increasing use of such materials.

Currently, I am applying skills gained in bulk and spatially resolved (from the micro- to the nano-scale) mineral and chemical analysis of natural and synthetic materials to explore geochemistry of cobalt, an essential element for life and strategic, technology enabling metal. This work is undertaken within the framework of NERC funded COG3 project which aims to develop innovative biotechnology based Co processing and leaching techniques. More information about the project can be found here: http://www.nhm.ac.uk/our-science/our-work/sustainability/cog3-cobalt-project.html

Qualifications

    Degrees

  • BSc, MSc, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Poland
  • PhD, Imperial College London, United Kingdom

Publications

Laycock A, Diez-Ortiz M, Larner F, Dybowska A, Spurgeon D, Valsami-Jones E, Rehkämper M, Svendsen C (2016) Earthworm Uptake Routes and Rates of Ionic Zn and ZnO Nanoparticles at Realistic Concentrations, Traced Using Stable Isotope Labeling. Environmental Science & Technology, 50 (1) : 412 - 419. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5b03413

Wyrwoll AJ, Lautenschläger P, Bach A, Hellack B, Dybowska A, Kuhlbusch TAJ, Hollert H, Schäffer A, Maes HM (2016) Size matters – The phototoxicity of TiO2 nanomaterials. Environmental Pollution, 208 : 859 - 867. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2015.10.035

Thit A, Dybowska A, Købler C, Kennaway G, Selck H (2015) Influence of copper oxide nanoparticle shape on bioaccumulation, cellular internalization and effects in the estuarine sediment-dwelling polychaete, Nereis diversicolor. Marine Environmental Research, 111 : 89 - 98. doi: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2015.06.009

Mouneyrac C, Buffet P-E, Poirier L, Zalouk-Vergnoux A, Guibbolini M, Faverney CR-D, Gilliland D, Berhanu D, Dybowska A, Châtel A, Perrein-Ettajni H, Pan J-F, Thomas-Guyon H, Reip P, Valsami-Jones E (2014) Fate and effects of metal-based nanoparticles in two marine invertebrates, the bivalve mollusc Scrobicularia plana and the annelid polychaete Hediste diversicolor. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 21 (13) : 7899 - 7912. doi: 10.1007/s11356-014-2745-7

Laycock A, Stolpe B, Römer I, Dybowska A, Valsami-Jones E, Lead JR, Rehkämper M (null) Synthesis and characterization of isotopically labeled silver nanoparticles for tracing studies. Environ. Sci.: Nano, 1 (3) : 271 - 283. doi: 10.1039/c3en00100h

Khan FR, Kennaway GM, Croteau M-N, Dybowska A, Smith BD, Nogueira AJA, Rainbow PS, Luoma SN, Valsami-Jones E (2014) In vivo retention of ingested Au NPs by Daphnia magna: No evidence for trans-epithelial alimentary uptake. Chemosphere, 100 : 97 - 104. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.12.051

Misra SK, Nuseibeh S, Dybowska A, Berhanu D, Tetley TD, Valsami-Jones E (2014) Comparative study using spheres, rods and spindle-shaped nanoplatelets on dispersion stability, dissolution and toxicity of CuO nanomaterials. Nanotoxicology, 8 (4) : 422 - 432. doi: 10.3109/17435390.2013.796017

Buffet P-E, Richard M, Caupos F, Vergnoux A, Perrein-Ettajani H, Luna-Acosta A, Akcha F, Amiard J-C, Amiard-Triquet C, Guibbolini M, Risso-De Faverney C, Thomas-Guyon H, Reip P, Dybowska A, Berhanu D, Valsami-Jones E, Mouneyrac C (null) A Mesocosm Study of Fate and Effects of CuO Nanoparticles on Endobenthic Species (Scrobicularia plana, Hediste diversicolor). Environmental Science & Technology, 130110104824003 - 130110104824003. doi: 10.1021/es303513r

Hole P, Sillence K, Hannell C, Maguire CM, Roesslein M, Suarez G, Capracotta S, Magdolenova Z, Horev-Azaria L, Dybowska A, Cooke L, Haase A, Contal S, Manø S, Vennemann A, Sauvain J-J, Staunton KC, Anguissola S, Luch A, Dusinska M, Korenstein R, Gutleb AC, Wiemann M, Prina-Mello A, Riediker M, Wick P (2013) Interlaboratory comparison of size measurements on nanoparticles using nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Journal of Nanoparticle Research, 15 (12) : doi: 10.1007/s11051-013-2101-8

Khan FR, Laycock A, Dybowska A, Larner F, Smith BD, Rainbow PS, Luoma SN, Rehkämper M, Valsami-Jones E (2013) Stable Isotope Tracer To Determine Uptake and Efflux Dynamics of ZnO Nano- and Bulk Particles and Dissolved Zn to an Estuarine Snail. Environmental Science & Technology, 47 (15) : 8532 - 8539. doi: 10.1021/es4011465

Okoturo-Evans O, Dybowska A, Valsami-Jones E, Cupitt J, Gierula M, Boobis AR, Edwards RJ (null) Elucidation of Toxicity Pathways in Lung Epithelial Cells Induced by Silicon Dioxide Nanoparticles. PLoS ONE, 8 (9) : e72363 - e72363. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072363

Pang C, Selck H, Banta GT, Misra SK, Berhanu D, Dybowska A, Valsami-Jones E, Forbes VE (2013) Bioaccumulation, toxicokinetics, and effects of copper from sediment spiked with aqueous Cu, nano-CuO, or micro-CuO in the deposit-feeding snail,Potamopyrgus antipodarum. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, n/a - n/a. doi: 10.1002/etc.2216

Buffet P-E, Amiard-Triquet C, Dybowska A, Risso-de Faverney C, Guibbolini M, Valsami-Jones E, Mouneyrac C (2012) Fate of isotopically labeled zinc oxide nanoparticles in sediment and effects on two endobenthic species, the clam Scrobicularia plana and the ragworm Hediste diversicolor. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 84 : 191 - 198. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2012.07.010

Diedrich T, Dybowska A, Schott J, Valsami-Jones E, Oelkers EH (2012) The Dissolution Rates of SiO2 Nanoparticles As a Function of Particle Size. Environmental Science & Technology, 46 (9) : 4909 - 4915. doi: 10.1021/es2045053

Larner F, Dogra Y, Dybowska A, Fabrega J, Stolpe B, Bridgestock LJ, Goodhead R, Weiss DJ, Moger J, Lead JR, Valsami-Jones E, Tyler CR, Galloway TS, Rehkämper M (2012) Tracing Bioavailability of ZnO Nanoparticles Using Stable Isotope Labeling. Environmental Science & Technology, 46 (21) : 12137 - 12145. doi: 10.1021/es302602j

Misra SK, Dybowska A, Berhanu D, Croteau MN, Luoma SN, Boccaccini AR, Valsami-Jones E (2012) Isotopically Modified Nanoparticles for Enhanced Detection in Bioaccumulation Studies. Environmental Science & Technology, 46 (2) : 1216 - 1222. doi: 10.1021/es2039757

Misra SK, Dybowska A, Berhanu D, Luoma SN, Valsami-Jones E (2012) The complexity of nanoparticle dissolution and its importance in nanotoxicological studies. Science of The Total Environment, 438 : 225 - 232. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.08.066

Pang C, Selck H, Misra SK, Berhanu D, Dybowska A, Valsami-Jones E, Forbes VE (2012) Effects of sediment-associated copper to the deposit-feeding snail, Potamopyrgus antipodarum: A comparison of Cu added in aqueous form or as nano- and micro-CuO particles. Aquatic Toxicology, 106-107 : 114 - 122. doi: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2011.10.005

Luoma SN, Croteau M-N, Dybowska A, Misra S, Guo T, Rainbow PS, Valsami-Jones E (2010) Quantitative assessment of the bioavailability and toxicity of nanometal particles in aquatic environments: New methodologies. GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA 74 (12) : A644 - A644.

Dybowska AD, Berhanu D, Misra S, Croteau MN, Luoma SN, Valsami-Jones E (2009) Synthesis, reactivity testing and isotopic labelling of ZnO nanoparticles. GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA, 73 (13) : A317 - A317.

Misra SK, Dybowska AD, Berhanu D, Boccaccini AR, Luoma SN, Plant JA, Valsami-Jones E (2009) The solubility and reactivity of silica nanoparticles. GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA, 73 (13) : A886 - A886.

Berhanu D, Dybowska A, Misra SK, Stanley CJ, Ruenraroengsak P, Boccaccini AR, Tetley TD, Luoma SN, Plant JA, Valsami-Jones E (2009) Characterisation of carbon nanotubes in the context of toxicity studies. Environmental Health, 8 (S1) : doi: 10.1186/1476-069x-8-s1-s3

Dybowska A, Manning DAC, Collins MJ, Wess T, Woodgate S, Valsami-Jones E (2009) An evaluation of the reactivity of synthetic and natural apatites in the presence of aqueous metals. Science of The Total Environment, 407 (8) : 2953 - 2965. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2008.12.053

Garelick H, Jones H, Dybowska A, Valsami-Jones E (2009) Arsenic Pollution Sources. null, 17 - 60. doi: 10.1007/978-0-387-79284-2_2

Valsami-Jones E, Berhanu D, Dybowska A, Misra S, Boccaccini AR, Tetley TD, Luoma SN, Plant JA (2008) Nanomaterial synthesis and characterization for toxicological studies: TiO2 case study. Mineralogical Magazine, 72 (1) : 515 - 519. doi: 10.1180/minmag.2008.072.1.515

Dybowska AD, Valsami-Jones E, Manning DAC (2007) The reactivity of raw and incinerated mammalian bone in the presence of aqueous metals. GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA, 71 (15) : A246 - A246.

Dybowska A, Farago M, Valsami-Jones E, Thornton I (2006) Remediation Strategies for Historical Mining and Smelting Sites. Science Progress, 89 (2) : 71 - 138. doi: 10.3184/003685006783238344

Dybowska A, Farago M, Valsami-Jones E, Thornton I (2005) Operationally defined associations of arsenic and copper from soil and mine waste in south-west England. Chemical Speciation & Bioavailability, 17 (4) : 147 - 160. doi: 10.3184/095422906783438811

Garelick H, Dybowska A, Valsami-Jones E, Priest N (2005) Remediation Technologies for Arsenic Contaminated Drinking Waters (9 pp). Journal of Soils and Sediments, 5 (3) : 182 - 190. doi: 10.1065/jss2005.06.140

Dybowska A, Farago ME, Valsami-Jones E, Thornton I (2004) Remediation of As and Cu contaminated site in SW England - initial investigations. GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA 68 (11) : A529 - A529.

Introduction

Summary

I am an environmental chemist with research experience in the areas of experimental geochemistry, in particular contaminated site investigation and remediation, environmental sampling, sample preparation and analysis, statistical analysis of large datasets and environmental nanoscience, in particular detection, tracing and characterization of engineered and natural nanoparticles. My work so far focused on chemistry of environmental pollutants, their detection in the environment, interactions within the environment, potential impact on the environment and human health and clean up technologies. I have researched arsenic, heavy metals and engineered nanoparticles, tackling a variety of research questions: What is the mechanism of natural arsenic immobilization in soils in South-West England and what implications this process may have for tackling wide-spread arsenic pollution problems in other parts of the world? Can waste by-products be effectively used to clean up toxic metals at contaminated sites? How does the reactivity of materials change at the nanoscale and what implications this may have for the environment and human health, following increasing use of such materials.

Currently, I am applying skills gained in bulk and spatially resolved (from the micro- to the nano-scale) mineral and chemical analysis of natural and synthetic materials to explore geochemistry of cobalt, an essential element for life and strategic, technology enabling metal. This work is undertaken within the framework of NERC funded COG3 project which aims to develop innovative biotechnology based Co processing and leaching techniques. More information about the project can be found here: http://www.nhm.ac.uk/our-science/our-work/sustainability/cog3-cobalt-project.html

Qualifications

    Degrees

  • BSc, MSc, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Poland
  • PhD, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
Publications

Publications

Laycock A, Diez-Ortiz M, Larner F, Dybowska A, Spurgeon D, Valsami-Jones E, Rehkämper M, Svendsen C (2016) Earthworm Uptake Routes and Rates of Ionic Zn and ZnO Nanoparticles at Realistic Concentrations, Traced Using Stable Isotope Labeling. Environmental Science & Technology, 50 (1) : 412 - 419. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5b03413

Wyrwoll AJ, Lautenschläger P, Bach A, Hellack B, Dybowska A, Kuhlbusch TAJ, Hollert H, Schäffer A, Maes HM (2016) Size matters – The phototoxicity of TiO2 nanomaterials. Environmental Pollution, 208 : 859 - 867. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2015.10.035

Thit A, Dybowska A, Købler C, Kennaway G, Selck H (2015) Influence of copper oxide nanoparticle shape on bioaccumulation, cellular internalization and effects in the estuarine sediment-dwelling polychaete, Nereis diversicolor. Marine Environmental Research, 111 : 89 - 98. doi: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2015.06.009

Mouneyrac C, Buffet P-E, Poirier L, Zalouk-Vergnoux A, Guibbolini M, Faverney CR-D, Gilliland D, Berhanu D, Dybowska A, Châtel A, Perrein-Ettajni H, Pan J-F, Thomas-Guyon H, Reip P, Valsami-Jones E (2014) Fate and effects of metal-based nanoparticles in two marine invertebrates, the bivalve mollusc Scrobicularia plana and the annelid polychaete Hediste diversicolor. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 21 (13) : 7899 - 7912. doi: 10.1007/s11356-014-2745-7

Laycock A, Stolpe B, Römer I, Dybowska A, Valsami-Jones E, Lead JR, Rehkämper M (null) Synthesis and characterization of isotopically labeled silver nanoparticles for tracing studies. Environ. Sci.: Nano, 1 (3) : 271 - 283. doi: 10.1039/c3en00100h

Khan FR, Kennaway GM, Croteau M-N, Dybowska A, Smith BD, Nogueira AJA, Rainbow PS, Luoma SN, Valsami-Jones E (2014) In vivo retention of ingested Au NPs by Daphnia magna: No evidence for trans-epithelial alimentary uptake. Chemosphere, 100 : 97 - 104. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.12.051

Misra SK, Nuseibeh S, Dybowska A, Berhanu D, Tetley TD, Valsami-Jones E (2014) Comparative study using spheres, rods and spindle-shaped nanoplatelets on dispersion stability, dissolution and toxicity of CuO nanomaterials. Nanotoxicology, 8 (4) : 422 - 432. doi: 10.3109/17435390.2013.796017

Buffet P-E, Richard M, Caupos F, Vergnoux A, Perrein-Ettajani H, Luna-Acosta A, Akcha F, Amiard J-C, Amiard-Triquet C, Guibbolini M, Risso-De Faverney C, Thomas-Guyon H, Reip P, Dybowska A, Berhanu D, Valsami-Jones E, Mouneyrac C (null) A Mesocosm Study of Fate and Effects of CuO Nanoparticles on Endobenthic Species (Scrobicularia plana, Hediste diversicolor). Environmental Science & Technology, 130110104824003 - 130110104824003. doi: 10.1021/es303513r

Hole P, Sillence K, Hannell C, Maguire CM, Roesslein M, Suarez G, Capracotta S, Magdolenova Z, Horev-Azaria L, Dybowska A, Cooke L, Haase A, Contal S, Manø S, Vennemann A, Sauvain J-J, Staunton KC, Anguissola S, Luch A, Dusinska M, Korenstein R, Gutleb AC, Wiemann M, Prina-Mello A, Riediker M, Wick P (2013) Interlaboratory comparison of size measurements on nanoparticles using nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Journal of Nanoparticle Research, 15 (12) : doi: 10.1007/s11051-013-2101-8

Khan FR, Laycock A, Dybowska A, Larner F, Smith BD, Rainbow PS, Luoma SN, Rehkämper M, Valsami-Jones E (2013) Stable Isotope Tracer To Determine Uptake and Efflux Dynamics of ZnO Nano- and Bulk Particles and Dissolved Zn to an Estuarine Snail. Environmental Science & Technology, 47 (15) : 8532 - 8539. doi: 10.1021/es4011465

Okoturo-Evans O, Dybowska A, Valsami-Jones E, Cupitt J, Gierula M, Boobis AR, Edwards RJ (null) Elucidation of Toxicity Pathways in Lung Epithelial Cells Induced by Silicon Dioxide Nanoparticles. PLoS ONE, 8 (9) : e72363 - e72363. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072363

Pang C, Selck H, Banta GT, Misra SK, Berhanu D, Dybowska A, Valsami-Jones E, Forbes VE (2013) Bioaccumulation, toxicokinetics, and effects of copper from sediment spiked with aqueous Cu, nano-CuO, or micro-CuO in the deposit-feeding snail,Potamopyrgus antipodarum. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, n/a - n/a. doi: 10.1002/etc.2216

Buffet P-E, Amiard-Triquet C, Dybowska A, Risso-de Faverney C, Guibbolini M, Valsami-Jones E, Mouneyrac C (2012) Fate of isotopically labeled zinc oxide nanoparticles in sediment and effects on two endobenthic species, the clam Scrobicularia plana and the ragworm Hediste diversicolor. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 84 : 191 - 198. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2012.07.010

Diedrich T, Dybowska A, Schott J, Valsami-Jones E, Oelkers EH (2012) The Dissolution Rates of SiO2 Nanoparticles As a Function of Particle Size. Environmental Science & Technology, 46 (9) : 4909 - 4915. doi: 10.1021/es2045053

Larner F, Dogra Y, Dybowska A, Fabrega J, Stolpe B, Bridgestock LJ, Goodhead R, Weiss DJ, Moger J, Lead JR, Valsami-Jones E, Tyler CR, Galloway TS, Rehkämper M (2012) Tracing Bioavailability of ZnO Nanoparticles Using Stable Isotope Labeling. Environmental Science & Technology, 46 (21) : 12137 - 12145. doi: 10.1021/es302602j

Misra SK, Dybowska A, Berhanu D, Croteau MN, Luoma SN, Boccaccini AR, Valsami-Jones E (2012) Isotopically Modified Nanoparticles for Enhanced Detection in Bioaccumulation Studies. Environmental Science & Technology, 46 (2) : 1216 - 1222. doi: 10.1021/es2039757

Misra SK, Dybowska A, Berhanu D, Luoma SN, Valsami-Jones E (2012) The complexity of nanoparticle dissolution and its importance in nanotoxicological studies. Science of The Total Environment, 438 : 225 - 232. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.08.066

Pang C, Selck H, Misra SK, Berhanu D, Dybowska A, Valsami-Jones E, Forbes VE (2012) Effects of sediment-associated copper to the deposit-feeding snail, Potamopyrgus antipodarum: A comparison of Cu added in aqueous form or as nano- and micro-CuO particles. Aquatic Toxicology, 106-107 : 114 - 122. doi: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2011.10.005

Luoma SN, Croteau M-N, Dybowska A, Misra S, Guo T, Rainbow PS, Valsami-Jones E (2010) Quantitative assessment of the bioavailability and toxicity of nanometal particles in aquatic environments: New methodologies. GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA 74 (12) : A644 - A644.

Dybowska AD, Berhanu D, Misra S, Croteau MN, Luoma SN, Valsami-Jones E (2009) Synthesis, reactivity testing and isotopic labelling of ZnO nanoparticles. GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA, 73 (13) : A317 - A317.

Misra SK, Dybowska AD, Berhanu D, Boccaccini AR, Luoma SN, Plant JA, Valsami-Jones E (2009) The solubility and reactivity of silica nanoparticles. GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA, 73 (13) : A886 - A886.

Berhanu D, Dybowska A, Misra SK, Stanley CJ, Ruenraroengsak P, Boccaccini AR, Tetley TD, Luoma SN, Plant JA, Valsami-Jones E (2009) Characterisation of carbon nanotubes in the context of toxicity studies. Environmental Health, 8 (S1) : doi: 10.1186/1476-069x-8-s1-s3

Dybowska A, Manning DAC, Collins MJ, Wess T, Woodgate S, Valsami-Jones E (2009) An evaluation of the reactivity of synthetic and natural apatites in the presence of aqueous metals. Science of The Total Environment, 407 (8) : 2953 - 2965. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2008.12.053

Garelick H, Jones H, Dybowska A, Valsami-Jones E (2009) Arsenic Pollution Sources. null, 17 - 60. doi: 10.1007/978-0-387-79284-2_2

Valsami-Jones E, Berhanu D, Dybowska A, Misra S, Boccaccini AR, Tetley TD, Luoma SN, Plant JA (2008) Nanomaterial synthesis and characterization for toxicological studies: TiO2 case study. Mineralogical Magazine, 72 (1) : 515 - 519. doi: 10.1180/minmag.2008.072.1.515

Dybowska AD, Valsami-Jones E, Manning DAC (2007) The reactivity of raw and incinerated mammalian bone in the presence of aqueous metals. GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA, 71 (15) : A246 - A246.

Dybowska A, Farago M, Valsami-Jones E, Thornton I (2006) Remediation Strategies for Historical Mining and Smelting Sites. Science Progress, 89 (2) : 71 - 138. doi: 10.3184/003685006783238344

Dybowska A, Farago M, Valsami-Jones E, Thornton I (2005) Operationally defined associations of arsenic and copper from soil and mine waste in south-west England. Chemical Speciation & Bioavailability, 17 (4) : 147 - 160. doi: 10.3184/095422906783438811

Garelick H, Dybowska A, Valsami-Jones E, Priest N (2005) Remediation Technologies for Arsenic Contaminated Drinking Waters (9 pp). Journal of Soils and Sediments, 5 (3) : 182 - 190. doi: 10.1065/jss2005.06.140

Dybowska A, Farago ME, Valsami-Jones E, Thornton I (2004) Remediation of As and Cu contaminated site in SW England - initial investigations. GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA 68 (11) : A529 - A529.