Professor Dr. Thomas Ternes stands as a preeminent authority in water quality research and environmental chemistry, currently serving as Department Head of Qualitative Water Science and Research Officer at the Federal Institute of Hydrology in Koblenz, Germany. His distinguished career combines rigorous scientific investigation with strategic leadership in addressing complex water pollution challenges across European river systems. With a background in chemistry, Professor Ternes has established himself as a pivotal figure in developing advanced methodologies for detecting and analyzing organic substances and trace contaminants in aquatic environments. His dual role as both department head and research coordinator positions him at the forefront of national water science policy and innovation.
Professor Ternes has pioneered systematic approaches to identify non-target substances in major European waterways, particularly advancing scientific understanding of chemical transformation processes and ecotoxicological impacts in the Rhine River system. His groundbreaking work on organic extracts from water samples has significantly enhanced detection capabilities for emerging contaminants, providing critical data for environmental risk assessment and regulatory decision-making. Through leadership of EU-funded initiatives such as the Neptune project, his research has illuminated complex chemical interactions in aquatic ecosystems and established new standards for water quality monitoring across institutional and national boundaries. These contributions have fundamentally shaped contemporary approaches to identifying and managing trace substances that threaten water resources.
As Research Officer of the Federal Institute of Hydrology, Professor Ternes strategically directs a comprehensive research portfolio spanning four critical thematic areas including ecosystem biodiversity, ecological water development, and climate change impacts on water systems. He plays an instrumental role in strengthening the Koblenz science region through newly established endowed professorships that cultivate interdisciplinary expertise in water science and management. His commitment to fostering the next generation of water experts addresses urgent challenges from aging infrastructure to emerging pollutants in an era of accelerating environmental change. Professor Ternes continues to champion evidence-based water policy through rigorous scientific investigation, ensuring that the Federal Institute of Hydrology remains a cornerstone of reliable environmental advisory services for German and European water management authorities.
