Biography and expertise
Biography
Dirk Erler’s research is broadly divided along two lines: understanding aquatic nutrient cycling in natural systems, and developing strategies to improve nutrient/energy recovery in engineered systems.
Dirk is a member of SCU's Research Clusters:
- ZeroWaste
Dirk's work contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals
Research
Dirk's pure research involves understanding nutrient cycling processes in natural and engineered systems, including: use of stable isotopes to quantify novel N cycling pathways, understanding greenhouse gas dynamics, and using stable isotopes for paleobiogeochemical reconstructions. His applied research focusses on finding solutions to industry related nutrient and aquatic pollution issues which builds on concepts of sustainability and the circular economy.
Supervision
Dirk is actively supervising undergraduate and postgraduate researchers.
Teaching
Unit assessor for Aquatic Science and Catchment Management, and Water and Wastewater Engineering.