Experts from Russia, India, Germany, Israel and Vietnam discuss biogenic-abiogenic interactions in natural and anthropogenic systems

The programme included plenary sessions, seminars and oral and poster sessions on fundamental and applied aspects of biogenic-abiogenic interactions in the lithosphere, biosphere and technosphere.

Scientists from more than 20 cities in Russia delivered 81 reports on different areas of biogenic-abiogenic interactions at the symposium. The participants also included leading international experts in the field of biomineralisation and the development of nature-like materials and medical technologies: Professor Narayana Kalkura (Anna University, Chennai, India), Professor Steve Weiner (Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel), and Professor Wolfgang Schmahl (Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich, Germany).

’What makes this symposium stand out is the interdisciplinary nature of the issues it addresses. In addition to natural science topics, the event covered philosophy and the history of science. The participants discussed a wide range of fundamental and applied topics related to: current trends in the development of integrated scientific research in the field of biogenic-abiogenic interactions in nature; production of nature-like materials and technologies; fundamental and applied aspects of biomineralisation; medical geology; and biogeochemistry to name just a few,’ said Dmitry Vlasov, Professor of St Petersburg University and the Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Symposium.

Professor Vlasov believes that the symposium will contribute to the formation and development of new interdisciplinary research areas, including: biomineralisation under extreme conditions; development of nature-like materials and medical technologies; and biostability and biodegradation of materials.

The issue of biogenic-abiogenic interactions brings together specialists from different fields: Earth sciences, biology, soil and materials science, chemistry, environmental protection, and conservation of cultural heritage monuments.

Dmitry Vlasov, Professor of St Petersburg University and the Chairman of the Organising Committee of the symposium

’This symposium will promote the image and reputation of St Petersburg University among the world’s leading universities. It contributes to solving fundamental scientific problems in scientific and technological development of the Russian Federation in such priority areas as research in social and natural processes, development of nature-like technologies, man-machine systems, climate and ecosystems management,’ said Professor Vlasov.

Dmitry Vlasov presented a report on "Biomineral interactions on the surface of rock art monuments along the banks of the Tom river". Professor Olga Frank-Kamenetskaya, Deputy Chairman of the Symposium Organising Committee, presented a report entitled "An integrated approach to the study of biomineral interactions in biofilms on the stone surface". These reports were first in a series of presentations on the research conducted at St Petersburg University on: the role of microorganisms in the formation of minerals; the use of microorganisms in biotechnology for accumulation of valuable metals; and bioremediation of multiple environments. The research was supported by a grant from the Russian Science Foundation (project № 19-17-00141).

’These reports focus on the role of microorganisms living on the surface of rocks and minerals (microscopic fungi, lichens, bacteria) in the formation of minerals. Researchers from the Institute of Earth Sciences at St Petersburg University (crystallographers and mineralogists) have been working on this issue together with biologists from the University (a group headed by Professor Dmitry Vlasov) for many years. They have developed a complex and original approach to modelling microbial biomineralisation processes. It helped the scientists to progress in understanding the mechanisms of biomineral formation, which can only be observed under an electron microscope. It also helped to apply the accumulated knowledge to solve major practical problems, including: detoxification of industrial waste and soils; and healing of cracks in marble and limestone monuments,’ said Olga Frank-Kamenetskaya, Professor of St Petersburg University and Deputy Chairman of the Symposium Organising Committee.

The year 2022 has been declared the Year of Mineralogy by UNESCO as part of the International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development.