Mikhail Louw

Mikhail’s research focuses on plant–microbiome interactions in metal-contaminated ecosystems, with particular emphasis on lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) accumulation in Restio species within degraded Cape Floristic Region wetlands. His current work investigates the spatial and taxonomic distribution of metal accumulation alongside the diversity and structure of root-associated microbial communities, with the aim of determining whether microbial composition predicts plant metal tolerance phenotypes. Mikhail is interested in how microbial community diversity and function influence plant adaptation to environmental stressors, particularly in ecologically sensitive systems. His research contributes to developing microbiome-informed indicators of ecosystem health and resilience in metal-impacted landscapes.