BioReD: Biomarkers and Tools for Reductive Dechlorination Site Assessment, Monitoring, and Management
ER-1586
Objective
Microarray technology, FISH, and quantitative real-time PCR will be used for biomarker gene identification and enumeration.
Reductive dechlorination plays a major role in the transformation and detoxification of chlorinated ethenes, and the application of molecular biological tools (MBT) has already impacted site assessment and bioremediation monitoring at many Department of Defense (DoD) sites. Unfortunately, the current tools have limitations and provide an incomplete picture of the reductively dechlorinating bacterial community. Thus, the value of the analysis is limited, and site management decisions remain an empirical practice rather than having predictable science as their basis. To more accurately assess, predict, monitor, and manage reductive dechlorination processes at contaminated DoD sites, novel reductive dechlorination biomarker genes must be identified and MBTs and approaches developed that improve the understanding of target gene presence, abundance, and expression, and thus, contaminant detoxification.
This project will identify biomarkers and develop a suite of nucleic acid-based tools for site assessment and bioremediation monitoring, with an accompanying guidance protocol for tools application and results interpretation.
Technical Approach
MBT application supports rapid site assessment and provides crucial information for efficient implementation and management of in situ bioremediation at chlorinated solvent sites. Unfortunately, the current MBTs fail to describe the chlorinated ethene-dehlorinating community and the reductive dechlorination process in sufficient detail. Through a collaborative effort involving the University of Toronto, the Technical University Munich, and the Georgia Institute of Technology, this project will (1) characterize reductively dechlorinating cultures; (2) identify reductive dechlorination biomarkers; (3) design polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for sensitive, specific, and quantitative detection of biomarker genes and their transcripts; (4) correlate gene-to-transcript abundance ratios with dechlorination activity to provide in situ rate estimates; (5) design and apply enhanced fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) approaches for visualizing organisms carrying key biomarker genes or transcripts; and (6) subsequently validate these tools at bioremediation field sites. The resulting BioReD technology will provide a comprehensive suite of prognostic and diagnostic tools to describe the presence, abundance, and activity of key bacteria contributing to chlorinated ethene detoxification. In consultation with industry partners, the research team will develop a guidance document for BioReD technology application and results interpretation to facilitate rapid transition to the field and the commercial sector.
Benefits
BioReD technology will allow for more efficient resource allocation to sites amenable to bioremediation technologies, promote science-based site management that achieves contaminant removal and plume control in the most efficient manner, endorse widespread implementation of monitored natural attenuation and enhanced bioremediation approaches, facilitate regulatory acceptance, and promote site closures. Further, the tools and knowledge generated will benefit the scientific community exploring the distribution and ecology of reductively dechlorinating organisms, elucidate the evolution of the reductive dechlorination process, and shed light on the relevance of lateral gene transfer on the dissemination of key biomarker genes. (Anticipated Project Completion – 2011)
Points of Contact
Principal Investigator
Dr. Frank Löffler
Georgia Institute of Technology
Phone: 404-894-0279
Fax: 404-894-8266
Document Types
- Fact Sheet - Brief project summary with links to related documents and points of contact.
- Final Report - Comprehensive report for every completed SERDP and ESTCP project that contains all technical results.
- Cost & Performance Report - Overview of ESTCP demonstration activities, results, and conclusions, standardized to facilitate implementation decisions.
- Technical Report - Additional interim reports, laboratory reports, demonstration reports, and technology survey reports.
- Guidance - Instructional information on technical topics such as protocols and user’s guides.
- Workshop Report - Summary of workshop discussion and findings.
- Multimedia - On demand videos, animations, and webcasts highlighting featured initiatives or technologies.
- Model/Software - Computer programs and applications available for download.
- Database - Digitally organized collection of data available to search and access.