The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Michigan Bacteriological Research Laboratory (MI-BaRL) conducts ecological studies on the structure and function of eubacterial and archeal communities in the environment. Studies of this type give us basic information about the composition and functionality of different microbial communities and allow us to investigate the effects that natural and anthropogenic contamination have on the microbial ecology of a system. For instance, the dynamics of bacterial community succession in or the response of a community to groundwater contamination can be investigated. Community composition analysis is done using a variety of modern molecular techniques including terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (TRFLP), denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), and 16S rDNA sequencing and phylogenetics. We are also beginning to adapt next generation sequencing and metagenomic approaches to community analysis.
NON-USGS publication is available at:
Reports are available for the following studies:
Spatial and temporal changes in microbial community structure associated with recharge-influenced chemical gradients in a contaminated aquifer
Microbial populations in contaminant plumes
- Overview
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Michigan Bacteriological Research Laboratory (MI-BaRL) conducts ecological studies on the structure and function of eubacterial and archeal communities in the environment. Studies of this type give us basic information about the composition and functionality of different microbial communities and allow us to investigate the effects that natural and anthropogenic contamination have on the microbial ecology of a system. For instance, the dynamics of bacterial community succession in or the response of a community to groundwater contamination can be investigated. Community composition analysis is done using a variety of modern molecular techniques including terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (TRFLP), denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), and 16S rDNA sequencing and phylogenetics. We are also beginning to adapt next generation sequencing and metagenomic approaches to community analysis.
NON-USGS publication is available at:
- Publications
Reports are available for the following studies:
Spatial and temporal changes in microbial community structure associated with recharge-influenced chemical gradients in a contaminated aquifer
In a contaminated water‐table aquifer, we related microbial community structure on aquifer sediments to gradients in 24 geochemical and contaminant variables at five depths, under three recharge conditions. Community amplified ribsosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) using universal 16S rDNA primers and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) using bacterial 16S rDNA primers indicated: (AuthorsS.K. Haack, L.R. Fogarty, T.G. West, E.W. Alm, J.T. McGuire, D.T. Long, D.W. Hyndman, L.J. ForneyMicrobial populations in contaminant plumes
Efficient biodegradation of subsurface contaminants requires two elements: (1) microbial populations with the necessary degradative capabilities, and (2) favorable subsurface geochemical and hydrological conditions. Practical constraints on experimental design and interpretation in both the hydrogeological and microbiological sciences have resulted in limited knowledge of the interaction between hAuthorsS.K. Haack, B.A. Bekins