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
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: