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Welcome to the Reston Microbiology Laboratory!

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Reston Microbiology Laboratory

The RML research team conducts research on the fate of contaminants and nutrients in surface and subsurface environments with the goal of understanding how interactions between microbes and their environment can be used to solve anthropogenic issues. The team has expertise in microbial ecology, biogeochemistry, geomicrobiology, and molecular biology. We combine field observations and laboratory experiments to determine how microbes impact contaminant mitigation, environmental health, energy production, and carbon cycling.

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Department of Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke Visits with Scientists from the Reston Biogeochemical Processes in Groundwater Lab

Publications

Draft genome sequence of Bordetella sp. strain FB-8, isolated from a former uranium mining area in Germany

Here, we present the draft genome sequence of Bordetella sp. strain FB-8, a mixotrophic iron-oxidizing bacterium isolated from creek sediment in the former uranium-mining district of Ronneburg, Germany. To date, iron oxidation has not been reported in Bordetella species, indicating that FB-8 may be an environmentally important Bordetella sp.
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Water Resources, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Reston Microbiology Laboratory

Acetylene-fueled trichloroethene reductive dechlorination in a groundwater enrichment culture

In aquifers, acetylene (C2H2) is a product of abiotic degradation of trichloroethene (TCE) catalyzed by in situ minerals. C2H2 can, in turn, inhibit multiple microbial processes including TCE dechlorination and metabolisms that commonly support dechlorination, in addition to supporting the growth of acetylenotrophic microorganisms. Previously, C2H2 was shown to support TCE reductive dechlorination
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Reston Microbiology Laboratory

Mixotrophic iron-oxidizing Thiomonas isolates from an acid mine drainage-affected creek

Natural attenuation of heavy metals occurs via coupled microbial iron cycling and metal precipitation in creeks impacted by acid mine drainage (AMD). Here, we describe the isolation, characterization, and genomic sequencing of two iron-oxidizing bacteria (FeOB) species: Thiomonas ferrovorans FB-6 and Thiomonas metallidurans FB-Cd, isolated from slightly acidic (pH 6.3), Fe-rich, AMD-impacted creek
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Reston Microbiology Laboratory
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Science

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Dr. Denise Akob giving a laboratory tour

Two Scientists Receive Early Career Excellence in Leadership Award

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 2016 Early Career Excellence in Leadership Award was given to Dr. Denise M. Akob and Dr. Karl B. Haase. Drs. Akob and Haase have demonstrated outstanding leadership through their scientific accomplishments and service to the USGS.
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Ecosystems, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Reston Microbiology Laboratory
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Two Scientists Receive Early Career Excellence in Leadership Award

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 2016 Early Career Excellence in Leadership Award was given to Dr. Denise M. Akob and Dr. Karl B. Haase. Drs. Akob and Haase have demonstrated outstanding leadership through their scientific accomplishments and service to the USGS.
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