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Denise M. Akob, Ph.D.

Denise Akob is a Research Microbiologist for the USGS Geology, Energy & Minerals (GEM) Science Center in Reston, VA.

Dr. Denise M. Akob is a microbial ecologist and biogeochemist whose research aims to understand interactions between microbes and their environment and address effects of anthropogenic contaminants on environmental health and water quality. Her research focuses primarily on understanding microbial impacts on Cold War Biogeochemistry (uranium and chlorinated solvent contamination); energy production (either by mitigating degradation of contaminants (from hydraulic fracturing or oil spills) or by enhancing natural gas production); and carbon cycling. Dr. Akob joined the U.S. Geological Survey in 2012 as a research scientist in the Water Mission Area, and move to the Geology, Energy, and Minerals Science Center in 2020. For more information, please visit the Reston Microbiology Lab website.

Professional Experience

  • Research Microbiologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Geology, Energy, & Minerals Science Center, Reston Microbiology Laboratory, 2020-current

  • Affiliated Professor, Department of Biology at George Mason University, 2017-current

  • Affiliated Professor, Department of Geology, Appalachian State University, 2017-current

  • Affiliated Professor, Department of Geography and Planning, Appalachian State University, 2016-current

  • Affiliated Professor, Environmental Science and Policy Department at George Mason University, 2013-current

  • Research Microbiologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Water Mission Area, Reston Microbiology Laboratory, 2012-2020

  • Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Friedrich-Schiller University Jena, 2010-2012

  • Marie Curie Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Friedrich-Schiller University Jena, 2008-2010

Education and Certifications

  • Ph.D. 2008, Florida State University, Department of Oceanography, Advisor: Dr. Joel E. Kostka

  • B.A. 2002, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Major: Biology

Affiliations and Memberships*

  • Chair, 2025 Applied and Environmental Microbiology Gordon Research Conference

  • Chair, American Society for Microbiology’s Council on Microbial Sciences (COMS), 2023-2024

  • Vice Chair, American Society for Microbiology’s Council on Microbial Sciences (COMS), 2022-2023

  • Vice Chair, 2023 Applied and Environmental Microbiology Gordon Research Conference

  • Editorial Board Member, FEMS Microbiology Ecology, 2016-present

  • Editorial Board Member, Applied and Environmental Microbiology, January 1, 2018-present

  • Editorial Board Member, ISME Communications, 2020-present

  • Associate Editor, Biogeosciences, 2016-2023

  • Councilor, Washington, D.C. Branch of the American Society for Microbiology, 2021-2022

  • President, Washington, D.C. Branch of the American Society for Microbiology, 2019-2021

  • President-Elect, Washington, D.C. Branch of the American Society for Microbiology, 2017-2019

  • USGS Community for Data Integration’s Bioinformatics Community of Practice, co-organizer, 2017-present

  • USGS Eastern Water Science Series, co-organizer, 2017-present

  • Applied and Environmental Microbiology Gordon Research Seminar Mentor, July 15-16, 2017

  • USGS NRP-EB Weekly Science Series, co-organizer (2013-2017)

  • Geobiology Theme Chair, Goldschmidt 2015 25th Anniversary Meeting

  • Co-Chair for Session T50. Microbial Hydrocarbon Formation and Biodegradation: Organisms, Pathways, Environmental Limitations, and Isotope Signatures, 2015 Geological Society of America Annual Meeting

Honors and Awards

  • USGS Early Career Leadership Award, 2017

Science and Products

USGS scientist collecting water samples on a wastewater disposal facility

Examining Shifts in Stream Microbial Communities Exposed to Oil and Gas Wastewaters

Shifts in the overall microbial community structure were present in stream sediments that contained chemicals associated with unconventional oil and gas wastewaters. This work is part of a long-term study designed to understand persistence of chemicals from oil and gas wastewaters in sediments and water and how those factors might be related to exposures and adverse health effects, if any, on...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology
Examining Shifts in Stream Microbial Communities Exposed to Oil and Gas Wastewaters

Examining Shifts in Stream Microbial Communities Exposed to Oil and Gas Wastewaters

Shifts in the overall microbial community structure were present in stream sediments that contained chemicals associated with unconventional oil and gas wastewaters. This work is part of a long-term study designed to understand persistence of chemicals from oil and gas wastewaters in sediments and water and how those factors might be related to exposures and adverse health effects, if any, on...
Learn More
Tanker truck sits in from of several large tanks holding wastewater.

Indication of Unconventional Oil and Gas Wastewaters Found in Local Surface Waters

Evidence indicating the presence of wastewaters from unconventional oil and gas (UOG) production was found in surface waters and surficial sediments near an UOG disposal facility in West Virginia.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology
Indication of Unconventional Oil and Gas Wastewaters Found in Local Surface Waters

Indication of Unconventional Oil and Gas Wastewaters Found in Local Surface Waters

Evidence indicating the presence of wastewaters from unconventional oil and gas (UOG) production was found in surface waters and surficial sediments near an UOG disposal facility in West Virginia.
Learn More
Anaerobic microbial cultures from shale gas production waters

Microbiology and Chemistry of Waters Produced from Hydraulic Fracking—A Case Study

A new U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) study determined that the microbiology and organic chemistry of produced waters varied widely among hydraulically fractured shale gas wells in north-central Pennsylvania.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology
Microbiology and Chemistry of Waters Produced from Hydraulic Fracking—A Case Study

Microbiology and Chemistry of Waters Produced from Hydraulic Fracking—A Case Study

A new U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) study determined that the microbiology and organic chemistry of produced waters varied widely among hydraulically fractured shale gas wells in north-central Pennsylvania.
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 17

Microbial community analyses of groundwater collected during an enhanced bioremediation experiment of trichlorethylene in a fractured rock aquifer, West Trenton, NJ (2008-2015) Microbial community analyses of groundwater collected during an enhanced bioremediation experiment of trichlorethylene in a fractured rock aquifer, West Trenton, NJ (2008-2015)

These datasets contain microbial community data from groundwater samples collected at an in situ bioremediation site located at the former Naval Air Warfare Center (NAWC), West Trenton, NJ. DNA was extracted from groundwater samples collected from monitoring wells at the NAWC study site from July 2008 through July 2015 and analyzed for microbial community structure. Sample collection...
By
Water Resources Mission Area

Microbial Populations in PFHxSAm (perfluorohexane sulfonamido propyl amine) Biodegradation Microcosms Microbial Populations in PFHxSAm (perfluorohexane sulfonamido propyl amine) Biodegradation Microcosms

Water resources around the world are contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) due to releases from point sources on military installations, fire training centers, and chemical manufacturing sites. Non-point sources have also been identified including wastewater effluent, landfills, and biosolids application. PFAS are a major concern to myriad stakeholders as some are...
By
Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center

Microbial Community Composition Data from Blacktail Creek near Williston, North Dakota Microbial Community Composition Data from Blacktail Creek near Williston, North Dakota

A large spill of wastewater from oil and gas operations was discovered adjacent to Blacktail Creek near Williston, North Dakota in January 2015. To determine the effects of this spill on streambed microbial communities over time, bed sediment samples were taken from Blacktail Creek upstream, adjacent to, and at several locations downstream from the spill site. Blacktail Creek is a...
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology

Data on the Effects of Oil and Gas Wastewater Components on Microbial Community Structure and Function Data on the Effects of Oil and Gas Wastewater Components on Microbial Community Structure and Function

Oil and gas (OG) wastewaters are commonly disposed of by underground injection and previous research showed that activities at a disposal facility in West Virginia affected stream biogeochemistry and sediment microbial communities downstream from the facility. Microorganisms can control the fate and transport of organic and inorganic components of OG wastewater highlighting the need to
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Energy Resources Program, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Data on the Enrichment and Isolation of the Acetylenotrophic and Diazotrophic Isolate Bradyrhizobium sp. strain I71 (ver 2.0, September 2022) Data on the Enrichment and Isolation of the Acetylenotrophic and Diazotrophic Isolate Bradyrhizobium sp. strain I71 (ver 2.0, September 2022)

Acetylene (C2H2) is a molecule rarely found in nature, with few known natural sources, but acetylenotrophic microorganisms can use acetylene as their primary carbon and energy source. As of 2018 there were 15 known strains of aerobic and anaerobic acetylenotrophs, however we hypothesized that there may be yet unrecognized diversity of acetylenotrophs in nature. In this study, we expanded...
By
Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Reston Microbiology Laboratory

Acetylene Consumption and Dechlorination by a Groundwater Microbial Enrichment Culture Acetylene Consumption and Dechlorination by a Groundwater Microbial Enrichment Culture

This study aimed to (1) enrich microbial acetylenotrophs from trichloroethylene (TCE) contaminated groundwater and (2) evaluate whether these enrichments could degrade TCE coupled to acetylene degradation. Acetylenotrophs are microorganisms that use acetylene as their carbon and energy source. TCE contaminated groundwater was collected from wells at the Naval Air Warfare Center (NAWC) in...
By
Water Resources Mission Area
No results found.
Filter Total Items: 52

Anaerobic biodegradation of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and microbial community composition in soil amended with a dechlorinating culture and chlorinated solvents Anaerobic biodegradation of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and microbial community composition in soil amended with a dechlorinating culture and chlorinated solvents

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), one of the most frequently detected per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) occurring in soil, surface water, and groundwater near sites contaminated with aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), has proven to be recalcitrant to many destructive remedies, including chemical oxidation. We investigated the potential to utilize microbially mediated reduction
Authors
Michelle M. Lorah, Ke He, Lee Blaney, Denise M. Akob, Cassandra Rashan Harris, Andrea K. Tokranov, Zachary Ryan Hopkins, Brian Shedd
By
Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Reston Microbiology Laboratory

Illegal dumping of oil and gas wastewater alters arid soil microbial communities Illegal dumping of oil and gas wastewater alters arid soil microbial communities

The Permian Basin, underlying southeast New Mexico and west Texas, is one of the most productive oil and gas (OG) provinces in the United States. Oil and gas production yields large volumes of wastewater with complex chemistries, and the environmental health risks posed by these OG wastewaters on sensitive desert ecosystems are poorly understood. Starting in November 2017, 39 illegal...
Authors
Mitra Kashani, Mark A Engle, Douglas B. Kent, Terry G. Gregston, Isabelle M. Cozzarelli, Adam C. Mumford, Matthew S. Varonka, Cassandra Rashan Harris, Denise M. Akob
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Energy Resources Program, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Reston Biogeochemical Processes in Groundwater Laboratory, Reston Microbiology Laboratory

Nitrifying microorganisms linked to biotransformation of perfluoroalkyl sulfonamido precursors from legacy aqueous film forming foams Nitrifying microorganisms linked to biotransformation of perfluoroalkyl sulfonamido precursors from legacy aqueous film forming foams

Drinking water supplies across the United States have been contaminated by firefighting and fire-training activities that use aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Much of the AFFF is manufactured using electrochemical fluorination by 3M. Precursors with six perfluorinated carbons (C6) and non-fluorinated amine substituents make up...
Authors
Bridger J. Ruyle, Lara Schultes, Denise M. Akob, Cassandra Rashan Harris, Michelle M. Lorah, Simon Vojta, Jitka Becanova, Shelly McCann, Heidi M. Pickard, Ann Pearson, Rainer Lohmann, Chad D. Vecitis, Elsie M. Sunderland
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Reston Microbiology Laboratory

Impact of the dimethyl sulfoxide reductase superfamily on the evolution of biogeochemical cycles Impact of the dimethyl sulfoxide reductase superfamily on the evolution of biogeochemical cycles

The dimethyl sulfoxide reductase (or MopB) family is a diverse assemblage of enzymes found throughout Bacteria and Archaea. Many of these enzymes are believed to have been present in the last universal common ancestor (LUCA) of all cellular lineages. However, gaps in knowledge remain about how MopB enzymes evolved and how this diversification of functions impacted global biogeochemical...
Authors
Michael L. Wells, Minjae Kim, Denise M. Akob, Partha Basu, John F. Stolz
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Reston Microbiology Laboratory

Acetylenotrophic and diazotrophic Bradyrhizobium sp. strain I71 from TCE-contaminated soils Acetylenotrophic and diazotrophic Bradyrhizobium sp. strain I71 from TCE-contaminated soils

Abstract Acetylene (C2H2) is a molecule rarely found in nature, with very few known natural sources, but acetylenotrophic microorganisms can use acetylene as their primary carbon and energy source. As of 2018 there were 15 known strains of aerobic and anaerobic acetylenotrophs; however, we hypothesize there may yet be unrecognized diversity of acetylenotrophs in nature. This study...
Authors
Denise M. Akob, John M. Sutton, Timothy J. Bushman, Shaun Baesman, Edina Klein, Yesha Shrestha, Robert Andrews, Janna L. Fierst, Max Kolton, Sara Gushgari-Doyle, Ronald Oremland, John Freeman
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Reston Microbiology Laboratory

Using biological responses to monitor freshwater post-spill conditions over 3 years in Blacktail Creek, North Dakota, USA Using biological responses to monitor freshwater post-spill conditions over 3 years in Blacktail Creek, North Dakota, USA

A pipeline carrying unconventional oil and gas (OG) wastewater spilled approximately 11 million liters of wastewater into Blacktail Creek, North Dakota, USA. Flow of the mix of stream water and wastewater down the channel resulted in storage of contaminants in the hyporheic zone and along the banks, providing a long-term source of wastewater constituents to the stream. A multi-level...
Authors
Aida Farag, David Harper, Isabelle M. Cozzarelli, Douglas B. Kent, Adam C. Mumford, Denise M. Akob, Travis W. Schaeffer, Luke R. Iwanowicz
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Eastern Ecological Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Reston Microbiology Laboratory

Non-USGS Publications**

Keiner, R., A. Rusznyak, D. M. Akob, S. Hanf, K. Küsel, J. Popp, and T. Frosch. 2013. Raman spectroscopy – an innovative and versatile tool to follow the respirational activity and carbonate biomineralization of important cave bacteria. Analytical Chemistry, 85(18): 8708–8714 (DOI: 10.1021/ac401699d).
Gray, S. M., D. M. Akob, S. J. Green, and J. E. Kostka. 2012. The predictability of bacterial composition within the Sarracenia purpurea model system: local scale differences and relationships with the other members of the food web. PLoS One 7(12): e50969.
Akob, D. M.*, S. H. Lee*, M. Sheth, K. Küsel, D. B. Watson, A.V. Palumbo, J.E. Kostka, and K.-J. Chin. 2012. Gene expression correlates with process rates quantified for sulfate- and Fe(III)-reducing bacteria in U(VI)-contaminated sediments. Frontiers in Terrestrial Microbiology, 3:280. *Equal contribution.
Risse-Buhl, U., M. Herrmann, D. M. Akob, P. Geesink, N. Pizani, W. Schönborn, K.-U. Totsche and K. Küsel. 2012 Phagotrophic protist diversity in the groundwater of a karstic aquifer - morphological and molecular analysis. Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology, 60(5): 467–479 (DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12054.
Rusznyák, A., D. M. Akob, S. Nietzsche, K. Eusterhues, K. U. Totsche, T. R. Neu, T. Frosch, J. Popp, R. Keiner, J. Geletneky, L. Katzschmann, E.-D. Schulze, and K. Küsel. 2012. Calcite biomineralization by bacterial isolates from the recently discovered pristine karstic Herrenberg Cave. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 78(4): 1157–1167.
Akob, D. M. and K. Küsel. 2011. Where microorganisms meet rocks in the Earth's Critical Zone. Biogeosciences 8, 3531-3543.
Akob, D. M., L. Kerkhof, K. Küsel, D. B. Watson, A. V. Palumbo, and J. E. Kostka. 2011. Linking specific heterotrophic bacterial populations to bioreduction of uranium and nitrate using stable isotope probing in contaminated subsurface sediments. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 77(22):8197-8200
Burkhardt, E.-M., S. Bischoff, D. M. Akob, G. Büchel, and K. Küsel. 2011. Heavy metal tolerance of Fe(III)-reducing microbial communities in a contaminated creek bank soil. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 77(9): 3132-3136.
Lu, S., S. Gischkat, M. Reiche, D. M. Akob, K. B. Hallberg, and K. Küsel. 2010. Ecophysiology of Fe-cycling Bacteria in Acidic Sediments. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 76 (24): 8174-8183.
Vishnivetskaya, T. A., C. C. Brandt, A. S. Madden, M. S. Drake, J. E. Kostka, D. M. Akob, K. Küsel, and A. V. Palumbo. 2010. Microbial Community Changes in Response to Ethanol or Methanol Amendments for U(VI) Reduction. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 76(17): 5728-5735.
Sitte, J., D. M. Akob, C. Kaufmann, K. Finster, D. Banerjee, E.-M. Burkhardt, J. E. Kostka, A. Scheinost, Georg Büchel and K. Küsel. 2010. Microbial Links between Sulfate Reduction and Metal Retention in Uranium and Heavy Metal-contaminated Soil. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 76(10): 3143–3152.
Green, S. J., O. Prakash, T. M. Gihring, D. M. Akob, P. Jasrotia, P. M. Jardine, D. B. Watson, S. D. Brown, A. V. Palumbo and J. E. Kostka. 2010. Denitrifying bacteria from the terrestrial subsurface exposed to mixed waste contamination. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 76(10): 3244–3254.
Burkhardt, E.-M., D. M. Akob, S. Bischoff, J. Sitte, J. E. Kostka, D. Banerjee, A. C. Scheinost, K. Küsel. 2010. Impact of Biostimulated Redox Processes on Metal Dynamics in an Iron-rich Creek Soil of a former Uranium Mining Area. Environmental Science & Technology 44(1): 177-183.
O. Prakash, T.M. Gihring, D.D. Dalton, K.-J. Chin, S.J. Green, D.M. Akob, G. Wanger, J.E. Kostka. 2010. Geobacter daltonii sp. nov., an iron(III)- and uranium(VI)-reducing bacterium isolated from the shallow subsurface exposed to mixed heavy metal and hydrocarbon contamination. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology 60: 546-553.
D. M. Akob, H. J. Mills, T. M. Gihring, L. Kerkhof, J. W. Stucki, Kuk-Jeong Chin, Kirsten Kuesel, Anthony V. Palumbo, David B. Watson, and Joel E. Kostka. 2008. Functional diversity and electron donor dependence of microbial populations capable of U(VI) reduction in radionuclide contaminated subsurface sediments. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 74: 3159-3170.
Blöthe, M., D.M. Akob, K. Walter, J.E. Kostka, H.L. Drake, and K. Küsel. 2008. Heterogeneity of Fe(III)-reducing microorganisms in coal-mining lake sediments caused by a pH gradient. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 74(4): 1019–102.
D. M. Akob, H. J. Mills, D. L. Swofford, J. E. Kostka. 2007. Metabolically-Active Microbial Communities in Uranium-Contaminated Subsurface Sediments. FEMS Microbiology Ecology 59: 95-107.

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

Science and Products

USGS scientist collecting water samples on a wastewater disposal facility

Examining Shifts in Stream Microbial Communities Exposed to Oil and Gas Wastewaters

Shifts in the overall microbial community structure were present in stream sediments that contained chemicals associated with unconventional oil and gas wastewaters. This work is part of a long-term study designed to understand persistence of chemicals from oil and gas wastewaters in sediments and water and how those factors might be related to exposures and adverse health effects, if any, on...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology
Examining Shifts in Stream Microbial Communities Exposed to Oil and Gas Wastewaters

Examining Shifts in Stream Microbial Communities Exposed to Oil and Gas Wastewaters

Shifts in the overall microbial community structure were present in stream sediments that contained chemicals associated with unconventional oil and gas wastewaters. This work is part of a long-term study designed to understand persistence of chemicals from oil and gas wastewaters in sediments and water and how those factors might be related to exposures and adverse health effects, if any, on...
Learn More
Tanker truck sits in from of several large tanks holding wastewater.

Indication of Unconventional Oil and Gas Wastewaters Found in Local Surface Waters

Evidence indicating the presence of wastewaters from unconventional oil and gas (UOG) production was found in surface waters and surficial sediments near an UOG disposal facility in West Virginia.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology
Indication of Unconventional Oil and Gas Wastewaters Found in Local Surface Waters

Indication of Unconventional Oil and Gas Wastewaters Found in Local Surface Waters

Evidence indicating the presence of wastewaters from unconventional oil and gas (UOG) production was found in surface waters and surficial sediments near an UOG disposal facility in West Virginia.
Learn More
Anaerobic microbial cultures from shale gas production waters

Microbiology and Chemistry of Waters Produced from Hydraulic Fracking—A Case Study

A new U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) study determined that the microbiology and organic chemistry of produced waters varied widely among hydraulically fractured shale gas wells in north-central Pennsylvania.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology
Microbiology and Chemistry of Waters Produced from Hydraulic Fracking—A Case Study

Microbiology and Chemistry of Waters Produced from Hydraulic Fracking—A Case Study

A new U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) study determined that the microbiology and organic chemistry of produced waters varied widely among hydraulically fractured shale gas wells in north-central Pennsylvania.
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 17

Microbial community analyses of groundwater collected during an enhanced bioremediation experiment of trichlorethylene in a fractured rock aquifer, West Trenton, NJ (2008-2015) Microbial community analyses of groundwater collected during an enhanced bioremediation experiment of trichlorethylene in a fractured rock aquifer, West Trenton, NJ (2008-2015)

These datasets contain microbial community data from groundwater samples collected at an in situ bioremediation site located at the former Naval Air Warfare Center (NAWC), West Trenton, NJ. DNA was extracted from groundwater samples collected from monitoring wells at the NAWC study site from July 2008 through July 2015 and analyzed for microbial community structure. Sample collection...
By
Water Resources Mission Area

Microbial Populations in PFHxSAm (perfluorohexane sulfonamido propyl amine) Biodegradation Microcosms Microbial Populations in PFHxSAm (perfluorohexane sulfonamido propyl amine) Biodegradation Microcosms

Water resources around the world are contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) due to releases from point sources on military installations, fire training centers, and chemical manufacturing sites. Non-point sources have also been identified including wastewater effluent, landfills, and biosolids application. PFAS are a major concern to myriad stakeholders as some are...
By
Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center

Microbial Community Composition Data from Blacktail Creek near Williston, North Dakota Microbial Community Composition Data from Blacktail Creek near Williston, North Dakota

A large spill of wastewater from oil and gas operations was discovered adjacent to Blacktail Creek near Williston, North Dakota in January 2015. To determine the effects of this spill on streambed microbial communities over time, bed sediment samples were taken from Blacktail Creek upstream, adjacent to, and at several locations downstream from the spill site. Blacktail Creek is a...
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology

Data on the Effects of Oil and Gas Wastewater Components on Microbial Community Structure and Function Data on the Effects of Oil and Gas Wastewater Components on Microbial Community Structure and Function

Oil and gas (OG) wastewaters are commonly disposed of by underground injection and previous research showed that activities at a disposal facility in West Virginia affected stream biogeochemistry and sediment microbial communities downstream from the facility. Microorganisms can control the fate and transport of organic and inorganic components of OG wastewater highlighting the need to
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Energy Resources Program, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Data on the Enrichment and Isolation of the Acetylenotrophic and Diazotrophic Isolate Bradyrhizobium sp. strain I71 (ver 2.0, September 2022) Data on the Enrichment and Isolation of the Acetylenotrophic and Diazotrophic Isolate Bradyrhizobium sp. strain I71 (ver 2.0, September 2022)

Acetylene (C2H2) is a molecule rarely found in nature, with few known natural sources, but acetylenotrophic microorganisms can use acetylene as their primary carbon and energy source. As of 2018 there were 15 known strains of aerobic and anaerobic acetylenotrophs, however we hypothesized that there may be yet unrecognized diversity of acetylenotrophs in nature. In this study, we expanded...
By
Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Reston Microbiology Laboratory

Acetylene Consumption and Dechlorination by a Groundwater Microbial Enrichment Culture Acetylene Consumption and Dechlorination by a Groundwater Microbial Enrichment Culture

This study aimed to (1) enrich microbial acetylenotrophs from trichloroethylene (TCE) contaminated groundwater and (2) evaluate whether these enrichments could degrade TCE coupled to acetylene degradation. Acetylenotrophs are microorganisms that use acetylene as their carbon and energy source. TCE contaminated groundwater was collected from wells at the Naval Air Warfare Center (NAWC) in...
By
Water Resources Mission Area
No results found.
Filter Total Items: 52

Anaerobic biodegradation of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and microbial community composition in soil amended with a dechlorinating culture and chlorinated solvents Anaerobic biodegradation of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and microbial community composition in soil amended with a dechlorinating culture and chlorinated solvents

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), one of the most frequently detected per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) occurring in soil, surface water, and groundwater near sites contaminated with aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), has proven to be recalcitrant to many destructive remedies, including chemical oxidation. We investigated the potential to utilize microbially mediated reduction
Authors
Michelle M. Lorah, Ke He, Lee Blaney, Denise M. Akob, Cassandra Rashan Harris, Andrea K. Tokranov, Zachary Ryan Hopkins, Brian Shedd
By
Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Reston Microbiology Laboratory

Illegal dumping of oil and gas wastewater alters arid soil microbial communities Illegal dumping of oil and gas wastewater alters arid soil microbial communities

The Permian Basin, underlying southeast New Mexico and west Texas, is one of the most productive oil and gas (OG) provinces in the United States. Oil and gas production yields large volumes of wastewater with complex chemistries, and the environmental health risks posed by these OG wastewaters on sensitive desert ecosystems are poorly understood. Starting in November 2017, 39 illegal...
Authors
Mitra Kashani, Mark A Engle, Douglas B. Kent, Terry G. Gregston, Isabelle M. Cozzarelli, Adam C. Mumford, Matthew S. Varonka, Cassandra Rashan Harris, Denise M. Akob
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Energy Resources Program, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Reston Biogeochemical Processes in Groundwater Laboratory, Reston Microbiology Laboratory

Nitrifying microorganisms linked to biotransformation of perfluoroalkyl sulfonamido precursors from legacy aqueous film forming foams Nitrifying microorganisms linked to biotransformation of perfluoroalkyl sulfonamido precursors from legacy aqueous film forming foams

Drinking water supplies across the United States have been contaminated by firefighting and fire-training activities that use aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Much of the AFFF is manufactured using electrochemical fluorination by 3M. Precursors with six perfluorinated carbons (C6) and non-fluorinated amine substituents make up...
Authors
Bridger J. Ruyle, Lara Schultes, Denise M. Akob, Cassandra Rashan Harris, Michelle M. Lorah, Simon Vojta, Jitka Becanova, Shelly McCann, Heidi M. Pickard, Ann Pearson, Rainer Lohmann, Chad D. Vecitis, Elsie M. Sunderland
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Reston Microbiology Laboratory

Impact of the dimethyl sulfoxide reductase superfamily on the evolution of biogeochemical cycles Impact of the dimethyl sulfoxide reductase superfamily on the evolution of biogeochemical cycles

The dimethyl sulfoxide reductase (or MopB) family is a diverse assemblage of enzymes found throughout Bacteria and Archaea. Many of these enzymes are believed to have been present in the last universal common ancestor (LUCA) of all cellular lineages. However, gaps in knowledge remain about how MopB enzymes evolved and how this diversification of functions impacted global biogeochemical...
Authors
Michael L. Wells, Minjae Kim, Denise M. Akob, Partha Basu, John F. Stolz
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Reston Microbiology Laboratory

Acetylenotrophic and diazotrophic Bradyrhizobium sp. strain I71 from TCE-contaminated soils Acetylenotrophic and diazotrophic Bradyrhizobium sp. strain I71 from TCE-contaminated soils

Abstract Acetylene (C2H2) is a molecule rarely found in nature, with very few known natural sources, but acetylenotrophic microorganisms can use acetylene as their primary carbon and energy source. As of 2018 there were 15 known strains of aerobic and anaerobic acetylenotrophs; however, we hypothesize there may yet be unrecognized diversity of acetylenotrophs in nature. This study...
Authors
Denise M. Akob, John M. Sutton, Timothy J. Bushman, Shaun Baesman, Edina Klein, Yesha Shrestha, Robert Andrews, Janna L. Fierst, Max Kolton, Sara Gushgari-Doyle, Ronald Oremland, John Freeman
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Reston Microbiology Laboratory

Using biological responses to monitor freshwater post-spill conditions over 3 years in Blacktail Creek, North Dakota, USA Using biological responses to monitor freshwater post-spill conditions over 3 years in Blacktail Creek, North Dakota, USA

A pipeline carrying unconventional oil and gas (OG) wastewater spilled approximately 11 million liters of wastewater into Blacktail Creek, North Dakota, USA. Flow of the mix of stream water and wastewater down the channel resulted in storage of contaminants in the hyporheic zone and along the banks, providing a long-term source of wastewater constituents to the stream. A multi-level...
Authors
Aida Farag, David Harper, Isabelle M. Cozzarelli, Douglas B. Kent, Adam C. Mumford, Denise M. Akob, Travis W. Schaeffer, Luke R. Iwanowicz
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Eastern Ecological Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Reston Microbiology Laboratory

Non-USGS Publications**

Keiner, R., A. Rusznyak, D. M. Akob, S. Hanf, K. Küsel, J. Popp, and T. Frosch. 2013. Raman spectroscopy – an innovative and versatile tool to follow the respirational activity and carbonate biomineralization of important cave bacteria. Analytical Chemistry, 85(18): 8708–8714 (DOI: 10.1021/ac401699d).
Gray, S. M., D. M. Akob, S. J. Green, and J. E. Kostka. 2012. The predictability of bacterial composition within the Sarracenia purpurea model system: local scale differences and relationships with the other members of the food web. PLoS One 7(12): e50969.
Akob, D. M.*, S. H. Lee*, M. Sheth, K. Küsel, D. B. Watson, A.V. Palumbo, J.E. Kostka, and K.-J. Chin. 2012. Gene expression correlates with process rates quantified for sulfate- and Fe(III)-reducing bacteria in U(VI)-contaminated sediments. Frontiers in Terrestrial Microbiology, 3:280. *Equal contribution.
Risse-Buhl, U., M. Herrmann, D. M. Akob, P. Geesink, N. Pizani, W. Schönborn, K.-U. Totsche and K. Küsel. 2012 Phagotrophic protist diversity in the groundwater of a karstic aquifer - morphological and molecular analysis. Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology, 60(5): 467–479 (DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12054.
Rusznyák, A., D. M. Akob, S. Nietzsche, K. Eusterhues, K. U. Totsche, T. R. Neu, T. Frosch, J. Popp, R. Keiner, J. Geletneky, L. Katzschmann, E.-D. Schulze, and K. Küsel. 2012. Calcite biomineralization by bacterial isolates from the recently discovered pristine karstic Herrenberg Cave. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 78(4): 1157–1167.
Akob, D. M. and K. Küsel. 2011. Where microorganisms meet rocks in the Earth's Critical Zone. Biogeosciences 8, 3531-3543.
Akob, D. M., L. Kerkhof, K. Küsel, D. B. Watson, A. V. Palumbo, and J. E. Kostka. 2011. Linking specific heterotrophic bacterial populations to bioreduction of uranium and nitrate using stable isotope probing in contaminated subsurface sediments. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 77(22):8197-8200
Burkhardt, E.-M., S. Bischoff, D. M. Akob, G. Büchel, and K. Küsel. 2011. Heavy metal tolerance of Fe(III)-reducing microbial communities in a contaminated creek bank soil. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 77(9): 3132-3136.
Lu, S., S. Gischkat, M. Reiche, D. M. Akob, K. B. Hallberg, and K. Küsel. 2010. Ecophysiology of Fe-cycling Bacteria in Acidic Sediments. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 76 (24): 8174-8183.
Vishnivetskaya, T. A., C. C. Brandt, A. S. Madden, M. S. Drake, J. E. Kostka, D. M. Akob, K. Küsel, and A. V. Palumbo. 2010. Microbial Community Changes in Response to Ethanol or Methanol Amendments for U(VI) Reduction. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 76(17): 5728-5735.
Sitte, J., D. M. Akob, C. Kaufmann, K. Finster, D. Banerjee, E.-M. Burkhardt, J. E. Kostka, A. Scheinost, Georg Büchel and K. Küsel. 2010. Microbial Links between Sulfate Reduction and Metal Retention in Uranium and Heavy Metal-contaminated Soil. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 76(10): 3143–3152.
Green, S. J., O. Prakash, T. M. Gihring, D. M. Akob, P. Jasrotia, P. M. Jardine, D. B. Watson, S. D. Brown, A. V. Palumbo and J. E. Kostka. 2010. Denitrifying bacteria from the terrestrial subsurface exposed to mixed waste contamination. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 76(10): 3244–3254.
Burkhardt, E.-M., D. M. Akob, S. Bischoff, J. Sitte, J. E. Kostka, D. Banerjee, A. C. Scheinost, K. Küsel. 2010. Impact of Biostimulated Redox Processes on Metal Dynamics in an Iron-rich Creek Soil of a former Uranium Mining Area. Environmental Science & Technology 44(1): 177-183.
O. Prakash, T.M. Gihring, D.D. Dalton, K.-J. Chin, S.J. Green, D.M. Akob, G. Wanger, J.E. Kostka. 2010. Geobacter daltonii sp. nov., an iron(III)- and uranium(VI)-reducing bacterium isolated from the shallow subsurface exposed to mixed heavy metal and hydrocarbon contamination. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology 60: 546-553.
D. M. Akob, H. J. Mills, T. M. Gihring, L. Kerkhof, J. W. Stucki, Kuk-Jeong Chin, Kirsten Kuesel, Anthony V. Palumbo, David B. Watson, and Joel E. Kostka. 2008. Functional diversity and electron donor dependence of microbial populations capable of U(VI) reduction in radionuclide contaminated subsurface sediments. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 74: 3159-3170.
Blöthe, M., D.M. Akob, K. Walter, J.E. Kostka, H.L. Drake, and K. Küsel. 2008. Heterogeneity of Fe(III)-reducing microorganisms in coal-mining lake sediments caused by a pH gradient. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 74(4): 1019–102.
D. M. Akob, H. J. Mills, D. L. Swofford, J. E. Kostka. 2007. Metabolically-Active Microbial Communities in Uranium-Contaminated Subsurface Sediments. FEMS Microbiology Ecology 59: 95-107.

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government

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