goodwater

WP 8 will develop gene-based monitoring concepts for aerobic and anaerobic BTEX degradation, as a new tool to assist in assessing and predicting natural attenuation in groundwater ecosystems. Currently, stable isotope fractionation offers advanced strategies to monitor and quantify contaminant degradation under anaerobic conditions. However, it cannot be applied to monitor important aerobic degradation processes and to compare the relevance of aerobic vs. anaerobic degradation at heterogeneous sites. In this project, we want to develop innovative monitoring tools for the assessment of NA based on the quantitative detection of aerobic vs. anaerobic degradation genes (degradation capacities) or gene expression (degradation activities). As a model, fellow 8 (SV: T. Lueders, HMGU) will engage in comparative quantitative assays for aerobic and anaerobic BTEX degradation genes. The aim is to uncover quantitative couplings between local aerobic and anaerobic degrader abundances and the importance of the respective degradation processes. We will start with well-established assays for monoaromatic compounds (e.g. toluene, subsequent expansion to other compounds is intended (i.e. naphthalene). Field sampling is conducted together with the SME Isodetect (H. Eisenmann), who co-supervises the fellow. Fellow 8 will visit the laboratory of fellow 12 (VITO) for training in established aerobic aromatic degradation gene assays. Direct interactions on toluene-degrading microbial communities are planned with fellow 5 (HMGU), who monitors general microbial community shifts upon contaminant impact. Fellow 8 contributes quantitative data on specific key-player communities. Fellows 2, 12 and 14 (GEUS, VITO, UGent) will be hosted for training in DNA- and rRNA-based SIP. Further interactions are intended with fellow 1 (HMGU) on gene markers for anaerobic naphthalene degradation. Joint metagenomic library screenings for catabolic marker genes are planned with fellow 9 (UCLOUVAIN). Support will be provided to fellow 4 with molecular assays for sulphate-reducing bacteria. Fellow 8 will participate in professional consulting with clients and environmental authorities provided by Isodetect for a training period of altogether 4 weeks.