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Role of sulfate-reducing bacteria within microbial mat system in hydrocarbon biodegradation

Objectif

Microbial mats are recently known to play a significant role in the bioremediation of oil polluted coastal areas. Such systems are thus likely to be of significance in the effective management of sensitive coastal ecosystems chronically subjected to oil spillage. The aim of this project is to study the functional role of microbial mats in the biodegradation of hydrocarbons. The studies will be conducted on several outdoor experiment mesocosms in which a controlled microbial mat will be exposed to oil pollution selected model hydrocarbon compounds. Biological changes following introduction of hydrocarbons will be studied in terms of microbial diversity coupled with functional diversity of the sulfate-reducing bacterial community, using molecular tools and activity measurements.

Spatial and temporal shifts of sulfate-reducing bacterial community will be analyzed along vertical environmental gradients with a high resolution level of about 100 micrometers and at different times after oil exposure. After a period of adaptation following exposure to hydrocarbons, characterization of predominant sulfate-reducing bacteria will allow a better understanding of their physiology in oil degradation. Biological changes will be also studied after a second oil exposure to assess the involvement of "well adapted" sulfate- reducing bacteria in oil biodegradation. This study is expected to contribute significantly to our knowledge of the role of microbial mats in bioremediation of oil polluted coastal zones.

Appel à propositions

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Coordinateur

THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF JERUSALEM - THE AUTHORITY FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Contribution de l’UE
Aucune donnée
Adresse
Givat Ram
91904 JERUSALEM
Israël

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Coût total
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