Microbial adaptation to degradation of natural and synthetic organo halogens: Effects on ecosystem acclimation and natural bioremediation of polluted sites

Objective

The project approach is to carry out laboratory research aimed at establishing the relationship between
dehalogenation mechanisms for natural and synthetic organohalogen compounds. Subsequently, it will be
investigated which genetic processes (mutation, genetransfer) occur during adaptation under selective conditions,
and how these processes are influenced by environmental conditions. The activities include:
-isolation of organisms that degrade halogenated substrates, using as inocula samples obtained from
unpolluted areas and contaminated sites
-physiological and biochemical studies to determine dehalogenation and halogenation mechanisms in
newly isolated strains
-analysis of the genetic organization of organisms that degrade xenobiotic halogenated compounds
-examination of genetic processes that occur in chemostats or biofilm systems and that lead to an
expansion of the substrate range of the organisms. Organisms known to degrade natural or synthetic
gene transfer and adaptation of the community will be established -testing the effect of environmental conditions on the development of dehalogenating organisms and
community adaptation, and establishing the relevance to
bioremediation strategies.

Programme(s)

• FP4-ENV 2C - Specific programme of research and technological development in the field of environment and climate, 1994-1998

Topic(s)

• 02020306 - Rehabilitation of contaminated sites

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

Rijksuniversiteit Groningen

Address

4,Nijenborgh 4
9747 AG Groningen
Netherlands

Participants (3)

THE QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY OF BELFAST

United Kingdom

Address

Stranmillis Road, David Keir Building
BT9 5AG Belfast

Technische Universität Dresden

Germany

Address

4,Mommsenstrasse 4
01062 Dresden

University of Wales Cardiff

United Kingdom

Address

CF1 3TL Cardiff