GSRA Position F09-06
Bioremediation of aquatic pollutants
Faculty Name: Tracy Wacker
Department: Biology
Campus Address: 264 MSB
Email: twacker@umflint.edu
Phone: 8107623059
Project Description: Bioremediation is the use of biological organisms such as plants or microbes to aid in removing hazardous substances from a contaminated site. Bioremediation has been effective in removing bacterial contaminants from water treatment facilities, radioactive elements from contaminated soils, and petroleum from ocean spills. Mycoremediation (using fungi) has shown great promise because basidiomycetous fungi, unlike plants and other microbes, can break down very complex organic compounds. This project will investigate the ability of two terrestrial fungi (Pleurotus and Ganoderma)to sequester and break down contaminants associated with Great Lakes watersheds. Pure fungal cultures will be transferred to a suitable growth substrate (wood chips mostly, but also burlap or cotton). Once the substrate is colonized, it will be transferred to aquaria containing various concentrations of target contaminants. The colonized substrate will be partially submerged, the fungus will then be tested through several means to see if the chemical was taken up and if/how it was altered. This research will benefit efforts to clean up local floodplains and shallow water using a natural, ecologically sound technique.
Semesters Desired: Fall 2009; Winter 2010
GSRA Position Description: The GSRA will be responsible for obtaining, preparing, and maintaining pure stock cultures of fungi. The GSRA will prepare and maintain spawn on wood chip or other suitable substrate. The GSRA will monitor aquaria and collect data regarding uptake and modification of chemical contaminants.
Specific Day/Time Requirements: This is an ongoing self-paced project that requires 8-10 hours per week (as an average). Identifying specific days and times is impossible - biological specimens do not conform to human agendas.
Special Requirements: The GSRA must have had at least an introductory course in mycology and be willing to work with hazardous chemicals.
Graduate Students in These Programs May Apply: Position has candidate in mind