Microflora Involved in Phytoremediation of Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons

EPA Grant Number: R827015-01-0
Title: Microflora Involved in Phytoremediation of Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons
Investigators: David P. Nagle, John S. Fletcher
Institution: University of Oklahoma
EPA Project Officer: Tom Veirs/ Bala Krishnan
Project Period: August 1, 2000 to July 31, 2001 (N/C Ext. August 1, 2001 to July 31, 2002)
Project Amount: $88,979
Research Category:

Description:

WORK

(Dec. 1, 2001 to Feb 28, 2002)
  1. Field samples have been analyzed for gram+ versus gram- bacteria that degrade polycyclic contaminants.
  2. The distribution of total bacteria and degrading strains on the rhizoplane, in the rhizosphere, and bulk soil is under investigation.
  3. Extraction and analysis of ribosomal DNA from degrading strains of bacteria continues.
  4. Work has started to identify unique regions of ribosomal DNA present in most active degrading strains. These regions are sought to conduct PCR quantification.

RESULTS

  1. Several gram+, degrading strains have been shown to be rhodococcus sp. strains.
  2. Several of the newly identified strains of rhodococcus are present on the rhizoplane and in the rhizosphere of several plant species under investigation.

SIGNIFICANCE

It appears that the rhodococcus are very important in rhizosphere remediation activity towards recalcitrant polycyclic soil contaminants.