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DOE Pulse
  • Number 312  |
  • May 24, 2010

INL research probes microbes’ potential to clean up groundwater

Molecular probes can search groundwater samples for cells of specific bacteria species (left) and contaminant-degrading enzymes (center). At right: An enzyme probe that turned up negative.

Molecular probes can search
groundwater samples for cells of
specific bacteria species (left) and
contaminant-degrading enzymes
(center). At right: An enzyme probe
that turned up negative.

 

In most people’s minds, microbes and drinking water don’t go well together. But research at DOE's Idaho National Laboratory is showcasing the potential of bacteria to cleanse our water rather than foul it. INL environmental microbiologist Hope Lee is pioneering the use of molecular techniques to gauge the cleanup capabilities of naturally occurring microbes. DNA probes identify the bacteria present in polluted groundwater, and enzyme activity probes reveal if they’re actively breaking down pollutants. Lee's methods help experts devise the best, most cost-effective remediation strategies on a site-by-site basis. And in most cases, Lee is finding, these strategies should incorporate microbial action in some way. Bacteria are proving to be really good at cleaning up our messes.

[Mike Wall, 208.526.0490,
Michael.Wall@inl.gov]