Remediation of TNT-Contaminated Soil by Cyanobacterial Mat
Investigator
M. C. Mondecar
Clark Atlanta University
Collaborator
F. Michael Saunders
Georgia Institute of Technology
E-mail: michael.saunders@ce.gatech.edu
The long range goal is to develop a biotechnology based on microbial mats, for efficient
and cost-effective remediation of mixed environmental pollutants under field conditions.
Anticipated results are:
- Development of a cyanobacterial mat for degradation of TNT.
- Establishment of degradation and mineralization rates of mat on soil spiked with TNT.
- Adaptation of TNT-mat to actual TNT-contaminated soil.
The purpose of the funding applied for here is to assist Minority Academic Institutions
(MAIs) in collaborating with one of the five Hazardous Substance Research Centers
(HSRCs). Among other things, the HSRCs provide short-term research on the cleanup
of hazardous substances. The overall mission of the South and Southwest HSRC is
to investigate hazardous substance problems in sediments and dredged materials.
The goal of the proposed research is the development of cyanobacterial mats to absorb
and degrade 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) in soil. The research will be in collaboration
with Dr. Michael Saunders at the Georgia Institute of Technology (GIT), whose research
involves plant enzyme-mediated remediation of TNT-contaminated soil.
Training Potential
The training potential for faculty and students as Clark Atlanta
University (CAU) is exceptional. The Bioremediation Center at CAU supports research
on bioremediation and environmental issues in general. There are currently three
doctoral students conducting research at the Center, as well as undergraduates.
the latter are in PRISM-D, the Program for Research Integration and Support for Matriculation
towards the Doctorate, and in the Howard Hughes Scholars Program. The Department
of Biological Sciences currently has 350 undergraduate , and research is a requirement
for graduation.
Faculty will be able to be trained in new techniques and instrumentation. MIA students
will be trained in research in general. More specifically:
- Student interests will be stimulated to pursue careers in environmental research.
- Students will be trained in techniques of microbiology, environmental biology, and chemistry.
- Students will be prepared for making presentations at scientific meetings and for writing scientific papers.
- Students will be trained in design of research projects and in review of data.
Copyright © Georgia Tech Research Corporation, 1999.
All Rights
Reserved.
Make comments to: mark.hodges@gtri.gatech.edu
Last modified on: April 14, 1999.
URL: http://www.hsrc.org/