Environmental Microbiology and Microbial Ecology Commons^™

Investigating Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi-Cover Crop Interactions To Improve Sustainable Agricultural Practices, Isabel M. Zanartu, Connor Morozumi, Natalie Christian

The Cardinal Edge

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are fungal species that form beneficial relationships with plants. AMFs are known to help crops acquire important nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil, and in return the plants provide carbon to the fungi. At least 80% of all plants partner with AMFs including staple crops such as rice, corn, wheat and soybeans. With so many plants likely relying on AMFs, current farming practices such as planting in monocultures and fallow overwintering may limit these relationships. On top of this, climate change challenges the reliability of these practices in the future. One sustainable agricultural practice …

Disruption Of The Oswrky71 Transcription Factor Gene Results In Early Rice Seed Germination Under Normal And Cold Stress Conditions, Santiago Bataller, James A. Davis, Lingkun Gu, Sophia Baca, Gaelan Chen, Azeem Majid, Anne J. Villacastin, Dylan Barth, Mira V. Han, Paul J. Rushton, Qingxi J. Shen

Life Sciences Faculty Research

Background

Early seed germination in crops can confer a competitive advantage against weeds and reduce the time to maturation and harvest. WRKY transcription factors regulate many aspects of plant development including seed dormancy and germination. Both positive and negative regulators of seed germination have been reported in many plants such as rice and Arabidopsis. Using a transient expression system, we previously demonstrated that OsWRKY71 is a negative regulator of gibberellin (GA) signaling in aleurone cells and likely forms a “repressosome” complex with other transcriptional repressors. Hence, it has the potential to impact seed germination properties.

Results

In this study, we …

Bodine: An Agent-Based Modeling Approach To Studying Localized Coexistence Across Environmental Heterogeneity, Alexandra Campbell

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

Boosting The Power Performance Of Microbial Fuel Cells By Using Dual Nanomaterial-Modified Carbon Felt Electrodes, Krishna Thapa, Wenyan Liu, Yuwei Zhang, David J. Westenberg, Yishu Zhou, Risheng Wang

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Innovative design enhancements to microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are pivotal for improving their viability as renewable energy sources. This study introduces a dual approach to electrode modification, integrating polyaniline (PANI) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on carbon felt (CF) anodes coupled with a unique cathode composed of DNA origami and chitosan. The synergistic effect of PANI and AuNPs significantly increases the hydrophilicity and conductivity of the anode, leading to a considerable surge in power density. Concurrently, the biocompatible DNA origami and chitosan-functionalized cathode facilitates efficient electron transfer without relying on conventional catalysts. Together, these modifications yield a 52.42% increase in the …

Effects Of Microplastic Biofilms On An Anthropogenically Impacted Suburban Lake, Paris M. Velasquez

Masters Theses

Plastics have been observed in every location on the planet, and their prevalence in the environment is due in part to their strong resistance to degradation. Inland lakes are susceptible to plastic pollution by highway runoff, which contains plastic fragments of brake pads, car tires, litter, and road paint. These plastics eventually enter freshwater environments and degrade into microplastics (

The Environment Of Glaciovolcanic Caves And Their Value As Planetary Analogues, Christian Stenner, Lee J. Florea, Linda Sobolewski, Andreas Pflitsch, Morgan Cable, Roberto Anitori, Richard E. Davis, Kathleen Graham, Glyn Williams-Jones

FRONTIERS UNBOUND: Exploring Extreme Environments

No abstract provided.

Exploring Biosignatures And Biogeochemical Processes In Lanzarote Lava Tubes: Implications For Martian Analog Research, Vera Palma, Ana Z. Miller, Francesco Sauro, Bogdan P. Onac, José M. De La Rosa, Sara Gutiérrez-Patricio, Beatriz Cubero, José A. Gonzalez-Perez, Jesus Martínez-Frías, A Teresa Caldeira

FRONTIERS UNBOUND: Exploring Extreme Environments

No abstract provided.

The Ecology Of Chemosynthesis In Submerged Coastal Caves, Robert Scharping, Michael Casso, Isabel Schaal, Paul Henderson, James Garey, Matthew Charette, John Pohlman, Stefan Sievert

FRONTIERS UNBOUND: Exploring Extreme Environments

No abstract provided.

Microbiome Diversity In Acidic Environments - The Case Of The Șesei Valley Tailings Pond, Iulia Lupan

FRONTIERS UNBOUND: Exploring Extreme Environments

No abstract provided.

Exploring Pristine Microbial Ecosystems From The Uninhabited Volcanic Selvagens Islands, Pedro N. Jiménez-Morillo, Sara Gutiérrez-Patricio, Vera Palma, Ana Teresa Caldeira, Nicasio Tomás Jiménez-Morillo, Ana Z. Miller

FRONTIERS UNBOUND: Exploring Extreme Environments

No abstract provided.

Recent Advances In The Microbiology Of Permanently Stratified, Hypersaline Lakes Of Transylvanian Basin (Central Romania), Horia Leonard Banciu, Ionuț Mădălin Gridan, Adrian Vasile Zety, Ioana Drăghici, Cristina Mircea, Michalis Daniel Lazăr, Andreea Melisa Tripon, Doriana Mădălina Buda, Adorján Cristea

FRONTIERS UNBOUND: Exploring Extreme Environments

No abstract provided.

Given To Salt: Novel Insights Into The Diversity Of Halophilic Microorganisms And Their Functioning In Hypersaline Ecosystems, Aharon Oren

FRONTIERS UNBOUND: Exploring Extreme Environments

No abstract provided.

Microbial Colonization Of New Lava Tubes Formed By The Fagradalsfjall Volcano’S Eruption (Iceland), Ettore Lopo, Francesco Sauro, Ana Zelia Miller, Bogdan Petroniu Onac, Martina Cappelletti

FRONTIERS UNBOUND: Exploring Extreme Environments

No abstract provided.

Onsite Microbial Analyses In One Of The Most Remote Quartzite Subterranean Environment On Earth: Imawarì Yeuta On Venezuelan Tepuis, Martina Cappelletti

FRONTIERS UNBOUND: Exploring Extreme Environments

No abstract provided.

First Biogeochemical Study Of Mira De Aire Cave: The Biggest Karstic System In Portugal, Alba Gómez-Arias, Julio Castillo, Nicasio Tomás Jiménez-Morillo, Beatriz Cubero, Sara Gutiérrez-Patricio, Pedro N. Jimenez-Morillo, José A. Gonzalez-Perez, José M. De La Rosa, Ana Z. Miller

FRONTIERS UNBOUND: Exploring Extreme Environments

No abstract provided.

Sampling And Dna Analysis Of Extreme Environments, Scott Tighe

FRONTIERS UNBOUND: Exploring Extreme Environments

No abstract provided.

The Ecosystem Of A Remarkable Glaciovolcanic Cave At Mount Meager, British Columbia, Canada, Christian Stenner, Kathleen Graham, Morgan Cable, Glyn Williams-Jones, Jared J. Clance, Jacob Shaffer, Jill Mikucki, Anna Szynkiewicz, Olivia Vinnes, Michael Paton, Jeremy Nash

FRONTIERS UNBOUND: Exploring Extreme Environments

No abstract provided.

Cave Ice Microbiome – Reservoir For New Biomolecules In Medicine And Biotechnologies, Victoria Ioana Paun, Corina Itcus, Carmen Mariana Chifiriuc, Paris Lavin, Cristina Purcarea

FRONTIERS UNBOUND: Exploring Extreme Environments

No abstract provided.

Antarctic Glacier Melting Modeling Distribution Of Bacterial Community Structure, Corina Itcus, Constantin Marin, Soon Gyu Hong, Manuela Elisabeta Sidoroff, Cristian Coman, Cristina Purcarea

FRONTIERS UNBOUND: Exploring Extreme Environments

No abstract provided.

Antibiotic-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria In A Local Wastewater Treatment Plant In North Georgia, Nou Moua, Lindsay Mccuen, Sarah White, Swapna Bhat, Margi Flood, Jeanelle Morgan

Georgia Journal of Science

Antibiotics are some of the most essential lifesaving drugs currently available to us against infectious diseases. Several pathogens are developing resistance to these drugs and many have become resistant to multiple antibiotics. Such multi-drug resistance is becoming a global issue and has been found in many environments including wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). In this study, we sampled a local WWTP for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This WWTP is in North Georgia and runs directly into Lake Lanier, which is the main source of drinking water for the Atlanta area as well as a popular spot for water recreation. We obtained treated and …

Multidrug-Resistant Esbl-Producing Escherichia Coli Coexisting With Colistin-Resistance Genes In Pig Farms, Central Thailand, Wipawee Songsaeng, Nutthee Am-In, Nuvee Prapasarakul, Wandee Sirichokchatchawan

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

The presence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase and colistin resistance E. coli in food-producing animals is a public health concern. This study was conducted using a rigorous methodology to survey the prevalence of ESBL-producing and colistin-resistant E. coli from pig farms in the central part of Thailand. A total of 519 samples were collected from fecal, feed, and waste in 53 farms located in central Thailand. All samples were inoculated onto selective agar, and species identification was performed using biochemical assays and MAlDI-TOF MS. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by broth microdilution, and ESBL production was confirmed by the combination disc diffusion method. …

Time-Transgressive Microbial Diversity In A Tropical Bat Guano Accumulation, Deer Cave, Mulu, Borneo, Joyce Lundberg, Donald A. Mcfarlane

International Journal of Speleology

Bat guano accumulations in caves can constitute large deposits of organic material, particularly chitin and its degradation products, that host a diverse microbiome. Previous microbiological studies have not addressed the stratified nature of these deposits in the context of the timeframe of the decomposition process. We present such data (temperature, pH, DNA sampling of eight carbon-dated strata) for a 75 cm-deep tropical guano accumulation that undergoes complete decomposition over a timescale of ~120 years. The aerobic, surface layer of freshly-fallen guano has the greatest diversity of taxa, with Bacteroidota co-dominant with Pseudomonadota, and includes many taxa unique to this …

Investigating The Presence Of Bacterial Phytoplasma Disease In Grasses Of Central Texas And Their Associated Hemiptera, Danielle Rios

Masters Theses (Archived)

No abstract provided.

Investigation Of The Microbiome Of A Recirculating Aquaculture System (Ras) For Crassostrea Virginica Larvae, Isabelle Townsend

Master's Theses

Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) offer control over physicochemical and biological factors impacting aquaculture success. One understudied facet of RASs is the water microbiome. Oyster larval microbiomes are shaped by their aquatic microbiomes. Understanding the dynamics of and the factors shaping RAS microbiome may provide insights to how the microbiome can be a tool for optimizing larval production. This study’s goals were to investigate the microbiome stability of a RAS rearing oyster larvae across time and space, determine impacts of larval presence on the microbiome, and examine connections between larvae production outcomes and microbiome stability. Water samples were collected weekly from …

Assessment Of Tce And Chiral Pcb Dechlorination Rate, Congener Diversity, And Enantioselectivity In Town Creek, Sc, Usa Sediment Microcosms, Catherine P. Sumner

All Dissertations

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and trichloroethene (TCE) are ubiquitous contaminants and are recognized as persistent organic pollutants due to their extreme chemical stability. PCBs were manufactured by chlorinating biphenyls that created 209 congeners with various structures, of which 19 are chiral and can exist as a pair of stable atropisomers. PCBs have been known to cause developmental and neurological toxicity in humans and wildlife; they can act as endocrine disrupters, carcinogens, and teratogens. Sangamo Weston Inc. was an industrial plant located near Town Creek in Pickens Country, South Carolina, that manufactured capacitors and used Aroclors 1016 and 1254 as dialectic fluids …

Effects Of Spatial And Temporal Variability On Bacterial Diversity And Community Composition In Roof-Harvested Rainwater Across Central Virginia, Jade Riddle

Longwood Senior Thesis Proposal

No abstract provided.

Characterizing The Quorum Sensing (Qs) System In The Model Eukaryote Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii, Kirstin Donnette Cutshaw

Theses and Dissertations

Group behaviors in microorganisms are often regulated by low-molecular weight molecules that enable them to sense population density, a signaling system known as quorum sensing (QS). QS in prokaryotes has provided insight into the role ‘social’ behaviors play in the bacterial world and refined our models of virulence, bacterial motility, and more. While less common, similar behaviors are observed in certain fungi, primarily yeasts, in which QS controls cell morphology, biofilm production, and other phenotypes. We have recently pursued the potential for QS to be more broadly distributed among unicellular eukaryotes, which could significantly alter our understanding of social behaviors …

Optimizing The Expression Of Polyethylene Terephtalate Hydrolase-Encoding Synthetic Gene In Escherichia Coli Arctic Express (De3), Jocelyn Nataniel, Maria Ulfah, Dini Achnafani, Niknik Nurhayati, Gabriela Christy Sabbathini, Sri Rezeki Wulandari, Abinawanto Abinawanto, Is Helianti

Makara Journal of Science

The waste of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic waste in Indonesia is a pressing concern due to its slow degradation and potential environmental damage. One promising solution is to utilize polyethylene terephthalate hydrolase from Ideonella sakaiensis (IsPETase), an enzyme that specifically degrades PET. However, inducing the expression of IsPETase synthetic gene in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) has been challenging because much of it remains insoluble. This study aimed to express IsPETase in E. coli Arctic Express (DE3) and optimize the conditions to enhance its production. First, pET22b(+)pelB-IsPETase was inserted into E. coli Arctic Express (DE3). The …

Metagenomic Analysis Of Antarctic Microbial Communities, David Michael Robinson

Biology ETDs

The research presented in this dissertation focuses on microbial roles in biogeochemical cycling in Antarctic aquatic environments. The major objective of my research was to examine the impact of biotic and abiotic pressures on nutrient cycling in microbially dominated systems. I used three perennially ice covered lakes in the McMurdo Dry Valleys (MDVs) along with subglacial lakes Whillans and Mercer as natural case studies. The MDVs are located in Victoria Land, East Antarctica and have been studied since 1993 as part of the McMurdo Long Term Ecological Research Project. Viruses in the MDVs were shown to be seasonally abundant and …

Degradation Of Chlorpyrifos Residue On Tropical Inceptisol Soil With Indigenous Bacteria Treatment, Asep Kurnia, Hidayatuz Zu`Amah, Baiq Nunung Sulastri, Ria Fauriah Makmur

Makara Journal of Science

The use of soil microbes is one of the most effective methods for degrading pesticide residue in soil. Microbes can accelerate the degradation of persistent pollutants including chlorpyrifos in soil. This research aims to find soil bacteria with the greatest potential to degrade chlorpyrifos residue in tropical inceptisol soil and determine its degradation index (DI). The soil used in this experiment was collected from agricultural fields in the districts of Demak, Central Java Province, Indonesia. The experiment was performed using factorial randomize complete block design composed of two factors and four replications. The first factors were made up of two …