Isolation of Root Nodule Bacteria from Crotalaria Spectabilis Used to Detoxify Trichloroethylene
Department
Biological Sciences
Major
Biology Pre Med
Research Advisor
Westenberg, David J.
Advisor's Department
Biological Sciences
Funding Source
Missouri S&T Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experiences (OURE) Program; Biological Sciences Department
Abstract
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a chemical used in adhesives, paint removers, spot removers, and other commercial products. TCE can be very harmful not only to the environment but also to human health. Three different plants have been identified in TCE contaminated soil in South Carolina. One species, Crotalaria spectabilis, was shown to detoxify TCE while the other two do not. TCE detoxification was associated with the root nodules of the plant. The goal of this project is to isolate and identify the bacteria in the nodules of C. spectabilis and the other two species to determine if the bacteria in C. spectabilis are responsible for the plant's ability to detoxify TCE. We isolated bacteria from twelve different nodules and are sequencing the 16S rRNA genes to identify the bacteria.
Biography
Erin Sind is a junior in the Biological Sciences department. She is the daughter of Joseph and Joann Sind of St. Louis, Missouri. Erin graduated from Cor Jesu Academy. She is currently an active member of Chi Omega and various other organizations on campus. Erin plans on graduating in May 2010 with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Biology with a Pre Med focus.
Research Category
Sciences
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Location
Upper Atrium/Hallway
Presentation Date
08 Apr 2009, 9:00 am - 11:45 am
Isolation of Root Nodule Bacteria from Crotalaria Spectabilis Used to Detoxify Trichloroethylene
Upper Atrium/Hallway
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a chemical used in adhesives, paint removers, spot removers, and other commercial products. TCE can be very harmful not only to the environment but also to human health. Three different plants have been identified in TCE contaminated soil in South Carolina. One species, Crotalaria spectabilis, was shown to detoxify TCE while the other two do not. TCE detoxification was associated with the root nodules of the plant. The goal of this project is to isolate and identify the bacteria in the nodules of C. spectabilis and the other two species to determine if the bacteria in C. spectabilis are responsible for the plant's ability to detoxify TCE. We isolated bacteria from twelve different nodules and are sequencing the 16S rRNA genes to identify the bacteria.
