Can we use microorganisms in nature to solve environmentally related problems like acid mine drainage (AMD)?

[Past Projects]

Dr. John Senko and Shagun Sharma


One of the project in our lab is investigating the role of microbial communities associated with acid mine drainage (AMD) in bioremediation. Coal-mine derived acid mine drainage (AMD) is formed upon intrusion of oxygenated water into the abandoned mine works and waste rock, inducing microbially mediated oxidation of FeS phases, and yielding acidic fluids with high concentrations of Fe(II). Which eventually precipitates as Fe(III) (hydr)oxides forming “yellow boys’, which smother stream substrate and destroy benthic communities.

Benefits for the students

  • Understanding of advanced molecular techniques
  • Genomics experience (Bioinformatics tools)
  • Learn to use integrated approaches to solve research questions
  • Opportunity to attend scientific conferences and building networks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Click here to learn more about Dr. Senkos’ lab.