This research line is centered on the study of bacteria obtained from contaminated groundwater and sediments with the goal of understanding and optimizing in situ bioremediation treatments of chlorinated compounds (such as chloroform, dichloromethane, lindane, chlorobenzenes, trichloroethylene or vinyl chloride) and gasoline.
We use genomic and proteomic techniques to get insights into the metabolism of such bacteria and identify novel relevant biomarker genes to monitor bioremediation. We also investigate the physiology of these bacteria and the fate and toxicity of the transformation products.
Our research group currently have four bacterial model enriched from samples obtained from contaminated matrices:
- Dehalogenimonas sp. strain BRE15M
- Dehalobacter sp. strain 8M
- Dehalobacterium sp. strain EZ94
- Aromatoleum sp.
- Pseudomonas veronii sp. SBNG
Recently, we started a new line of research on bioelectrochemistry in collaboration with the GENOCOV group. This line is centered on the use of electrochemically generated hydrogen as a tool to provide electrons for reductive dechlorination by organohalide-respiring bacteria in groundwaters contaminated with chlorinated compounds.
Contact: Ernest.Marco@uab.cat
