Cleaning up with genomics: applying molecular biology to bioremediation.

TitleCleaning up with genomics: applying molecular biology to bioremediation.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2003
AuthorsLovley DR
JournalNat Rev Microbiol
Volume1
Issue1
Pagination35-44
Date Published2003 Oct
ISSN1740-1526
KeywordsBacteria, Bacterial Physiological Phenomena, Biodegradation, Environmental, Ecology, Environmental Microbiology, Fungi, Genetic Vectors, Genome, Bacterial, Genome, Fungal, Genomics, Models, Biological, Molecular Biology
Abstract

Bioremediation has the potential to restore contaminated environments inexpensively yet effectively, but a lack of information about the factors controlling the growth and metabolism of microorganisms in polluted environments often limits its implementation. However, rapid advances in the understanding of bioremediation are on the horizon. Researchers now have the ability to culture microorganisms that are important in bioremediation and can evaluate their physiology using a combination of genome-enabled experimental and modelling techniques. In addition, new environmental genomic techniques offer the possibility for similar studies on as-yet-uncultured organisms. Combining models that can predict the activity of microorganisms that are involved in bioremediation with existing geochemical and hydrological models should transform bioremediation from a largely empirical practice into a science.

DOI10.1038/nrmicro731
Alternate JournalNat. Rev. Microbiol.
PubMed ID15040178