The scientists can use the master filter to detect similar bacteria in various environments. DNA is extracted directly from a sample and then labeled with a radioactive tag. This community DNA consists of a mixture of DNA from many different organisms. When the master filter is exposed to the radio-labeled community DNA, the master filter 'lights up' everywhere there is a match. A machine called a bio-imaging analyzer then reads the results.
Industries can use community fingerprints in risk assessment.
While some bacteria may help clean up toxic waste, others may actually cause serious problems in industrial settings. As a result, knowing which bacteria are present at a given site can help scientists predict the fate of the toxic chemicals in that environment. Voordouw has also been studying a sulfate reducing bacterium called Desulfovibrio since the early '80s. Desulfovibrio is responsible for metal corrosion of pipelines and for oil field souring, caused by the production of hydrogen sulfide. Research in Voordouw's lab focuses on the molecular biology of this microorganism.