The use of indigenous organisms to degrade or sequester unwanted materials is an ideal method for bioremediation. However, incomplete understanding of the inter-relationships involved in a microbial community will not only make it impossible to evaluate the fate of the undesired material, but also to evaluate the safety factors involved, in terms of the potential for gene transfer, and the spread of the introduced organism to unwanted sites. Metal Bioremediation A novel strain of uranium adsorbing bacterium, with potential for bioremediation of metal-rich waste deposits, has been identified. Uptake and adsorption of heavy metals by the strain is being explored in a collaboration with at the University of XXX, Iran. Vibrio Ecology in Estuarine Environments Anwar.
Vibrios are a group of short, curved bacteria that include the cholera bacteria.
Previous studies have revealed that plankton is a natural reservoir and host for vibrios. Therefore, both field and modelling work is planned to examine the plankton-pathogen relationship. A better understanding of the dynamics of this interaction will enable scientists to develop predictive models for these pathogens. A pseudomonas has been isolated in Iran that removes Uranium from the environment. The organism will be genetically modified to contain the Lux gene.