The Use of Molecular Techniques to Assess Microbial Community Structure and Function in Aquifer Systems

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Barnard College are co-sponsors of a special session on "The Use of Molecular Techniques to Assess Microbial Community Structure and Function in Aquifer Systems" (T29) at the 2006 Geological Society of America Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 22-25, 2006. Direct measurements of the function and diversity of the microorganisms is a growing area of research in biogeochemical studies in aquifers, which is fueled by the rapid development of new molecular approaches. This session examines the advantages and limitations of available techniques and how they might be applied in different geographical and geological settings. Possible environments include not only groundwater and/or aquifer sediments but such interfaces as wetland-groundwater transition zones, recharge areas, and areas of groundwater discharge.

Session Goals

• To discuss methodology, advantages, limitations, and applications of different molecular techniques for classically trained hydrologists and geochemists interested in incorporating these techniques into future studies.
• To encourage discussion and collaboration between microbiologists and geologists.
• To highlight recent biogeochemical investigations that have employed a multidisciplinary approach that includes molecular techniques.

Invited Speakers

• Dawn Holmes, Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
• Sheridan Haack skhaack@usgs.gov, U.S. Geological Survey
• Susan Pfiffner, The University of Tennessee, Center for Biomarker Analysis

Conveners

• Johanna Weiss, USGS, jweiss@usgs.gov
• Isabelle Cozzarelli, USGS, icozzare@usgs.gov
• Brian Mailloux, Barnard College, bmaillou@barnard.edu

General Conference Information

• Conference Home Page

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