Enhanced Phytoremediation using Endophytes

CBET-0829027Doty，Sharon L.华盛顿大学拟议的研究考虑使用快速生长的棉杨和柳树对三氯乙烯进行植物修复；生活在这些树中的内生植物(微生物)将被用来加强修复过程。由于PI实验室分离的许多杨树和柳树内生菌既能诱导根系快速生长，又能固定大气中的氮，这些内生菌的存在可能对这些树种的生存和成功建立起至关重要的作用。该项目是首次通过两个最适合植物修复的树种来全面研究内生菌对TCE代谢的有益作用。开发提高树木修复不涉及基因工程的受污染地点的能力的方法，将有助于使这项更绿色的技术更被广泛使用。PI和她的10名实验室成员中有7名是女性科学家。本科生研究人员将通过威斯康星州少数民族项目招募。作为国际杨树委员会的积极成员和杨树和柳树环境利用工作组的一部分，国际杨树协会与世界各地的杨树和柳树用户有直接联系，以确保该项目产生的知识将迅速用于以环境可持续的方式改进污染物的修复。

CBET- 0829027Doty, Sharon L.University of WashingtonThe proposed research considers phytoremediation of TCE using fast-growing cottonwood and willow trees; endophytes (microorganisms) living within these trees will be used to enhance the remediation processes. Since many of the poplar and willow endophytes isolated in the PI's laboratory can both induce rapid root growth and fix atmospheric nitrogen, the presence of these endophytes may have a vital role in the survival and successful establishment of these tree species. This project is the first comprehensive study of the beneficial role of endophytes on TCE metabolism by two tree genera most suitable for phytoremediation. Development of methods of improving the ability of trees to remediate polluted sites that do not involve genetic engineering will aid in making this greener technology more accepted for widespread use. The PI and seven of her ten lab members are female scientists. Undergraduate researchers will be recruited through the UW Minority Program. As an active member of the International Poplar Commission and part of the Working Group on environmental uses of poplar and willow, the PI has direct connections to users of poplar and willow around the world to ensure that the knowledge generated in this project will be utilized promptly to improve remediation of pollutants in an environmentally sustainable way.