Bacteria mineral interactions

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Microorganisms play an important role in catalyzing a wide array of biogeochemical processes that affect the composition of our soil, water and air. Understanding these processes requires a multidisciplinary approach focused on the contribution of the ubiquitous microbial world, e.g., research on life in extreme environments in Canada's high arctic will help understand the influence of permafrost on climate change. The overall goal of my research program is to bridge the boundary between earth science and microbiology to improve our understanding of fundamental earth system processes that have occurred throughout geological history and to apply this knowledge to benefit society. Prior to 2.5 billion years ago, the Earth did not possess a significant amount of oxygen in its' atmosphere. Using a laboratory microcosm, we will examine the relationship between cyanobacteria (the precursor to plants on Earth), and carbon dioxide fixation and oxygen production. The model will determine the geochemical and mineralogical processes that occurred as cyanobacteria created this oxygen, beginning a new era in Earth's history. Understanding this fundamental relationship between oxygenic photosynthesis and atmospheric evolution will help us understand how life has contributed to planetary evolution in the past, and also hopefully providing lessons for the future. Mining is an important contributor to Canada's economy as an established global producer of a wide range of commodities (e.g., nickel, diamonds, gold, uranium and platinum group elements). The development of biotechnological processes for the mining industry will have direct benefit to the public by improving Canada's competitiveness in mining, creating new green jobs that can support existing mining operations. The continued development of this industry requires innovation in mineral exploration. Through this proposed research, we will examine the role of lithotrophic (rock-eating) bacteria on the erosion of gold containing minerals and their involvement in the synthesis of nanophase gold, which is important in developing new gold exploration strategies.