RIG: Diversity and biogeography of microbial communities in submerged caves

对岩溶系统日益增长的环境威胁导致了对地下生态系统的研究增加。然而，这项工作在很大程度上仅限于陆上（“干燥”）洞穴。在水下洞穴中进行的研究很少，这些洞穴虽然难以进入，但却是深入地下水环境的独特窗口。本研究的目的是利用分子遗传学方法和DNA序列分析来研究这些生境中微生物的多样性和分布。通过与寒武纪基金会的合作，PI将获得来自佛罗里达、百慕大和墨西哥几个以前未研究过的水下洞穴的微生物样本。 同时评估每个地点的水文和地下水地球化学将为解释这些数据提供环境背景。除了发现新的微生物物种外，研究还将考虑这些生态系统中微生物活动的生物和地质后果，填补我们对岩溶含水层的微生物学和地球化学及其对地下水化学影响的理解的根本空白。这对人类造成了严重的后果，包括饮用水供应的污染，以及地下独特而脆弱的生态系统的保护。作为她与寒武纪基金会（佛罗里达州奥兰多）合作的一部分，PI制定了一项雄心勃勃的教育和推广计划，旨在提高公众对这些栖息地的赞赏。在推广计划的核心是一个独特的经验，称为“人类远程操作车辆”（ESTA），它允许学生直接沟通，通过视频和双向音频链接，与水下洞穴系统的调查员-让学生体验这种极端的环境从陆地的安全。“顶侧”学生还参加各种活动，旨在帮助他们更多地了解这些生态系统的生物学和化学。 此外，该提案还包括研究生和本科生研究的机会，并要求支持学生通过参观K-12教室并就其研究进行适龄演讲来参与当地的外展活动。

The growing environmental threat to karst systems has led to increased research into subterranean ecosystems. However, this work has largely been restricted to subaerial ('dry') caves. Little research has been conducted in submerged caves, which, although difficult to access, represent unique windows into deeper groundwater environments. The objective of this research is to examine the diversity and distribution of microorganisms in these habitats using molecular genetic approaches and DNA sequence analysis. Through collaboration with the Cambrian Foundation, the PI will gain access to microbial samples from several previously unstudied submerged caves in Florida, Bermuda, and Mexico. Simultaneous assessment of each sites' hydrology and groundwater geochemistry will provide the environmental context for interpreting these data. In addition to discovery of novel microbial species, the research will consider the biological and geological consequences of microbial activity in these ecosystems, filling a fundamental gap in our understanding of the microbiology and geochemistry of karst aquifers and their influence on groundwater chemistry. This has consequences for humans, in terms of contamination of drinking water supplies, and for the preservation of the unique and fragile ecosystems that thrive underground.As part of her partnership with the Cambrian Foundation (Orlando, FL), the PI has developed an ambitious education and outreach program designed to increase public appreciation of these habitats. At the core of the outreach program is a unique experience called 'Human-Remotely-Operated-Vehicle' (ROV), which allows students to directly communicate, via video and two-way audio links, with an investigator in the underwater cave systems - allowing the students to experience this extreme environment from the safety of land. 'Top side' students also participate in a variety of activities designed to help them learn more about the biology and chemistry of these ecosystems. In addition, the proposal includes opportunities for graduate and undergraduate student research, and requires supported students to participate in the local outreach activities by visiting K-12 classrooms and giving age-appropriate presentations about their research.