Testing Integrated GM-Rhizoremediation systems for soil bioremediation (GM-Rhizoremediation)

This project intends to advance rhizoremediation – the combined application of plants and rootzone bacteria for soil cleaning – in two essential aspects.  (1) GM bacteria engineered for in situ PCB degradation, will be further developed as biomonitoring strains, i.e., to signal the presence of the pollutant in plant and soil, the efficacy of the bioremediation strains, the formation of the intermediate product CBA, and the reaching of the end point of degradation. (2) Molecular detection methods for tracking GM degrader bacteria in the environment will be developed to detect and quantify the GM strains under environmental conditions. The new GM strains and tools will be evaluated under realistic conditions in contained greenhouse lysimeters using contaminated soil for their biodegradation efficacy. Molecular tools may also be used to monitor GM strains following a planned deliberate release. A detailed risk assessment of the GM strains and bioremediation technology will be prepared resulting in a set of guidelines for regulatory authorities and end users.

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Last updated: March 4, 2004.