Solve Subsurface Mysteries with QuantArray®-BGC
The world beneath our feet is flourishing with microbial activity that plays a crucial role in biogeochemical processes. Microbial Insights’ QuantArray®-BGC analysis comprehensively quantifies microorganisms and functional genes involved in biogeochemical processes in a way that was once thought impossible. Let’s dive into the realm of biogeochemical exploration and the broad applicability of QuantArray®-BGC.
Unraveling the Biogeochemical Web
Microbial communities have diverse metabolic capabilities, and the selective pressure of environmental conditions (e.g., dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, availability of electron donors and acceptors, etc.) influences which metabolic processes will be predominant. However, inferring microbial processes from chemical and geochemical data alone can result in an oversimplified of view of the microbial activity occurring at a site or system. The QuantArray®-BGC analysis provides direct microbial evidence to determine if the in situ community has metabolic capabilities of interest, including:
- Sulfate reduction
- Sulfur oxidation
- Iron reduction
- Metal oxidation
- Nitrification
- Denitrification
- Nitrogen fixation
- Fermentation
- Acetogenesis
- Methanogenesis
Wide-Ranging Applications Across Industries
QuantArray®-BGC offers a broad view of microbial community dynamics. By analyzing a wide range of microorganisms and functional genes, this technology offers insights that were once difficult to obtain through direct analysis. This deeper understanding enhances site assessment and empowers decision-makers across disciplines and industries to make more informed choices. Below are a few examples of how QuantArray®-BGC can be applied in fields as varied as environmental remediation, mining, agriculture, and landfills.
Environmental Remediation
Results from QuantArray®-BGC analysis can be used as a line of evidence to demonstrate the biogeochemical processes occurring in the subsurface. For example, in the combined biotic/abiotic treatment of chlorinated solvents, sulfate reducing bacteria are desirable for the formation of reactive iron sulfides which drive long-term abiotic contaminant degradation. Additionally, acetylene, an intermediate of abiotic chlorinated solvent degradation, is readily biodegraded and may not appreciably accumulate in groundwater. As an alternative indicator, quantification of acetylene hydratase genes (included in the QuantArray®-BGC suite), encoding the enzyme that mediates anaerobic acetylene biodegradation, may suggest acetylene production even if dissolved acetylene has not been detected.
Mining
QuantArray®-BGC quantifies a suite of gene targets related to biogeochemical processes, including sulfur, nitrate, and metal cycling. These cycles are often important in the remediation of mine water:
- Sulfate reducing bacteria contribute to the removal of sulfate, the neutralization of acidity, and the immobilization of dissolved iron as sulfide.
- Denitrifiers decrease nitrate levels in mine waters, reducing the overall environmental impact and lowering the risk of associated liabilities.
- Metal reducing bacteria can reduce metals, including iron, manganese, and in certain instances, uranium.
Agriculture
By utilizing cutting-edge DNA-based molecular techniques, QuantArray®-BGC provides a unique window into the microbiological dynamics of agricultural ecosystems that may be missed by culture-based testing methods. For example, QuantArray®-BGC can be used to monitor microorganisms and functional genes responsible for processes that are important to soil health, including nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and denitrification.
Landfills
Many biogeochemical processes are important to landfills including methanogenesis, methane oxidation, fermentation, acetogenesis, sulfate reduction, sulfur oxidation, iron reduction, metal oxidation, and the nitrogen cycle. QuantArray®-BGC can be incorporated into routine monitoring to track temporal trends in the microbial data. Major shifts in the microbial community profile can serve as an early warning sign, allowing operators to evaluate and intervene sooner. For example, noting a substantial decrease in methanogens would merit investigation as inhibited methanogenesis can have a negative impact on biogas production and increase leachate strength.
A Powerful Tool for Site Management
QuantArray®-BGC’s ability to quantify genes associated with diverse biogeochemical processes has far-reaching implications. As project leaders strive for more effective site management strategies, this technology becomes an important asset, enabling them to better understand and harness the potential of microbial communities.
To learn more about QuantArray®-BGC, please see https://microbe.com/quantarray/ or contact us as [email protected] or (865) 573-8188.
