A Slippery Rock University student is conducting forward-thinking research that offers new solutions for bioremediation at acid mine drainage sites in western Pennsylvania. Gianna Kraus, a senior biology from Murrysville (Kiski HS), completed genetic analysis research at SRU in their project titled “Investigation of Metal-Resistant Bacteria from Acid Mine Drainage Environments.”

Kraus is building upon previous research conducted by SRU students under the direction of Evan Guiney and Christopher Maltman, SRU associate professors of biology.

“We are trying to identify patterns within the genomes of the bacteria and what they can do,” Kraus said. “Their metabolic systems are so diverse that some can ‘mine’ for specific heavy metals because they actually use them in their metabolic processes.”

Students identified 59 bacterial isolates capable of growing in environments containing toxic levels of heavy metals. The bacteria’s ability to survive under these conditions suggests they may have potential for use in bioremediation efforts to help neutralize or remove toxic compounds from contaminated environments.

While Kraus has presented their research at a symposium for student projects at SRU in April, Kraus plans to present it at an international biology conference in Canada. However, the story of this project is not over.

“We’re looking into databases of bacteria to see which ones don’t have a lot of genetic information,” Kraus said. “We want to fill those gaps and assemble full genomes for them. We want to expand our knowledge of bacterial genetics.”

More information about biology at SRU can be found on the program’s webpage.