Award Abstract # 0732733
Targeted environmental probing: Linking microorganisms with biogeochemical function at Fe- and Mn-rich, diffuse hydrothermal vents

NSF Org: OCE
Division Of Ocean Sciences
Recipient: OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY
Initial Amendment Date: September 7, 2007
Latest Amendment Date: September 7, 2007
Award Number: 0732733
Award Instrument: Standard Grant
Program Manager: Brian Midson
bmidson@nsf.gov
 (703)292-8145
OCE
 Division Of Ocean Sciences
GEO
 Directorate for Geosciences
Start Date: September 15, 2007
End Date: April 30, 2009 (Estimated)
Total Intended Award Amount: $127,408.00
Total Awarded Amount to Date: $127,408.00
Funds Obligated to Date: FY 2007 = $63,221.00
History of Investigator:
  • Suzanna Brauer (Principal Investigator)
    brauersl@appstate.edu
Recipient Sponsored Research Office: Oregon Health & Science University
3181 SW SAM JACKSON PARK RD
PORTLAND
OR  US  97239-3011
(503)494-7784
Sponsor Congressional District: 01
Primary Place of Performance: Oregon Health & Science University
3181 SW SAM JACKSON PARK RD
PORTLAND
OR  US  97239-3011
Primary Place of Performance
Congressional District:
01
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): NPSNT86JKN51
Parent UEI:
NSF Program(s): Marine Geology and Geophysics,
BIOLOGICAL OCEANOGRAPHY
Primary Program Source: app-0107 
Program Reference Code(s): 0000, OTHR
Program Element Code(s): 162000, 165000
Award Agency Code: 4900
Fund Agency Code: 4900
Assistance Listing Number(s): 47.050

ABSTRACT

The primary objective of this project is to determine which microorganisms are involved in CO2 fixation and Mn oxidation in hydrothermal vent systems. The researchers will employ biogeochemical, microbiological, and molecular biological methods to gain a more complete understanding of the microbial communities that are coupling metal oxidation to carbon fixation, thus driving basalt weathering and sustaining ecosystems in the deep-sea. Their strategy includes 1) culture-based methods to isolate more ecologically significant strains and to determine whether Mn-oxidizing bacteria may play a role in fixation of inorganic carbon into organic carbon in mixed or pure cultures, 2) culture-independent methods to identify the key chemolithoautotrophic organisms responsible for carbon fixation in the environment, and 3) peptide probes to physically separate Mn oxides and associated microorganisms from other particles and microbes; analysis of macromolecules (DNA and/or lipids) of the Mn oxide-associated microorganisms will provide the first direct phylogenetic identification of the organisms responsible for Mn oxide biomineralization in environmental samples.

Broader Impacts:
Isolating autotrophic Mn(II)-oxidizing bacteria from hydrothermal fields, the main objective of this project, will have a broad impact on understanding the manganese cycle. The postdoctoral candidate has already a great track record of outreach and education activities during her Ph.D. studies, and the proposed collaboration with high school students is a great value to the broad impact of this work.

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