National Science Foundation Grant Awarded to Alison Cupples
Dr. Alison Cupples, Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, has been awarded a National Science Foundation Grant. Her grant is titled "Stable Isotope Probing to Assess Bioremediation of LUST Contaminants: Addressing Existing MTBE/BTEX and Probable Future Ethanol/BTEX Contamination". Here is a summary of her project: Contaminants from leaking underground storage tanks migrate into surface and ground water, which may be used for drinking. Cleanup through bioremediation or monitored natural attenuation is favored because of cost. However, information on the microorganisms used for bioremediation and their abilities to transform chemicals under various environmental conditions is lacking. The research team, including students, will develop and apply stable isotope probing (SIP) methods to identify these microorganisms in situ at the contaminated sites with their range of environmental conditions and mix of contaminants, including BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and the xylenes), MTBE (methyl-tert-butyl ether), and TBA (tert-butyl alcohol). The proposed work builds on techniques already developed by the research team and is of national interest because of widespread MBTE, TBA, and BTEX contamination. Research results will be disseminated broadly. Educational activities will be developed for K-12 students, undergraduates, and graduate students, with the goal of promoting hands-on learning and independent and critical thinking skills.