UBC Microbiologists to Investigate Bacterial-Powered Cleanup of Military Test Sites

UBC microbiologist Lindsay Eltis is leading a new $3.45 million Genome BC-funded project which will explore using bacteria to degrade toxic residue left by military munitions.

Nitramines--specifically a compound called RDX--have been used in military munitions for decades, often to propel tank shells. But with increased knowledge of the compounds' environmentally harmful effects, Canadian and US militaries are looking for ways to clean up contaminated test sites.

"RDX is a rich source of nitrogen, and certain bacteria including Rhodococcus and Gordonia, have evolved to thrive on this explosive," says Eltis, a professor with UBC's Department of Microbiology and Immunology.

With a voracious appetite for toxic chemical compounds and a near indestructibility (some can survive high levels of nuclear radiation), Eltis describes bacteria as the "ultimate garbage incinerators."

On-site bioremediation using nitramine-degrading bacteria is currently being hampered due to a lack of understanding of the biochemical and genetic pathways of the potential bacteria involved. Eltis, together with colleagues Professor Bill Mohn and Professor Steven Hallam, will work to identify the key genes and processes by focusing on one particular strain of bacteria, Gordonia sp. KTR9.

The current option for cleanup at these sites involves removing the top layer of soil, carting it away by dump truck and burning it in an incinerator.

Eltis' research team investigates bacterial enzymes and pathways that degrade aromatic compounds, steroids and pollutants. These enzymes and pathways have tremendous biotechnological potential in bioremediation and biocatalysts and are also important in certain diseases such as Tuberculosis.

The research is also being funded by the US Military, and supported by Defence Research and Development Canada, who are providing contaminated soil samples.