Who is responsible here? Linking transformation of organochlorines with specific bacterial populations

Organochlorines (OCs), such as chlorinated ethenes and polychlorinated biphenyls, still constitute an important environmental problem due to actual and/or potential contamination of soils or drinking water sources. Although microbial degradation of OCs has been extensively studied, there is paucity of knowledge about the distribution of OC degradation genes at contaminated sites and their link to phylogenetic information in individual taxa. In this project, we aim to understand patterns in the distribution of vital biodegradative functions and the phylogenetic origin of bacteria that perform these functions. Specifically, our main objectives are to: reveal patterns in the distribution of selected OC degradation (bphA and rdhA) genes in indigenous communities at contaminated sites and their link to phylogeny; investigate the contribution of extrachromosomal DNA to the distribution of OC degradation genes in the environment; elucidate the capability of bacterial consortia to adapt to elevated concentrations of OCs by up-regulation and dissemination of particular rdhA genes.