Anaerobic biotransformation of ethylene dibromide

MSc thesis research topic for students enrolled in a university programme interested to work on the enrichment of anaerobic microorganisms capable of contaminant degradation and the characterisation of degradation applying compound-specific stable isotope analysis.

Brominated organic substances are widely used as e.g. brominated flame retardants, fumigants and pesticides. Although much is known about the biotransformation of chlorinated analogues, little is known about the degradation of brominated chemicals thus far. In our laboratory, we enriched microorganisms capable of the biotransformation of ethylene dibromide (EDB) under anoxic conditions. Furthermore, certain Dehalococcoides mccartyi strains can dehalogenate EDB, in addition to a variety of chlorinated compounds. The enrichments will be further characterized concerning their substrate specificity and stable isotope fractionation (C, Br, H) of EDB will provide additional information on the reaction.


The tasks of the planned research include:

• further enrichment of EDB degrading microorganisms
• degradation experiments with the strict anaerobic D. mccartyi strains and enrichments
• analysis of metabolites using GC-FID
• compound-specific stable isotope analysis (e.g. C, H, Br) of EDB during degradation

Weitere Informationen

Unternehmen

Helmholtz Gemeinschaft

Bereich/Abteilung

Helmholtz Zentrum für Umweltforschung

Abschlussart

Masterarbeit / Diplomarbeit

Ansprechpartner/in

Name: Frau Dr. Ivonne Nijenhuis

Branche

Forschung und Entwicklung

Anforderungen

We are looking for a motivated candidate (m/f) currently enrolled in a Diploma or MSc programme with a strong interest in microbiology, geoecology, environmental science, analytical chemistry or similar. The thesis can start as soon as possible and will take six to nine months. Additionally, an internship for an introduction to the topic prior to the thesis research is possible. The working place will be Leipzig.

Zusatzinformationen

Einsendeschluss:
31. Januar 2016

Arbeitsort: Leipzig

Das Helmholtz-Zentrum für Umweltforschung – UFZ hat sich mit seinen 1100 Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeitern als internationales Kompetenzzentrum für Umweltwissenschaften einen hervorragenden Ruf erworben. Wir sind Teil der größten Wissenschaftsorganisation Deutschlands – der Helmholtz- Gemeinschaft. Unsere Mission: Wir forschen für eine Balance zwischen gesellschaftlicher Entwicklung und langfristigem Schutz unserer Lebensgrundlagen – für eine nachhaltige Entwicklung.

• Great insights into the work in a leading research institute
• Individual supervision with the possibility to contribute your own ideas
• An own topic to work on independently
• Work in international teams

Chancengleichheit ist Bestandteil unserer Personalpolitik, daher begrüßen wir ausdrücklich die Bewerbung von qualifizierten Frauen. Schwerbehinderte werden bei gleicher Eignung bevorzugt.