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Kapoor Lab – EcoJEDI Research Projects
1) Measurement of fecal indicator bacteria and host-associated genetic markers in water samples
The students will be involved in sample collection along the Texas coast and processing of samples for molecular analysis. We will analyze all water samples for fecal indicator bacteria (Enterococcus) and human-specific fecal genetic marker and dog fecal marker and gull fecal marker. Successful accomplishment of this project is expected to provide a wealth of information regarding the fate and transport of fecal indicators from groundwater, or surface water, to coastal waters.
2) Measurement of water quality parameters in stormwater samples
The students will help in analyzing stormwater samples for different water quality parameters such as heavy metals, nutrients, fecal bacteria and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. Samples will be collected from detention basins in and around San Antonio for measuring the effectiveness of these systems in removing pollutants from stormwater runoff.
3) Wastewater-based surveillance of pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes
The students will help in analyzing wastewater samples for RNA/DNA markers of emerging pathogens (viruses and bacteria) and antibiotic resistance genes using qPCR and ddPCR methods. Targeting wastewater can provide a wealth of information regarding the spread of these pathogens at the community level.
4) Monitoring Harmful Algal Blooms in Environmental Waters in Cibolo Preserve
Samples have been collected from the Cibolo Creek at different sites, including sites near the wastewater treatment plant effluent discharge. RNA and DNA will be extracted from the samples and used for qPCR assays to look for genes associated with harmful algal blooms. The occurrence of blooms will also be correlated with presence of nitrogen/phosphorus, water temperature, DO and other environmental parameters. Subsequently, the results will be evaluated within a qualitative and quantitative framework to allow understanding of the mechanism of toxic blooms under different environmental conditions.
5) Interaction Of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles With Nitrifying Bacteria In Soil
The introduction of metal oxide nanoparticles (MeO NPs) into agricultural soils can be toxic to microorganisms carrying out important biogeochemical processes within the soil ecosystem, including nitrification. We will investigate the effects of ZnO NPs and CuO NPs, along with bulk ZnO and CuO, on the physiological, transcriptional and metabolic responses of nitrifying bacteria in agricultural soils. We will study the interactions of nitrifying bacteria, in lab-scale soil microcosms, with MeO NPs for environmentally relevant concentrations and transformations of these nanoparticles in soils.
Hutchinson Lab - Potential Studies
EcoJEDI Research Projects (local):
1) Particulate matter as allochthonous energy input into Leon Creek
- This will be a 12 month to determine seasonal input of organic matter (primarily leaves and small twigs) into the upper section of Leon Creek.
2) Carbon sequestration from trees in Leon Creek
- This study will involve the measurement of shrubs and trees along a gradient from the upper to lower elevations to determine carbon sequestration of tree species within an urbanized greenway. Plotless sampling will be used and the carbon content of each tree species will be determined with an allometric equation.
3) Soil carbon at depths from 0-1 m in ephemeral pools in Leon Creek
- This study will be a labor intensive project to sample sediment in ephemeral pools to a depth of 1 meter. The study will involve collecting five sediment samples from 12 ephemeral pools and analyzing each sample in increments of 0-0.2, 0.2-0.4, 0.4-0.6, 0.6-0.8, and 0.8-1.0 meter for carbon content.
4) Establishment and survival of native riparian and aquatic plants in permanent and ephemeral pools in Leon Creek
- This study will involve planting of 3-5 riparian and 3-5 aquatic plants in permanent (n = 3) and ephemeral pools (n = 3) in Leon Creek in multiple plots.
5) Effects of microplastics on the phenology of three common crops (corn, tomato, and lettuce).
- This will be a greenhouse study where three common crops are exposed to five levels of one microplastic polymer. Growth rates will be monitored weekly and a final harvest will occur at 6 weeks.
- Another option is the effects on microplastics on northern wild rice in the greenhouse.
6) Urban forestry and greening in San Antonio
- Need to contact Mark Kroeze. Phone: (210) 494-4771, Email: mkroeze@tfs.tamu.edu
-I think there is great potential with urban forestry but Mark Kroeze will have to be part of it
- Open for ideas
- Planting and monitoring trees in urban areas of San Antonio
- Estimating the amount of carbon sequestered in areas that were planted in the downtown area.
- Photosysthesis estimates for commonly planted trees with the Li-Cor gas analyzer.
7) Carbon sequestration at UTSA’s main campus (or other natural areas in Bexar County).
- This study has been completed but I need some students to help organize the data. There is a large database available for students to work with.
8) “Femelschlag” - effects of gap size on biodiversity and ecosystem services in Leon Creek Greenway.
9) Basic water quality in the hyporheic zone in Leon and Saldo creeks. This would involve installing a series of wells and installing 5-8 foot PVP pipes. Water quality, algae, and micro-inverts would be sampled at various times (following a rain events, floods, dry periods).
EcoJEDI Research Experience:
1) US Forest Service - Southern Research Experiment Station, Asheville, North Carolina.
- Meeting Oct. 6 with USFS ecologists (Tara Keyser, Susan Loeb, and Katie Greenberg) to discuss
- Focus on “Femelschlag” - effects of gap size on biodiversity and ecosystem services
- Mostly experience working with USFS professionals with the opportunity to develop a small research project
- One potential MS project over 1 or 2 summers.
Salas Lab – Ongoing Research Projects
1. Variation in stress-related gene expression in the coral Montastraea cavernosa and it’s algal symbionts (Symbiodinium spp.)
Students would work on extracting RNA from already processed samples of M. cavernosa. These corals are from a field experiment in 2011 that reciprocally transplanted coral from a less-stressed to a more-stressed reef. The goal is to target stress-related genes in both the coral and algal symbiont. Students would then measure gene expression variation using q-PCR in Dr. Kapoors lab. Research would take place mostly in the summer.
2. Cell-death related impacts of coastal herbicide pollution on Gymnodinium and Symbiodinium spp.
Students would conduct various experiments exposing cell lines to heat and herbicide stress. Cell-death impacts would be measured using ELISA, western blotting, and/or flow cytometry. Research would take place mostly in the summer.
3. Impacts of environmental stress on regeneration rates of Planaria.
Students would conduct various experiments cutting planarian cultures into segments and exposing to environmental stress. Measurements of regeneration rates would then be taken and assessed. Research could take place at any time.
4. Water quality assessment of Elmendorf Lake before and after rain events.
Students would conduct various water quality assessments on Elmendorf Lake before and after large rain events. Research should be ongoing depending on weather.
5. Other ideas from students. I am open to other research projects students would be interested in, assuming they are feasible.
