Press

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Press

Links to selected press, publications, and videos.

Research Overview

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Research Overview

The Leigh Lab investigates the role of microorganisms in the biodegradation of environmental contaminants and in biogeochemical cycling. Our research topics include biodegradation of oil and dispersants in Arctic seawater, biodegradation of groundwater contaminants (e.g. sulfolane), the use of plants and microbes to remediate contaminated soils (phytoremediation), methane oxidation in Arctic lakes, and boreal forest ecology. We also organize efforts to foster collaboration between the environmental sciences, arts, and humanities, produces art-science exhibits and performances for the public, and conduct collaborative research on the impacts of these activities on audiences.

Phytoremediation of petroleum-contaminated soils

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Phytoremediation of petroleum-contaminated soils

We’re working to assess the effectiveness and understand the mechanisms underlying phytoremediation (rhizoremediation), the use of plants and associated microbes, for cleanup of petroleum-contaminated soils in Alaska with a focus on rural communities. This includes advanced molecular genetic work on microbial communities, studies of biodegradation processes, plant natural product chemistry, contaminant analyses, and ecological assessments of contaminated sites. We’re also working closely with rural community members to find ways to improve local environmental self-determination, including identifying strategies that foster local engagement, employment, and economic benefit of cleanup activities.

By working closely with regulators (Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation), we initiated a long-term experimental/demonstration site in the rural community of Kaltag, AK, to remediate soil heavily contaminated with diesel that has been relocated from the schoolyard. If successful, this phytoremediation approach may be applied to many other sites across the state.

Funding for this research has been provided by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Alaska INBRE, USGS NIWR, the Czech Ministry of Education, the UAF BLaST Program, and the National Science Foundation.

In a Time of Change: Microbial Worlds

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In a Time of Change: Microbial Worlds

In a Time of Change: Microbial Worlds (2015-present).

Thirteen Alaskan artists were competitively selected to participate in monthly lectures, labs, and field trips, including to Bonanza Creek LTER and Toolik Field Station, with the Leigh lab and other microbiologists and ecologists from within and beyond Alaska. Additionally, an artist-in-residence from New York worked at Kevo Subarctic Research Station with our research team in Finland for three field seasons on costume design, dance, videography, and photography. The theme focuses on the many roles of microorganisms in human and environmental health. This exhibit premiered in Fairbanks at Well Street Art Co. in Feb., 2017, toured to Juneau, Anchorage, and Finland in 2017-18, and is scheduled for The Lightwell Gallery at the University of Oklahoma in Nov-Dec 2019 and the Pratt Museum in Homer, AK, in summer 2020.

Learn more about “Microbial Worlds” and explore the artwork at our website.

Oil spills and spill response chemicals in the Alaska marine environment

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Oil spills and spill response chemicals in the Alaska marine environment

 

As the risk of oil spills increases in Alaskan waters, there is a growing need to understand the biodegradation of petroleum as well as the fate and effects of oil spill response products. We are conducting laboratory incubation studies using Arctic (Chukchi Sea) and sub-Arctic (Prince William Sound) seawater as well as the Arctic benthos to assess oil degradation rates and to identify microbial taxa important to biodegradation. We are also investigating two spill response products on the National Contingency Plan (NCP) Schedule that are eligible for use in Alaskan waters and elsewhere: the chemical dispersant Corexit 9500A and Oil Spill Eater II (OSEII), a product marketed as an enzymatic biodegradation agent. Our goals include assessing the degradation of the major surfactant components of Corexit 9500A (with collaborator Jennifer Field of Oregon State University) and characterizing the composition and effectiveness of the lesser-known product OSEII. Because spilled oil can also become entrained in sediments, we are investigating the biodegradation of oil under aerobic and anaerobic conditions in Arctic sediment mesocosms as well. Using molecular microbial community analyses (e.g. 16S rRNA gene sequencing, metagenomics, and metatranscriptomics), we are characterizing shifts in community structure following exposure to oil and/or dispersants to identify taxa important to the biodegradation of petroleum and spill response products in the Alaskan marine environment. Through these studies, we aim to provide fundamental insight into Alaskan marine microbial ecology and to provide timely information to regulators, the oil spill response community, industry, and other stakeholders regarding the fate and effects of oil and spill response products in preparation for future oil spills.

These projects are funded by the Oil Spill Recovery Institute (Cordova, AK),   Alaska INBRE, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Coastal Marine Institute and previously by private industry (Shell, ConocoPhillips, Statoil, Alaska Clean Seas) and a Fulbright Award to Thailand.

 

Current research on oil spill response chemicals is in collaboration with Co-PI Dr. Ursel Schuette, Research Scientist, Institute of Arctic Biology, UAF.

 

Former Ph.D student Kelly McFarlin

 

Ph.D. student Taylor Gofstein

PI Leigh with UIC Science Boat Captain Vernon Brower, Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow), AK