Eastern Kentucky University
Characterization of the Archaea Community in Sediments Affected by Acid Mine Drainage
Institution
Eastern Kentucky University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
William Staddon
Abstract
Members of the domain Archaea (microorganisms) are often associated with extreme environments such as those with high acidity. Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a common phenomenon in Kentucky, yet little is known about the composition of the Archaea communities in environments affected by this drainage within the state. Sediments affected by acid mine drainage were collected near Whitesburg, in Letcher County, KY. DNA was isolated using a MOBIO kit. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using primers specific for Archaea 16S rRNA sequences. The PCR products were cloned in the pGEM Easy Vector System. Plasmids were isolated and the inserts sequenced. Initial analysis suggests that sequences match both known and unknown members of the domain Archaea.
Characterization of the Archaea Community in Sediments Affected by Acid Mine Drainage
Members of the domain Archaea (microorganisms) are often associated with extreme environments such as those with high acidity. Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a common phenomenon in Kentucky, yet little is known about the composition of the Archaea communities in environments affected by this drainage within the state. Sediments affected by acid mine drainage were collected near Whitesburg, in Letcher County, KY. DNA was isolated using a MOBIO kit. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using primers specific for Archaea 16S rRNA sequences. The PCR products were cloned in the pGEM Easy Vector System. Plasmids were isolated and the inserts sequenced. Initial analysis suggests that sequences match both known and unknown members of the domain Archaea.