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Rapid Methods to Study Microbes in Mine Environment

Dr. Anu Kettunen

Industrial Water/ Toollisuuden Vesi Microbiology

Workshop Need

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Microbes show significant contribution to mining. Firstly, iron and sulfur oxidizing microbes are responsible both for the onset and development of both acid rock drainage and neutral rock drainage which may lead to acid rock drainage following a decrease in pH. Secondly, sulfate reducing bacteria may help alleviate the environmental problems related to acid waste rock waters. Traditional cultivation techniques are not suitable for studying these microbes due to their complex growth requirements. Therefore, alternative techniques need to be used.

Target Audience

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Microbiological issues concern whole stuff of the mine from laboratory personnel and operations manager to the top level of the management. Consequently, the target audience is mine managers and engineers, environmental managers, laboratory personnel and regulatory authorities

Short Workshop Programme

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A. Theoretical framework for DNA methods and ATP measurement, Dr. Anu Kettunen

• Motivation: why rapid methods instead of traditional culturing?

• Technical basis of PCR (polymerase chain reaction) analysis

• Quantitative PCR vs. Next Generation Sequencing

• Crucial steps in practical protocol

• Microbes in mine environment: sulfide iron oxidizers vs. sulfate reducers

• Examples

B. Hands-on Training, Dr. Anu Kettunen and M.Sc.(Eng) Anna Björkqvist

• ATP measurement and calculation

• Filtering of the samples for DNA analysis (the actual DNA extraction and qPCR will be carried out at TeVe Laboratory in Finland after the coursec.

• qPCR data analysis

• NGS data analysis

C. Summary and discussion to ensure that the attendees obtained an understanding why and how rapid       techniques help to assess and manage the microbial communities active in mine environment

Date: July, 14, 2019

Minimum: 5 delegates,

Maximum: 15 delegates

​Price:

• Regular €295/€320,

• Students €170/€200