Molecular detection methods will developed and optimised for the monitoring of bioremediation processes. A combination of detection of specific microorganisms, 
detection of catabolic genes and transformation activity, all in situ, will allow the accurate analysis of in situ natural attenuation. Results of the characterisation 
of intrinsic potentials of organohalogen-polluted sites by classical microcosm studies will be used to assess the usefulness of the molecular tools developed 
during the time-course of the project.    
A knowledge base created by the detailed genetic and biochemical characterisation of a collection of DNA segments encoding catabolic genes, will be used 
for the development of probes and primers for extracting the broadest possible diversity of genes from the environment. A database relating genetic structure 
to metabolic function for various key enzymes of halogenated hydrocarbon degradation will be built up and after optimisation of protocols for isolating DNA 
and RNA from environmental samples, as well as the adaptation of quantitative PCR methods, used for the development of specific probes and primers to analyse 
and quantify the presence and expression of degradative pathways in contaminated samples, to characterise enrichment cultures and to monitor the evolution 
of dechlorinating activity in microcosms. Results of this validation phase will be used to optimise the molecular tools already available. Finally, newly 
developed and optimised methods will be converted to an economic method to identify and quantify by molecular methods the natural attenuation potential of 
contaminated sites. 
            

not public available 
            

not public available