Department for Learning Development
’Students as Researchers Scheme’
**Please note this scheme is only available to undergraduate students**
Name
Dr T. Komang-Ralebitso Senior and Dr Caroline Orr
Section/Subject
Biological Sciences – Molecular Microbial Ecology
School/Department
Life Sciences Subject Group, School of Science and
Engineering
Contact email
c.orr@tees.ac.uk; k.ralebitso-senior@tees.ac.uk
Title of research project/activity
Response of nitrogen-cycling bacteria to biochar addition
Pedagogic or Discipline Specific
Discipline Specific – This project would link to the Biological
Sciences and Environmental Science undergraduate
programmes
Summary of project research
activity
Within soil, bacteria play an essential role in the cycling of
important nutrients such as organic carbon and nitrogen that
contribute to plant growth and a range of associated
ecosystem services. Perturbations of the soil have been
shown to exert significant effects on the abundance and
distribution of many groups of soil bacteria. Recent advances
in molecular microbial ecology offer the opportunity to study
key functional groups in the soil at a meaningful resolution.
Application of biochar to soil has been previously shown to
promote plant growth and clean up contaminated sites
through increases in total carbon, nutrient
retention/availability, soil moisture holding
capacity/permeability, organic matter and pH, and promoted
microbial activity. However, few definitive studies have
reported how the functional bacterial community is affected
by biochar addition. As nitrogen is often the key-limiting factor
to crop growth, understanding the effect of biochar addition
on nitrogen fixation will be key to understanding how biochar
may alter the dynamics of this essential element within soil.
Since, less than 5% of all microorganisms can be cultured in
the laboratory; the research team are aiming to use a
combined application of findings from published literature,
including work already carried out within the University, and
novel investigations that entail quantitative polymerase chain
reaction (qPCR), denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis
(DGGE) and sequencing.
Previously, our research group established pot
experiments comparing soil with and without biochar in
the presence and absence of clover. Soil samples have
been collected and DGGE analysis has started to unpick
how biochar affects the diversity of bacteria within the
samples. However, we require the input of an
enthusiastic and hard-working student to help develop a
high-impact qPCR protocol and assess the abundance of
the functional nitrogen cycling genes in response to
biochar addition.
Have you obtained ethical
clearance for this project?
This is a low risk project in terms of ethical clearance hence it
has previously been cleared by the SSE School Research
Ethics Committee.
Summary of student tasks
The appointed student will:
1. Identify genes involved in nitrogen cycling using
conventional PCR
2. Develop a working protocol for quantifying nitrogen
cycling genes using qPCR
3. Apply statistical analysis to the abundance data to
deduce the effect of biochar on the activity of the
nitrogen cycling community.
Research output(s) for student
It is envisaged that the researcher will be a Level 5 or Level 6
BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences/Environmental Science
student. Therefore, s/he will be familiar with the DNA
extraction, PCR and DGGE methodologies as their
theoretical and practical principles are part of the curriculum
in several modules including: Cell Biology and Microbiology;
Genetics and Molecular Biology; Molecular Ecology;
Ecological Sustainability. This research programme will afford
opportunities to:
1. Hone technical and laboratory skills on molecular
analysis
2. Improve competency in PCR
3. Introduce students to qPCR, allowing them to add to
their molecular toolkit
4. Develop overall research proficiency as a young
scientist
5. Gain insight into the postgraduate research
environment
Are there specific criteria
students need to address when
applying for the project?
Students should show, and be able to provide evidence for:
1. An interest in molecular microbial ecology
2. A critical understanding of PCR
3. A desire and motivation to learn a new skill
An ability to manage themselves and their time
Anticipated timeline for project
A Gantt Chart has been included to demonstrate the work
plan.
Number of student hours
required (normally 65 hours)
65.
Are there any additional costs
associated with the student
researcher i.e. travel? Please
provide details of how this will
be funded
The project will require consumables for use in the
laboratory. Funding has already been secured via the
University Research Fund for this.