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last updated Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Robin Gerlach’s Research

Summary

GURT (the Gerlach Ultimate Research Team)

Funding

Publications & Presentations

Short Courses and Invited Lectures

 

Summary

My research investigates the use of biofilms for beneficial purposes.

 

A few examples are

 

·         the control and cleanup of contaminated soils and water (bioremediation, biofilm remediation, biofilm barriers)

·         sequestration of carbon dioxide (CO2)

·         water and wastewater treatment

·         the development of bio- and biofilm-based processing technology (biofilm technology) for the production of chemicals, fuels, and biomaterials

 

More specifically, we have focused our research on the development of Subsurface Biofilm Barriers that can be used to manipulate the hydraulic conductivity (permeability) of soils.  Such biofilm barriers enable us to decrease or direct the flow of groundwater (towards a treatment zone for instance).  Therefore, we are investigating the hydrodynamics in biofilm affected porous media in the laboratory using different reactors and analytical techniques. 

 

By improving our ability to transport bacteria and nutrients in the subsurface and designing biofilm barriers to be reactive (e.g. contaminant degrading) or non-reactive (exclusively for hydraulic control) we are intending to improve existing subsurface bioremediation technologies.

 

We are investigating the transformation of nitroaromatics (e.g. the explosive TNT - 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene), chlorinated aliphatic compounds (e.g. trichloroethylene – TCE and carbon tetrachloride – CT), heavy metals (e.g. chromate and dichromate), and radionuclides (e.g. uranium).

 

The influence of natural organic matter, minerals, and co-contaminants is of specific interest to my research along with the development of strategies to establish biogeochemical conditions (pH, redox potential, oxygen concentration, etc.) ideal for the safe removal of these contaminants from contaminated groundwater or their immobilization in contaminated soils.

 

More recently we have begun to investigate the possible use of extremophilic microorganisms for improved bioprocessing of lignocellulosic materials.

 

GURT (the Gerlach Ultimate Research Team)

Present

Erin Field – Ph.D. student (Microbiology)

Fate and Transport of Heavy Metals and Radionuclides in the Environment

Laura Jennings M.S. - visiting Ph.D. student (from Cornell University – Advisor Jim Gossett)

Investigation of Polaromonas sp. strain JS666 as a Potential Bioaugmentation Agent at cis-1,2-DCE-Contaminated Sites

Andy Pannier – M.S. student (Microbiology)

Transformation of Explosives by Yeasts

Stacy Parks – M.S. student (Chemical and Biological Engineering)

Zero Emission Research Technology (ZERT) Program (CO2 Sequestration Research)

Logan Schultz – M.S. student (Chemical and Biological Engineering)

Influence of Biofilms on Reactive Transport in Porous Media

Zero Emission Research Technology (ZERT) Program (CO2 Sequestration Research)

Laura Wheeler – M.S. student (Chemical and Biological Engineering)

Zero Emission Research Technology (ZERT) Program (CO2 Sequestration Research)

Robert Fortenberry – Undergraduate Research Scholar (Chemical and Biological Engineering)

Effects of Biofilms on Radial Flow in a Porous Media System

Zero Emission Research Technology (ZERT) Program (CO2 Sequestration Research)

and past

Staff

Adrienne Phillips M.S. – Research Engineer (Chemical Engineer)

Biofilm Restoration of Contaminated Army Sites

Fate and Transport of Heavy Metals and Radionuclides in the Environment

Zero Emission Research Technology (ZERT) Program (CO2 Sequestration Research)

Howard Christiansen M.S. – Research Associate (Chemistry)

Mass Spectrometry and Chromatography Specialist

Laura Boegli – Laboratory Technician (Center for Innovation)

Biofilm Restoration of Contaminated Army Sites

Zero Emission Research Technology (ZERT) Program (CO2 Sequestration Research)

John Gilmore – Laboratory Technician

Various projects

Kristy Weaver

Fate and Transport of Heavy Metals and Radionuclides in the Environment

Jace Harwood

Graduate Students

Ayrat Ziganshin – visiting Fulbright Ph.D. student (from Kazan State University, Russia)

Transformation of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene by Yeast Cells

Natasha Mallette (Ph.D. student),

Cellulose Transformation by Extremophilic Biofilms

Thomas Borch (Ph.D. student)

Chromatographic, Spectroscopic and Microscopic Analyses Reveal the Impact of Iron Oxides and Electron Shuttles on the Degradation Pathway of TNT by a Fermenting Bacterium

Undergraduate Students

Peter Haun – Undergraduate Research Assistant (Chemical and Biological Engineering - MSU)

Miniaturization of Toxicity Tests

David Steppler – Undergraduate Scholar

Mixed Contaminant Transformations by Zero-Valent Iron

Heidi Cicon – Undergraduate Research Assistant

Various projects

Funding

Present

Mobility of Source Zone Heavy Metals and Radionuclides:  The Mixed Roles of Fermentative Activity on Fate and Transport of U and Cr (Role Co-PI); DOE/ERSP; 03/06-11/07; Collaborators: Brent Peyton (MSU), William A. Apel (Idaho National Laboratory)

 

Environmental Responses to Geologic CO2 Sequestrations (Role Co-PI).  DOE-EPSCoR.  7/1/08 - 6/30/11;  Collaborators A. Cunningham, J. Seymour, S. Codd, M. Apple, M. North-Abbot, X. Zhou, D. Reichard, L. Heath, W. Holben, S. Miller; Person-Months per Year Committed to the Project:  1

 

Zero Emissions Research and Technology. (Role: Co-PI). Department of Energy. 10/06- 09/09; PI: A. Cunningham. Person-Months Per Year Committed to the Project:  1

and past

A Genomes to Geochemical Analysis of Geothermal Features in Yellowstone National Park. Thermal Biology Institute, Montana State University; 9/06-8/07

Biofilm-Based Remediation Technologies for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Other Contaminated Sites. DOD/ARO; (Role: PI); 9/04-01/07; STTR with Center for Innovation (Butte, MT)

 

Environmental and Biofilm Mass Spectrometry Facility (Role: PI); Defense University Research Instrumentation Program – DURIP; 5/05- 5/06

 

Enhanced DNAPL Degradation by Thermophilic Bioaugmentation of Electrical Resistance Heating (Role: Collaborator); SBIR NSF; 11/03 - 12/03; Collaborators:  Center for Innovation (Butte, MT), Tim McDermott (Montana State University)

 

Microbial Alteration of Reducible Metal Ions (PIs: Robin Gerlach, Al Cunningham); Inland Northwest Research Alliance; 10/00 - 10/03; Collaborators:  Brent Peyton (Washington State University), Bill Apel (Idaho National Environmental and Engineering Laboratory)

 

Tomography and Biogeochemical Reconnaissance for Characterizing Microbial and Solute Transport in a Heterogenous Coarse Alluvial Aquifer (Role: Subcontractor); Subcontract from Boise State University; 10/01- 10/03; Collaborators:  Warren Barrash, Paul Michaels (Boise State University)

Publications & Presentations

Publications (accepted and published):

  1. Mitchell, A.C.; Phillips, A.J.; Hamilton, M.A.; Gerlach, R.; Hollis, K.; Kaszuba, J.P.; Cunningham, A.B. (2008): Resilience of planktonic and biofilm cultures to supercritical CO2. The Journal of Supercritical Fluids. 47(2):318-325. doi:10.1016/j.supflu.2008.07.005
  2. Viamajala S., Gerlach R., Sivaswamy V., Peyton B.M., Apel W.A., Cunningham A.B., Petersen J.N. (2008): Permeable reactive biobarriers for in-situ Cr(VI) reduction: Bench scale tests using Cellulomonas sp. strain ES6. Biotechnology and Bioengineering. Published Online DOI 10.1002/bit.22020.
  3. Mitchell, A.C.; Phillips, A.J.; Hiebert, R.; Gerlach, R.; Spangler, L.; Cunningham, A.B. (2008): Biofilm enhanced geologic sequestration of supercritical CO2. The International Journal on Greenhouse Gas Control. doi:10.1016/j.ijggc.2008.05.002
  4. Borch, T., Camper, A.K., Biederman, J.A., Butterfield, P.W., Gerlach, R., Amonette, J.E. (2008): Evaluation of Characterization Techniques for Iron Pipe Corrosion Products and Iron Oxide Thin Films. Journal of Environmental Engineering. 134(10):835-844.
  5. Naumenko, E.A.; Naumova, A.V.; Suvorova, E.S.; Gerlach, R; Ziganshin, A.M.; Lozhkin, A.P.; Silkin, N.I.; Naumova, R.P. (2008):  Participation of oxygen in the bacterial transformation of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene. Biochemistry (Moscow). 73(4):463-469.
  6. Ziganshin, A.M.; Gerlach, R; Borch, T; Naumov, A.V.; Naumova, R.P. (2007): Production of Eight Different Hydride Complexes and Nitrite Release from 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene by Yarrowia lipolytica. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 73(24):7898-7905
  7. Cunningham, A.B.; Sharp, R.S.; Caccavo Jr, F.; Gerlach, R. (2007): Effects of Starvation on Bacterial Transport Through Porous Media. Advances in Water Resources. 30(6-7):1583-1592.
  8. Seymour, J.D.; Gage, J.P.; Codd, S.L.; Gerlach, R. (2007): Magnetic Resonance Microscopy of Biofouling Induced Scale Dependent Transport in Porous Media. Advances in Water Resources. 30(6-7):1408-1420

9.      Sharp; R.R.; Stoodley, P.; Adgie, M.; Gerlach, R.; Cunningham, A.B. (2005): Visualization and characterization of dynamic patterns of flow, growth, and activity of biofilms growing in porous media. Water Science and Technology. 52, 7:85-90.

  1. Borch, T.; Inskeep W.P.; Harwood, J.A.; R. Gerlach, R. (2005): Impact of Ferrihydrite and Anthraquinone-2,6-Disulphonate on the Reductive Transformation of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene by a Gram Positive Fermenting Bacterium. Environmental Science and Technology. 39, 18:7126-7133.
  2. Seymour, J.D.; Gage, J.P.; Codd, S.L.; Gerlach, R. (2004): Anomalous Fluid Transport in Porous Media Induced by Biofilm Growth. Physical Review Letters. 93, 19:8101-8104.
  3. Borch, T.; Gerlach, R. (2004): Use of Reversed Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Diode Array Detection for Complete Separation of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene Metabolites and EPA Method 8330 Explosives: Influence of Column Temperature and Ion-Pair Reagent. Journal of Chromatography A. 1022: 83-94.
  4. Gage J.P.; Seymour, J.D.; Codd, S.L.; Gerlach, R. (2004): Biofilm Growth Induced Transformation of Porous Media Dynamics. Eos Trans. AGU, 85(47), Fall Meet. Suppl., Abstract H11E-0342, 2004
  5. Sharp R.R.; Gerlach, R.; Cunningham, A.B.; Adgie, M.; Stoodley, P. (2004): Use of Bioluminescence to Study Reactive Solute Transport and Biofilm Growth and Activity in Porous Media. Eos Trans. AGU, 85(47), Fall Meet. Suppl., Abstract H13I-03, 2004
  6. Borch, T., Inskeep, W.P., Gerlach, R. (2004): Iron (Hydr)Oxides and Electron Shuttles Govern the Fate of 2.4.6-Trinitrotoluene by a Soil Bacterium. June 5-11, 2004. Goldschmidt Geochemistry Conference. Copenhagen, Denmark. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 68 (11), Supplement 1, p. 451.
  7. Borch, T.; Gerlach, R.; Cunningham, A.B.; Peyton, B.M.; Apel, W.A. (2002): Influence of Biogenically Produced Fe(II) and Humic Acid Analogs on the Fate of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene (TNT). Eos Trans. AGU, 83(47), Fall Meet. Suppl., Abstract B22E-11, 2002
  8. Nyman, J.L.; Cunningham, A.B.; Caccavo, F. Jr. & Gerlach, R. (2002): Biogeochemical Elimination of Chromium (VI) from Contaminated Water. Bioremediation Journal. 6(1):39-55.

18.  Gerlach, R.; Nyman, J.L.; Caccavo Jr., F. & Cunningham, A.B. (2000): Iron-Reducing Bacteria Facilitate the Geochemical Elimination of Cr(VI) from Contaminated Water. In Preprints of Extended Abstracts, 220th ACS National Meeting, August 20-24, 2000, Washington, D.C. Division of Environmental Chemistry. Preprints of Extended Abstracts Vol. 40, No 2. pp. 397-400.

19.  Gerlach, R.; Cunningham, A.B. & Caccavo Jr., F. (2000): Biogeochemical Processes Involving Dissimilatory Iron-Reducing Bacteria Can Influence the Transformation of Carbon Tetrachloride by Iron Metal. In Preprints of Extended Abstracts, 220th ACS National Meeting, August 20-24, 2000, Washington, D.C. Division of Environmental Chemistry. Preprints of Extended Abstracts Vol. 40, No 2. pp. 355-357.

20.  Bouwer, E.J., Rijnaarts, H.H.M., Cunningham, A.B. & Gerlach, R. (2000): Biofilms in Porous Media. In Bryers, J.D. (Ed.): Biofilms II: Process Analysis and Applications. Wiley-Liss, Inc. pp. 123-158.

  1. Gerlach, R., Cunningham, A.B. & Caccavo, F. Jr. (2000): Dissimilatory Iron-Reducing Bacteria Influence the Performance of Zero-Valent Iron. Environmental Science and Technology, 34, 2461-2464.
  2. Gerlach, R.; Steiof, M.; Zhang, C. & Hughes, J.B. (1999): Low Aqueous Solubility Electron Donors for the Reduction of Nitroaromatics in Anaerobic Sediments. Journal of Contaminant Hydrology 36, 91-104.
  3. Gerlach, R.; Caccavo, F. Jr. & Cunningham, A.B. (1999): Chromium Elimination with Microbially Reduced Iron – Redox-Reactive Biobarriers, In: Alleman, B.C. and Leeson, A.L. (eds.), Bioremediation of metals and inorganic compounds, Proceedings from the Fifth In Situ and On-Site Bioremediation Symposium, held April 19-22, 1999 in San Diego, CA, Battelle Press, Columbus, Richland, pp. 13-18.
  4. Sharp, R.R.; Gerlach, R. & Cunningham, A.B. (1999): Bacterial Transport Issues Related to Subsurface Biobarriers, In: Alleman, B.C. and Leeson, A.L. (eds.), Engineered approaches for in situ bioremediation of chlorinated solvent contamination, Proceedings from the Fifth In Situ and On-Site Bioremediation Symposium, held April 19-22, 1999 in San Diego, CA, Battelle Press, Columbus, Richland, pp. 211-216.
  5. Gerlach, R.; Cunningham, A.B.; Caccavo Jr., F. (1998): Formation of Redox-Reactive Subsurface Barriers Using Dissimilatory Metal-Reducing Bacteria. In Ericksen, L.E. and Rankin, M.M. (eds.): Proceedings of the 1998 Conference on Hazardous Waste Research – Bridging Gaps in Technology and Culture. Snowbird, UT, May 18-21, 1998. Great Plains/Rocky Mountain Hazardous Substance Research Center. Manhattan, Kansas. pp. 209-223.
  6. Gerlach, R.; Steiof, M. & Hughes, J.B. (1996): Anaerober Abbau substituierter aromatischer Verbindungen in Sedimenten (Anaerobic Degradation of Substituted Aromatic Compounds in Sediments). In Kreysa, G. & J. Wiesner (eds.): In situ Sanierung von Böden. Resümee und Beiträge des 11. DECHEMA Fachgesprächs Umweltschutz / DECHEMA, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Chemisches Apparatewesen, Chemische Technik und Biotechnologie e.V., Frankfurt am Main. pp. 305-314.

Presentations:

  1. Bithell Kirk, L., Childers, S., Peyton, B.M., Bozeman, J., Gerlach, R. (2008): In-Situ Subsurface Microbial Transformation of Selenium as Source Control in Backfilled Phosphate Overburden, SE Idaho. Platform Presentation. Montana Section AWRA 25th Annual Meeting. Water Sustainability: Challenges for Montana. October 2 & 3, 2008, Yellowstone Conference Center, Big Sky, Montana
  2. Gerlach, R.; Mitchell, A.C.; Schultz, L.N.; Sharp, R.R.; Cunningham, A.B. (2008): Influence of Microbial Biofilms on Reactive Transport in Porous Media. Invited Platform Presentation. 236th ACS National Meeting. Philadelphia, PA, August 17-21, 2008.
  3. Troyer, L.D.; Borch, T.; Gerlach, R.; Inskeep, W.P. (2008): Iron (hydr)oxide controls on (bio)reductive transformation of nitroaromatic compounds. Poster Presentation. 236th ACS National Meeting. Philadelphia, PA, August 17-21, 2008.
  4. Mitchell, A.C.; Phillips, A.J.; Kaszuba, J.P.; Hollis, W.K; Cunningham, A.B. Gerlach, R. (2008): Microbially Enhanced Carbonate Mineralization and the Geologic Containment of CO2. Platform Presentation. Goldschmidt Conference. Vancover (Canada). July 14th – 18th.
  5. Albaugh-VanEngelen, C.; Williamson, J.L.; Peyton, B. M.; Gerlach. R. (2008): Hydrolysis and Biotransformation of Explosives. Poster Presentation. American Society for Microbiology 108th General Meeting. Boston, MA, June 1 - 5, 2008.
  6. Gerlach, R (2008): Oxidation-Reduction Reactions Influencing the Transformation of Mixed Contaminants in the Presence of Zero Valent Iron and Biofilms. Invited Platform Presentation. Pittcon 2008. New Orleans, LA. March 03, 2008. (Invited)
  7. Ballor, N.R.; Gerlach, R (2008): Bioremediation and the Role of Mixed Pollution: TNT and Cr(VI). Poster Presentation. 2008 Molecular Biosciences Program Poster Session. Montana State University-Bozeman. Feb 29, 2008.
  8. Field, E. K.; VanEngelen, M.; Peyton, B.M.; Lee, B.; Apel, W.A.; Gerlach, R. (2008): Isolation of Cellulose Degrading Microorganisms and Their Influence on Contaminant Mobility and Reduction. 2008 Molecular Biosciences Program Poster Session. Montana State University-Bozeman. Feb 29, 2008.
  9. Mitchell, A.C.; Phillips, A.J.; Hiebert, R.; Gerlach, R.; Kaszuba, J.; Hollis, W.K; Cunningham, A.B. (2008): Biofilm enhanced subsurface sequestration of supercritical CO2. Poster Presentation. 2008 Molecular Biosciences Program Poster Session. Montana State University-Bozeman. Feb 29, 2008.
  10. Albaugh-VanEngelen, C.; Peyton, B. M.; Gerlach. R. (2008): Alkaline hydrolysis and Biotransformation of TNT by Thermoalkaliphiles from Yellowstone National Park. Poster Presentation. 2008 Molecular Biosciences Program Poster Session. Montana State University-Bozeman. Feb 29, 2008.
  11. Gerlach, R (2008): Biofilms in Bioenergy and Carbon Sequestration. Platform Presentation. Center for Biofilm Engineering. Technical Advisory Committee Meeting. February 06-07, 2008.
  12. Albaugh-VanEngelen, C.; Peyton, B. M.; Gerlach. R. (2008): Alkaline hydrolysis and Biotransformation of TNT by Thermoalkaliphiles from Yellowstone National Park. Poster Presentation. 2008 Research Coordination Network, Thermal Biology Institute Workshop. Mammoth Hotsprings, WY. Jan 10-13, 2008.  
  13. Mitchell, A.C.; Phillips, A.J.; Hiebert, R.; Gerlach, R.; Kaszuba, J.; Hollis, W.K; Cunningham, A.B. (2007): Biofilm enhanced subsurface sequestration of supercritical CO2. Poster Presentation at the 2007 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, San Francisco, CA, Dec 10-14, 2007.
  14. R. Gerlach (2007): Two Different Pathways of TNT Transformation - Nitrogroup and Aromatic Ring Reduction - are Influenced by Biotic and Abiotic Processes. Platform Presentation. Environmental Subsurface Science Symposium. Eccles Conference Center. Utah State University. Logan, UT. July 25-27, 2007. (Invited)
  15. Field, E. K.; VanEngelen, M.; Peyton, B.M.; Lee, B.; Apel, W.A.; Gerlach, R. (2007): Isolation of Cellulose Degrading Microorganisms and Their Influence on Contaminant Mobility and Reduction. Poster Presentation. Center for Biofilm Engineering. Technical Advisory Committee Meeting. July 24-26, 2007.
  16. Borch, T.; Gerlach, R.; Peyton, B.M.; Fendorf, S. (2007): Identification of biogeochemical mechanisms controlling the fate of uranium, phosphate, and 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene. Platform Presentation. ACS Northwest Regional Meeting, Boise, ID, June 17 - 20, 2007.
  17. Albaugh-VanEngelen, C.; Peyton, B. M.; Gerlach. R. (2007): Alkaline Hydrolysis and Biotransformation of TNT by Thermoalkaliphiles from Yellowstone National Park. Poster Presentation. American Society for Microbiology 107th General Meeting. Toronto (Canada). May 21-25, 2007.
  18. Field, E. K.; VanEngelen, M.; Peyton, B.M.; Lee, B.; Apel, W.A.; Gerlach, R. (2007): Isolation of Cellulose Degrading Microorganisms and Their Influence on Contaminant Mobility and Reduction. Poster Presentation. American Society for Microbiology 107th General Meeting. Toronto (Canada). May 21-25, 2007.
  19. Apel, W.A.; Lee, B.; Peyton, B.M.; Gerlach, R.; Field, E. K.; VanEngelen, M. (2007): Mobility of Source Zone Heavy Metals and Radionuclides: The Mixed Roles of Fermentative Activity on Fate and Transport of U and Cr. Poster Presentation. Department of Energy, Environmental Remediation Sciences Program (ERSP), PI meeting, National Conference Center, Lansdowne, Virginia, April 16–19, 2007
  20. Phillips, A.; Gerlach, R.; Hiebert, R.; James, G.; Spangler, L.; Cunningham, A. B. (2007): Biofilm Enhanced Geologic Sequestration of Supercritical CO2. Poster Presentation. 4th ASM Conference on Biofilms. Quebec City, Canada, March 25-29, 2007.
  21. Gerlach. R. (2006): Electron Transport in Engineered Biofilms. Platform Presentation. Inland Northwest Research Alliance (INRA) Subsurface Biotechnology and Bioremediation Symposium and Workshop, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, June 22-23, 2006
  22. Peyton, B.M., R. Gerlach, W. Apel, V. Sivaswamy, W. Smith, D. Newby, F. Roberto, S. Viamajala, J. Barnes, T. Borch (2006): Reductive Transformation of Metals and Organics by Gram Positive Environmental Isolates of the Genus Cellulomonas. Poster presented at Annual Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology, Orlando, FL, May 21-23, 2006.
  23. Steppler, D.; Gerlach. R. (2006): Contaminant Degradation by Zero Valent Iron. Poster Presentation, Council of Undergraduate Research (CUR), Posters on the Hill, April 25, 2006.
  24. Apel, W.A.; Lee, B.; Peyton, B.M.; Gerlach, R. (2006): Mobility of Source Zone Heavy Metals and Radionuclides:  The Mixed Roles of Fermentative Activity on Fate and Transport of U and Cr. Poster Presentation. Department of Energy, Environmental Remediation Sciences Program (ERSP), PI meeting, Airlie Conference Center, Warrenton, VA, April 3-5, 2006
  25. Gerlach, R.; Gage, J.P.; Adgie, M.; Seymour, J.D.; Codd, S.L.; Sharp, R.S.; Cunningham, A.B. (2005): Bacterial Transport and Biofilm Formation in Porous Media. Platform Presentation at the INRA Environmental and Subsurface Science Symposium, Big Sky, MT, September 19-21, 2005
  26. Field, E.K., Jennings, L.K., Cunningham, A.B., Peyton, B.M., Gerlach, R., and Apel, W.A. (2005): Influence of Carbon Source, Iron Minerals, and Electron Shuttling Compounds on the Bacterial Reduction of Chromate. Poster Presentation at the INRA Environmental and Subsurface Science Symposium, Big Sky, MT, September 19-21, 2005
  27. Gerlach, R.; Borch, T.; Ballor, N.R.; Cunningham, A.B.; Peyton, B.M.; Apel, W.A. (2005): Fermenters and Reductive Contaminant Transformation Processes in the Subsurface. Platform Presentation. The Joint International Symposia for Subsurface Microbiology (ISSM 2005) and Environmental Biogeochemistry (ISEB XVII). Jackson Hole, WY. August 14-19, 2005.
  28. Gerlach, R.; Gage, J.P.; Adgie, M.; Seymour, J.D.; Codd, S.L.; Sharp, R.S.; Cunningham, A.B. (2005): Bacterial Transport and Biofilm Formation in Porous Media. Platform Presentation. The Joint International Symposia for Subsurface Microbiology (ISSM 2005) and Environmental Biogeochemistry (ISEB XVII). Jackson Hole, WY. August 14-19, 2005.
  29. Sivaswamy, V.; Peyton, B. M. ; Viamajala, S. ; Gerlach, R.; Apel, W.A.; Sani, R.; A. Dohnalkova, A. (2005): Uranium Immobilization by Cellulomonas. Platform Presentation. The Joint International Symposia for Subsurface Microbiology (ISSM 2005) and Environmental Biogeochemistry (ISEB XVII). Jackson Hole, WY. August 14-19, 2005.
  30. Gerlach, R. (2005): Biofilm-Based Technologies for Mixed-Waste Remediation – Influence of Biofilms, Minerals, and Organic Matter on the Fate of TNT, TCE, and Cr(VI). Presentation at U.S. Army Research Office Workshop. High Hampton Inn. Cashiers, NC. May, 2005.
  31. Gage, J.P.; Seymour, J.D.; Codd, S.L.; Gerlach, R. (2004): Biofilm Growth Induced Transformation of Porous Media Dynamics. Poster Presentation at the 2004 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, San Francisco, CA, Dec 13-17, 2004
  32. Sharp, R.R.; Gerlach, R.; Cunningham, A.B.; Adgie, M.; Stoodley, P. (2004): Use of Bioluminescence to Study Reactive Solute Transport and Biofilm Growth and Activity in Porous Media. Platform Presentation at the 2004 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, San Francisco, CA, Dec 13-17, 2004

33.  Ballor, N.R.; Gerlach, R (2004): Bioremediation and the Role of Mixed Pollution: TNT and Cr(VI). Poster Presentation at the 2004 Annual Meeting, American Institute of Chemical Engineers. Austin Convention Center, Austin, TX. November 7-12, 2004

  1. Ballor, N.R.; Gerlach, R (2004): Bioremediation and the Role of Mixed Pollution: TNT and Cr(VI). Poster Presentation at the 2004 Fall Meeting of the Michigan American Society for Microbiology. Crystal Mountain Resort, MI, October 8/9, 2004
  2. Gerlach R. & Matheson, L. (2004): Reductive Transformation of Cr(VI) and 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene (TNT) in Batch and Flow Systems – Scale-up Considerations. Platform Presentation at the 4th INRA Subsurface Science Symposium, Spokane, WA, Sept 20-22, 2004
  3. Gerlach, R.; Cunningham, A.B.; Viamajala, S.; Peyton, B.M.; Apel, W.A. (2004): Influence of Carbon Sources, Electron Shuttling Compounds, and Iron Minerals on the Reduction of Oxidized Contaminants. Platform Presentation at the 4th INRA Subsurface Science Symposium, Spokane, WA, Sept 20-22, 2004
  4. Sivaswamy, V.; Peyton, B.M.; Viamajala, S.; Gerlach, R.; Apel, W.A. (2004): Uranium Immobilization by Cellulomonas. Poster Presentation at the 4th INRA Subsurface Science Symposium, Spokane, WA, Sept 20-22, 2004
  5. Gage, J.P.; Seymour, J.D.; Codd, S.L.; Gerlach, R. (2004): Biofilm Growth Induced Transformation of Porous Media Dynamics. Platform Presentation at the 4th INRA Subsurface Science Symposium, Spokane, WA, Sept 20-22, 2004
  6. Borch, T.; Inskeep W.P.; R. Gerlach, R. (2004): Iron (Hydr)Oxides and Electron Shuttles Govern the Fate of 2.4.6-Trinitrotoluene by a Soil Bacterium. Platform Presentation. Goldschmidt Conference - Processes in Geochemistry, Copenhagen (Denmark), June 05-11, 2004.
  7. Gerlach, R.; Borch,. T; Cunningham, A.B.; Viamajala, S.; Peyton, B.M.; Apel, W.A. (2004): Influence of Electron Shuttling Compounds and Iron Minerals on the Reduction of Metals and Organics. Platform presentation. 4th International Conference on Remediation of Chlorinated and Recalcitrant Compounds, Monterey, CA, May 24–27, 2004.
  8. Matheson, L.J.; Goldberg, W.C.; Gerlach, R. (2004): Biofilm Restoration of Contaminated Army Sites. Presentation at U.S. Army Research Office Workshop. High Hampton Inn. Cashiers, NC. April, 2004.
  9. Gage, J.P.; Codd, S.L.; Gerlach, R.; Seymour, J.D. (2003): NMR Microscopy of Microbial Transport in Porous Media. Poster Presentation, ASM Conference on Biofilms – Biofilms 2003. Victoria, BC, November 02-06, 2003.
  10. Gerlach, R.; Borch, T.; Cunningham, A.B.; Viamajala, S.; Peyton, B.M.; Apel, W.A. (2003): Influence of Electron Shuttling Compounds on the Reduction of Metals and Organics. Platform Presentation at the 3rd INRA Subsurface Science Symposium, Salt Lake City, UT, October 05-08, 2003
  11. Viamajala, S.; Peyton, B.M.; Sivaswamy, V.; Apel, W.A.; Gerlach, R.; Cunningham, A.B. (2003): Cr(VI) Reduction by Cellulomonas: Multi-Scale Flow-Cell Experiments. Platform Presentation at the 3rd INRA Subsurface Science Symposium, Salt Lake City, UT, October 05-08, 2003
  12. Borch, T.; Gerlach, R.; Cunningham, A.B. (2003): Iron (III) Minerals Can Impact the Microbial Reduction of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene. Platform Presentation at the 3rd INRA Subsurface Science Symposium, Salt Lake City, UT, October 05-08, 2003
  13. Gage, J.P.; Seymour, J.D.; Codd, S.L.; Gerlach, R.; Cunningham, A.B. (2003): NMR Imaging of Microbial Transport in Porous Media. Platform Presentation at the 3rd INRA Subsurface Science Symposium, Salt Lake City, UT, October 05-08, 2003
  14. Gage, J.P.; Codd, S.L.; Gerlach, R.; Seymour, J.D (2003): NMR Microscopy of Microbial Transport in Porous Media. Poster Presentation at the 7th International Conference on Magnetic Resonance Microscopy, Ampere Society, Snowbird, UT, September 20-25, 2003.
  15. Viamajala, S.; Gerlach, R.; Peyton, B.M.; Apel, W.A.; Cunningham, A.B.; Petersen, J.N. (2003): Passive Reactive Barrier (PRB) for In Situ Remediation of Cr(VI): Bench- and Meso-Scale Tests using Cellulomonas spp. Platform Presentation. 2nd European Bioremediation Conference. Chania, Crete, Greece, June 30-July 04, 2003
  16. Viamajala, S.; Peyton, B.M.; Apel, W.A.; Gerlach, R.; Cunningham, A.B. (2003): Cr(VI) Reduction by Cellulomonas spp. — Batch Kinetics and Meso-Scale Tests. Platform presentation. 7th International Symposium on In Situ and On-Site Bioremediation Symposium, Orlando, FL, June 02–05, 2003.
  17. Borch, T.; Gerlach, R.; Cunningham, A.B. (2003): 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene (TNT) Biodegradation by a Novel Gram-Positive Iron-Reducing Bacterium. Platform presentation. 7th International Symposium on In Situ and On-Site Bioremediation Symposium, Orlando, FL, June 02–05, 2003
  18. Gerlach, R.; Borch, T.; Cunningham, A.B. (2003):  Biofilm-Based Technologies for Mixed-Waste Remediation. Presentation at U.S. Army Research Office Workshop. High Hampton Inn. Cashiers, NC. April 27-30, 2003.
  19. Borch, T.; Gerlach, R.; Cunningham, A.B.; Peyton, B.M.; Apel W.A. & Inskeep, W.P. (2002): Influence of Biogenically Produced Fe(II), Electron Shuttling, and Humic Acid on the Fate of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT). December 19th, 2002. Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Sweden.
  20. Borch, T.; Gerlach, R.; Cunningham, A.B.; Peyton, B.M.; Apel, W.A. (2002): Influence of Biogenically Produced Fe(II) and Humic Acid Analogs on the Fate of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene (TNT). Platform presentation. Fall Meeting, American Geophysical Union, San Francisco, CA, December 6-10, 2002.
  21. Borch, T.; Jordan, R.N.; Cunningham, A.B. & Gerlach, R. (2002): Use of High Performance Liquid Chromatography – Diode Array Detection for the Improved Analysis of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene and its Reduced Metabolites. Poster Presentation at the 2nd INRA Subsurface Science Symposium, Boise, ID, October 13-16, 2002
  22. Gerlach, R.; Cunningham, A.B.; Peyton, B.M. & Apel, W.A. (2002) Iron Mediated Reduction of Reducible Contaminants by Cellulomonas spp. Platform Presentation at the 2nd INRA Subsurface Science Symposium, Boise, ID, October 13-16, 2002
  23. Viamajala, S.; Peyton, B.M.; Petersen, J.N.; Apel, W.A.; Sani, R.; Gerlach, R. & Cunningham, A.B. (2002): Metal reduction with Cellulomonas isolates obtained from Cr(VI)-contaminated aquifers. Platform Presentation at the 2nd INRA Subsurface Science Symposium, Boise, ID, October 13-16, 2002
  24. Viamajala S., Gerlach R., Sani R., Smith W.A., Peyton B.M., Petersen J.N., Cunningham A.B., Apel W.A. (2002): Direct and Fe(II)-Mediated Chromate Reduction by Cellulomonas spp.. Poster Presentation at the 2nd INRA Subsurface Science Symposium, Boise, ID, October 13-16, 2002
  25. Adgie, M.; Gerlach, R.; Cunningham, A.B.; Sharp, R.S. (2002): Development of a Biofilm Biobarrier: Evaluation of Activity and Effect on Hydraulic Conductivity of Porous Media. Institute of Hazardous Materials Managers National Conference. Louisville, Kentucky. October 2002.
  26. Gerlach, R.; Nyman, J.L.; Cunningham, A.B.; Caccavo Jr., F. & Apel, W.A. (2001): Iron-Reducing Bacteria and Permeable Reactive Subsurface Barriers. Platform presentation. 1st INRA Subsurface Science Symposium, Idaho Falls, ID, September 06–07, 2001.

60.  Gerlach, R.; Cunningham, A.B. & Caccavo, F. Jr. (2001): Explanation of Bacterial Transport Enhancement by Starvation. Poster presentation. 1st INRA Subsurface Science Symposium, Idaho Falls, ID, September 06–07, 2001.

61.  Gerlach, R.; Cunningham, A.B. & Caccavo, F. Jr. (2001): Explanation of Bacterial Transport Enhancement by Starvation. Poster presentation. 6th International Symposium on In Situ and On-Site Bioremediation Symposium, San Diego, CA, June 02–07, 2001.

  1. Gerlach, R.; Nyman, J.L.; Cunningham, A.B.; Caccavo Jr., F. & Apel, W.A. (2001): Iron-Reducing Bacteria and Permeable Reactive Subsurface Barriers. Platform presentation. 6th International Symposium on In Situ and On-Site Bioremediation Symposium, San Diego, CA, June 02–07, 2001.
  2. gerlach, R.; Cunningham, A.B. & Caccavo Jr., F. (2000): Dissimilatory Iron-Reducing Bacteria Can Influence the Reduction of Carbon Tetrachloride by Iron Metal. Presentation at the Hazardous Waste Research 2000 Conference in Denver, CO, 23-25 May 2000.
  3. Gerlach, R.; Caccavo, F. Jr. & Cunningham, A. B. (1999): Chromium(VI)-Elimination from Contaminated Groundwaters Using Redox-Reactive Biobarriers. Poster Presentation at 1999 Conference on Hazardous Waste Research – Gateways to Environmental Solutions. Great Plains/Rocky Mountain Hazardous Substance Research Center. St. Louis, MO, May 24-27, 1999.
  4. Gerlach, R. (1998): Formation of Reactive Subsurface Barriers Using Dissimilatory Metal-Reducing Bacteria. Presentation at Engineering Biological Processes for Environmental Enhancement. Annual Meeting of the Pacific Northwest Region of the ASAE in Fairmont Hot Springs , MT. Sept. 10-12, 1998.

Short Courses and Invited Lectures

  1. Microbially Enhanced Geologic Carbon Sequestration. Invited Lecture. November 13, 2008. Oregon State University. Corvallis, OR
  2. Influence of Microbial Biofilms on Reactive Transport in Porous Media. Invited Platform Presentation. August 17, 2008. 236th ACS National Meeting. Philadelphia, PA
  3. Oxidation-Reduction Reactions Influencing the Transformation of Mixed Contaminants in the Presence of Zero Valent Iron and Biofilms. Invited Platform Presentation. March 03, 2008. Pittcon 2008. New Orleans, LA
  4. Subsurface Biofilm Barriers for the Control of Contaminated Groundwater. Invited Lecture. November 29, 2007. Oregon State University. Corvallis, OR
  5. Bioremediation, Bioenergy, Carbon Sequestration, and Mass Spectrometry - How does all this fit into the CBE? - or: What is going on in the Gerlach Labs? Invited Lecture. February 21, 2008. Montana State University, Center for Biofilm Engineering. Bozeman, MT
  6. Identification of Trinitrotoluene (TNT) Transformation Products using Liquid Chromatography Combined with Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry. Invited Lecture. November 02, 2007. Montana State University, Department of Chemistry. Bozeman, MT
  7. Two Different Pathways of TNT Transformation - Nitrogroup and Aromatic Ring Reduction - are Influenced by Biotic and Abiotic Processes. Platform Presentation. Environmental Subsurface Science Symposium. Eccles Conference Center. Utah State University. Logan, UT. July 25-27, 2007.
  8. R. Gerlach (2007): Effects of biofilm accumulation on hydrodynamics and mass transport in porous media: a comparison of constant head vs constant flow conditions. June 28, 2007. Workshop on Biofilm Mechanics. Montana State University, Bozeman, MT. June 28-30, 2007.
  9. Chromatographic and Mass Spectrometric Detection and Identification of Small Molecules in Environmental Research. Invited Lecture. March 02, 2007. Utah State University. Logan, UT
  10. Chromatographic and Mass Spectrometric Observation of the Transformation of Organic Compounds at Elevated Temperatures. Invited Lecture. February 26, 2007. Montana State University, Thermal Biology Institute. Bozeman, MT
  11. Biofilms in biotechnology, medicine and bioremediation. Guest Lecture PS101/VTMB101/MB110. Montana State University – Bozeman. Nov 21, 2005, Nov 13, 2006, Nov 19, 2007, Nov 19, 2008
  12. Organizer, Breakout Session “Electron Transport in Biofilms” INRA Subsurface Biotechnology and Bioremediation Symposium and Workshop, June 22-23, 2006, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
  13. Inland Northwest Research Alliance (INRA) Subsurface Biotechnology and Bioremediation Symposium and Workshop, Conference Organizer with Al Cunningham, Brent Peyton, and Ron Sims, June 22-23, 2006, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
  14. Subsurface Biofilm Barriers for Control of Contaminant Transport. Invited Lecture. January 17, 2006. Utah State University. Logan, UT
  15. Mixed Waste Remediation - Influence of Co-Contaminants, Organic Matter, and Iron Minerals on the Transformation of TNT, Chromium, and Chlorinated Aliphatics. Invited Lecture. November 18, 2005, Georgia Tech. Atlanta, GA
  16. Subsurface Biofilm Barriers for Control of Contaminant Transport. Invited Lecture. September 26, 2005. Washington State University. Pullman, WA.
  17. An Introduction to Bioremediation. Guest Lecture PS101/VTMB101/MB110. Montana State University – Bozeman. Sept 16, 2003, April 06, 2004, Nov 22, 2004.
  18. Short Course on Bioremediation of Reducible Metals. Instructors: Cunningham, A.B.; Apel, W.A.; Caccavo Jr., F.; Peyton, B.M.; Petersen, J.S.; Gerlach, R. 6th International Symposium on In Situ and On-Site Bioremediation Symposium, San Diego, CA, June 06, 2001.
  19. Biobarriers - A Novel Technology for the Containment and Remediation of Contaminated Groundwater. Invited Lectures. September 12, 2001: University of Stuttgart, Germany; May 04, 2001: RWTH Aachen, Germany; August 25, 2000: University of Iowa, Iowa City.
  20. Iron-Reducing Bacteria and Permeable Reactive Subsurface Barriers. Invited Lecture. September 11, 2001: EAWAG, Zürich, Switzerland.

 

 

 

Questions? Suggestions? Send e-mail to robin_g@.biofilm.montana.edu