CENSUS

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction or qPCR has revolutionized the role of molecular biological tools by providing a sensitive, rapid approach to detect and quantify specific microorganisms involved with bioremediation. While primarily known for its ability to quantify a key dechlorinating bacteria, Dehalococcoides spp., qPCR can also be used to target a variety of other organisms. | Click for more details

Q-PCR can be used to quantify activity of Dehalococcoides using Q-Expression. Q-PCR can be used to evaluate sites contaminated with MTBE by targeting MTBE utilizing bacteria PM1. Q-PCR can be used to quantify bacteria stimulated by propane injection by targeting the genes which encode for propane monooxygenase.

Inorder to use the qPCR approach on your site simply decide on the following three choices. It's as easy as 1,2,3.

1) Choose your Approach

MI now offers both a DNA (Q-Potential) and a RNA (Q-Expression) based approach depending upon what type of question you are trying to answer. | Click for more details

Are organism present that have the potential to degrade...?

Using our DNA based approach, Q-Potential, samples are evaluated to determine if bacteria with the genetic potential to degrade a particular contaminant are present and if so, at what concentration.

Are organisms actively expressing a desired function?

Using Q-Expression, RNA as opposed to DNA is extracted and used to quantify that the bacteria of interest are metabolically active and expressing the desired function, as presence alone does not provide this level of understanding.

2) Select organisms of interest (Targets)

MI has developed a variety of organisms which can be targeted for a wide range of environmental pollutants. | Click for a complete list of available targets

Featured Targets include:

3) Decide on the Sampling Approach

Samples from almost any matrix including groundwater, soil/sediment and even our Bio-Trap Samplers can be analyzed using either Q-Potential (DNA) or Q-Expression (RNA). | Click for more details