Molecular Level Characterization of Dissolved Organic Carbon and Microbial Diversity in the WAIS Divide Replicate Core

Abstract: This award supports a detailed, molecular level characterization of dissolved organic carbon and microbes in Antarctic ice cores. Using the most modern biological (genomic), geochemical techniques, and advanced chemical instrumentation researchers will 1) optimize protocols for collecting, extracting and amplifying DNA from deep ice cores suitable for use in next generation pyrosequencing; 2) determine the microbial diversity within the ice core; and 3) obtain and analyze detailed molecular characterizations of the carbon in the ice by ultrahigh resolution Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS). With this pilot study investigators will be able to quantify the amount of material (microbial biomass and carbon) required to perform these characterizations, which is needed to inform future ice coring projects. The ultimate goal will be to develop protocols that maximize the yield, while minimizing the amount of ice required. The broader impacts include education and outreach at both the local and national levels. As a faculty mentor with the American Indian Research Opportunities and BRIDGES programs at Montana State University, Foreman will serve as a mentor to a Native American student in the lab during the summer months. Susan Kelly is an Education and Outreach Coordinator with a MS degree in Geology and over 10 years of experience in science outreach. She will coordinate efforts for comprehensive educational collaboration with the Hardin School District on the Crow Indian Reservation in South-central Montana.

摘要：本项目资助开展南极冰芯中溶解态有机碳与微生物的分子级详细表征研究。研究人员将采用当前最先进的生物学（基因组学）、地球化学技术与高端化学仪器，开展以下三项工作：1）优化适用于下一代焦磷酸测序的深冰芯DNA采集、提取与扩增方案；2）测定冰芯内的微生物多样性；3）通过超高分辨率傅里叶变换离子回旋共振质谱（Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry，FT-ICR-MS）对冰体中的碳进行详细分子表征并开展分析。借助本预研究，研究人员可量化开展此类表征所需的物质（微生物生物量与碳）用量，该数据可为未来的冰芯钻探项目提供参考依据。本研究的最终目标是开发出既能最大化实验产出、又能最小化所需冰量的实验方案。本研究的拓展性影响包括地方与国家级层面的教育与科普推广活动。作为蒙大拿州立大学美国印第安人研究机会（American Indian Research Opportunities）与BRIDGES项目的导师，福尔曼将在夏季于实验室中指导一名印第安原住民学生。苏珊·凯利拥有地质学硕士学位，拥有十余年科学科普工作经验，现任教育与外联协调员。她将协调与位于蒙大拿州中南部克劳族印第安人居留地的哈丁学区开展全方位教育合作项目。