Mary Rothermich

Since June of 1999 I have been working in the lab of Derek Lovley at University of Massachusetts as a post-doc researcher. My work involves studying the microbial degradation of hydrocarbon contaminants in marine harbor sediments. These sediments are frequently polluted with hydrocarbons derived from fuel spills, industrial waste, shipping activities, and street runoff. In particular, the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) - due to their low aqueous solubilities, low volatility, and high affinity for particulate matter - tend to accumulate. The impact of PAHs on the environment and public health has prompted research such as ours into the environmental fate of PAHs, the development of bioremediation schemes, and examination of the possible effectiveness of natural, unamended attenuation by the activity of indigenous microbes.