Examine the Antimicrobial cross-resistance at heavy metal contaminated site

Project description

Expanding sites of heavy metal contamination are creating a pressure on scientists, policy makers and other stakeholders to provide applicable remedial solutions to the real site problem. The cost-effectiveness and nature-based solution depends on the performance capability of microbes. Spatio-temporal distribution of contaminants exert selective pressure on microbes, enriching both metal resistance and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In response, microbes develop resistance mechanisms such as efflux pumps, metal-binding proteins, and biofilm formation. Importantly, resistance to heavy metals is often co-located with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes on mobile genetic elements such as plasmids, and transposons. This genetic linkage enables microbes to adapt to metal stress and simultaneously acquire and disseminate antibiotic resistance. As a result, contaminated environments become hotspots for AMR evolution and reservoirs for gene transfer into clinical and agricultural settings. A better understanding of metal resistance and antimicrobial resistance genes (AMR) at contaminated sites can offer suitable remedial solutions to decontaminate soil and groundwater systems. Enhanced understanding of metal resistance and AMR can provide more promising solutions to address soil and groundwater contamination at the contaminated sites. This project aims to identify the relationship between spatio-temporal distribution of heavy metal contamination and AMR, specifically on the chromium-contaminated sites in India. We will investigate the resistome dynamics in chromium-contaminated soils using site deployable nanoparticle enhanced bacterial capture and sequencing (NEBCAMS) technology, and nanomaterial-based electrochemical or optical assays to profile heavy metal contamination. These tools will enable high-resolution characterization of microbial communities, identification of co-localized metal and antibiotic resistance genes, and monitoring of horizontal gene transfer under metal stress conditions. Continuous monitoring of spatio-temporal distribution of metal and resistome will provide insights on the sustainability of the remediation strategy. The ultimate goal is to design remediation approach that restore soil and groundwater quality preventing enrichment and spread of AMR.

Outcomes

The project will; Validate developed technologies for bacterial profiling and heavy metal contamination in field conditions. High-resolution mapping of resistome in chromium contaminated site , with identification of heavy metal hot pockets relative to AMR hot pockets. Provide actionable remediation information that integrates AMR risk mitigation together with heavy metal load reduction.

Essential capabilities

Motivated environmental engineering or microbiology student with experimental and field based data collection capabilities

Desireable capabilities

Understanding of Antimicrobial resistance and one health concepts

Expected qualifications (Course/Degrees etc.)

Honours/MSc Biotechnology; Honours/MSc Microbiology; Masters in Environmental Engineering

Additional information for applicants

note: i-students must have own scholarship to apply (CSIR, UCG-NET, etc)