Contaminant and Microbial Biogeochemistry
The Peterson Lab explores the hidden power of microbes in freshwater ecosystems. We are specifically interested in using microbes as a window into how biogeochemical cycles influence contaminant fate and transport. By unraveling the ‘black box’ of microbial processes, we aim to develop predictive models that inform management strategies to protect our local water resources.
Our research combines cutting-edge techniques microbial ecology such as molecular sequencing and next-generation physiology tools with ecosystem-scale biogeochemistry, modeling, and aquatic food web science. We also leverage reduced complexity systems such as mesocosms and monocultures to probe mechanistic questions that further crack open the black box. Our collaborative network, spanning academia, government, and industry, enables us to tackle complex environmental challenges with diverse expertise. With rapidly accelerating global change and uncertainty, understanding and predicting contaminant behavior is more important than ever.
Images generated using Adobe Firefly.