Jennifer DeBruyn

Major Research Interest

My research focuses on biodegradative microbial communities in Chattanooga Creek. This creek is one of the most polluted waterways in the Southeastern United States, heavily contaminated with coal tar and exhibiting high concentrations of toxic and carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). I am examining the microbial communities in terms of quantification of genotypic potential for biodegradation as well as actual biodegradation measurements, and have identified in particular the role of fast-growing Mycobacterium in high molecular weight PAH degradation at this site. In addition, I am interested in bacteria associated with suspended particulate matter in the water column and their role in natural attenuation of PAHs from Chattanooga Creek.

Education

• 2003 - B.S. Queen's University, Kingston, ON

 

 

 

Contact Information

Jennifer DeBruyn
Graduate Student
Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
569 Dabney Hall
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN 37996-1610

Phone: (865) 974-8075
Fax: (865) 974-3067
Email: jdebruyn@utk.edu