Simon Webster - Research Student

Telephone: 25785
Room: G22 Kroto Research Institute

email : simon.webster@sheffield.ac.uk

Research Group

Research Project

Molecular Biology Approaches to PAH Biodegradation

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are designated by the EU as priority pollutants because of their carcinogenic and mutagenic effects on humans and animals. In the coke making process PAHs are treated in bio-treatment plants which rely on bacteria to degrade these compounds. It is understood that ~99% of bacteria are unculturable in the laboratory and this has hindered our understanding of this process. My aim is to use novel molecular techniques to fully characterise the organisms and genes involved with a view to enhancing this process. In parallel studies I am developing whole cell biosensors to detect these compounds and assess toxicity. These studies are funded by the EPSRC and Tata Steel Europe.