UV-DNA-Tech: a technology to unravel microbial distributional patterns and activity in glaciers
Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL
Lay summary
Glacial retreat is altering water dynamics and microbial activity and transport not only within glaciers, but also in proglacial ecosystems. However, scarce information is present on the distribution and activity of microorganisms during their passage through glacial systems. With this project we want to improve our understanding of glacial microorganisms, allowing a better appreciation of their role within glaciers, and providing basic information to understand how their activity and release will be influenced by glacial retreat. To achieve this, we propose a novel technology consisting of two parts: firstly, a detection method for UV-damaged DNA using nanopore sequencing (UV-DNA-Tech), and secondly a filtering apparatus designed to sample large volumes of glacial water. With this technology, we will be able to collect microorganisms from challenging sampling locations, and to track UV-damaged microorganisms and their activity from glacial surfaces through the dark glacial interior (where no UV radiation is present) and into glacial meltwater outflow. By looking at the activity of microorganisms through levels of UV-damaged DNA, we aim to bridge the microbial dynamics observed in different glacial habitats first in Swiss High-Alpine environments, and then in all polar regions.
Details
| Regional focus | High-altitude |
| Location | Damma & Rhone glacier, Switzerland |
| Funded amount | 30,000 CHF |
| Project dates | 1st April 2023 – 31st March 2024 |
| Category | SPI Technogrants |
Publications
| Glacial Water: A Dynamic Microbial Medium |