Webinar 30 | Microbiological Tools in Bioremediation

We have 2 speakers for this webinar...

Jude Huggan, Business Development Manager, NCIMB

Molecular Tools in Bioremediation

NCIMB (www.ncimb.com) is a specialist microbiology CRO providing services to customers who are either developing or using microorganisms to create new products and processes or have a need to identify and quantify microorganisms from a range of different environments such as in manufacturing facilities, from water, soil or other environmental niches.

By employing a variety of techniques, including molecular based tools such as sequencing and PCR, NCIMB can help companies comply with environmental regulations, to monitor areas of particular concern over time or after appropriate intervention and to identify and quantify microorganisms across a range of environments.

In addition to providing molecular based tools, NCIMB also provides chemical analysis services on a range of solid and liquid samples as well as an ecotoxicity testing service on whole effluents and leachates. Our microbial ecotoxicity tests have also been employed to assess the efficacy of biocides and bioremediation processes.

The webinar aims to introduce SCLF members to NCIMB and the services on offer for organisations in the environmental sector and will highlight case studies/customer projects where molecular and analytical tools have been used to solve problems in this sector.

Jude Huggan is Business Development Manager at NCIMB. A medicinal chemist by training, Jude has experience working with both academia and industry across the Life Sciences, Industrial Biotechnology and Chemicals sectors. Jude's role at NCIMB involves showcasing the range of products and services available at NCIMB to both existing and new customers across multiple sectors. NCIMB have an active customer base across many sectors including Pharma, Food & Drink, Oil & Gas, Environmental, Research and Academia.

Thomas Aspray, Technical Manager, ERS Ltd

Use of qPCR testing in contaminated land projects

Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is a molecular biology technique which can be used to assess the potential for, and subsequently monitor, bioremediation of contaminated sites. Thomas has more than 20 years’ experience using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based techniques and has recently setup a qPCR service at ERS Ltd for internal and external clients. This webinar will provide an introduction to qPCR - how it works, what assays can be used, and the ways it can be used in contaminated soil/groundwater projects.

Tom obtained a PhD in microbiology in 2004 where his project focused on bioremediation of pesticide contaminated soil using a novel gene bioaugmentation approach. Following a short postdoc placement, he moved to ERS for a two-year project to setup a treatability laboratory at the company and gain some industrial experience. He ended up staying with ERS for seven years designing/managing soil remediation projects and running applied and contract research out of ERS’ laboratory. Tom then spent six years at Heriot Watt University as lecturer/senior lecturer teaching microbiology and conducting research on organics recycling. Rejoining ERS in 2018 he provides technical support on soil and groundwater remediation projects. Tom also runs ERS’ treatability laboratory which includes molecular biology capability focused to the contaminated land sector. Outside of ERS, Tom is a board member of the British Society of Soil Science and on the Scientific Committees of WCSS 2022 and Remtech Europe.