Ecology Department Core Capabilities

The Ecology Department of The Earth Sciences Division at LBNL intends to maintain the highest quality and highest visibility for its research and development in seven R&D areas that are largely integrated, but contain some domains that are not inclusive. These six areas are considered the Ecology Deparment's core competencies:

Bioenergy

Concerns about global warming, dependence on foreign oil, and rising gasoline prices have spurred a strong interest in bioenergy in the United States. Ecology Department scientists will be contributing their expertise in microbiology, molecular microbial ecology, and bacterial metabolism to a scientific challenge of great national importance: the efficient production of biofuels.... » read more

Water Resources & Hydro-Ecology

The HEADS research focus area has established a strong track record in the rapidly growing, new subject area of Ecological Engineering. The term “hydroecological engineering” signifies the group’s concentration on water resources and wastewater engineering.... » read more

Molecular Microbial Ecology (MME)

Understanding microbial interactions is key to the study of global warming, biodegradation of harmful compounds, and the exploration of complex microbial communities in their natural environment. The DOE has placed an increased emphasis on the role microbes play in modifying their environment and their impact on energy security.... » read more

Chemical Ecology

Since 1999, the Chemical Ecology research group at ED has pioneered the development and application of several cutting-edge technologies, such as synchrotron radiation-based spectromicroscopy, in vitro human gastrointestinal mimetic reactors, and in vivo mouse protocols that allow for the real-time assessment of bioavailability and biokinetics of environmental pollutants. The RABB group intends to establish this capability further by seeking out new projects and new collaborators, as well as expanding our staff, to position us as leaders in the areas of biological and environmental sciences.... » read more

Environmental Bioremediation & Sustainability

Ecology Department scientists and engineers are recognized leaders in the field of bioremediation and natural attenuation. The Center for Environmental Biotechnology provides the primary facilities used by the Ecology Department, including state-of-the-art equipment for microbiology and environmental engineering. Ecology Department investigators have extensive experience in both water treatment and aquifer bioremediation.... » read more

Phototrophic Molecular Ecology (PME)

The ability of phototrophic organisms, such as plants, algae and cyanobacteria, to convert solar energy into biomass is of immense importance since the very survival of both photoautotrophic and non-photoautotrophic organisms depends on this process. In addition, the efficiency of photosynthetic CO2 assimilation into storage and structural products is one of the main factors that determine the efficiency of biological carbon sequestration, and the economic viability of biofuel production.... » read more

Carbon Cycling & Climate Change Ecology (CC&CCE)

Permafrost represents one of the Earth’s largest carbon reservoirs, holding an estimated 960 gigatons (Gt)of carbon. Widespread thawing of previously frozen soils is predicted under global warming scenarios, allowing microbial decomposition of organic matter and resulting in release large quantities of carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. The amount of carbon dioxide released by permafrost depends on the speed and extent of thawing, but research indicates that it could reach up to one Gt per year if current warming trends continue.... » read more