Mapping and utilizing deep seabed hydrocarbon seeps offshore Nova Scotia using microbial genomics

Seabed hydrocarbon seeps are environments where petroleum fluids from deep warm sources migrate upwards through marine sediments and up into the water column. These are important biological environments that also have industrial applications. Seeps can be indicative of deep petroleum reserves and are used in oil exploration. They also host microbial communities that are capable of living amidst petroleum and are capable of its biodegradation, potentially offering benefits in terms of oil spill or methane emissions remediation. Genomics is the science of using DNA sequencing to understand living organisms. In this project marine microbial genomics will be employed to map and understand the microbiome at seabed hydrocarbon seeps. This DNA sequencing will underpin bioassays for locating hydrocarbon seeps, which in turn helps to de-risk offshore exploration activities. Genomics of the microbial populations at seeps will also reveal their potential for use in marine environmental remediation technologies.

Faculty Supervisor:

Casey Hubert

Student:

Partner:

Offshore Energy Research Association of Nova Scotia

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Mining; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Calgary

Program: