Cryogenic Collection of Complete Subsurface Samples for Molecular Biological Analysis

Abstract : The objective of this project has been to demonstrate the efficacy of cryogenic core technology as an integrated approach to sample collection and handling for use as a tool for monitoring subsurface remediation. This has included the development of a in situ cryogenic coring system, the evaluation of molecular biological tools (MBTs) analysis in conjunction with that system and the demonstration that the cryogenic sampling protocols are robust and ready for application by the remediation user community. In addition, cryogenic sample handling has allowed development of a new approach to directly determine local degradation activity using the ratio of labile mRNA to stable DNA for target genes.