Bhatnagar Lab (Enviromics Group)

 

Microplastics, the tiny pieces of resistant plastics, have invaded every aspect of our lives and our environments. Apart from being sponges for many toxic chemicals, they also harbor a diverse microbiome. By studying the factors that influence their microbial community structure and function, we are identifying not only microbes with plastic bioremediation potential but also studying their roles as vector of microbes of concern in Alberta's watershed. 
 

Glyphosate use in reforestation efforts not only targets broad-leaf plants, but it can persist in soil and then move into the plants, potentially entering humans through foraged foods. Using the microbiome of the Labrador tea, a traditional medicinal plant of many Indigenous communities, we are studying the effect of glyphosate on boreal shrubs, its persistence in the forest soil, and its potential for adverse health effects. This work is being carried out in mutually respectful and reciprocal partnership with the Bigstone Cree Nation.

The threatened ecosystem of a rapidly warming Arctic needs innovative solutions for estimating and fostering biodiversity on the land and in the ocean to ensure food security for the Inuit and other Indigenous peoples of Canada's North. Using Genomics and other DNA-based tools can enable this from small- to large-scale and from species- to ecosystem-level efforts. Hence, we are working to increase awareness, applicability, and use of DNA-based tools through organization- and community-level engagement and participation of Rightsholders and stakeholders in the vast Arctic Canada, including the Inuit Nunangat.