Hidden Earth 2023
Snottites, Slime and Oozes – Derbyshire Mine Biofilms
30 minute Lecture|Jo White
Abstract
Jelly-like pendulous ‘snottites’, gelatinous oozes and mucoidal slimes, while sounding like something from a low-budget alien horror film, are descriptions of some of the biofilms found in Derbyshire mine environments.
We have studied three soughs that drain former lead mines in Derbyshire through collection of samples of the biofilms present. Within the project we have analysed the bacterial composition of these samples using metagenomic analyses and 16S rDNA sequencing coupled with analysis of the water chemistry to understand the relationship between the environment and biofilms present. Cultivation techniques have also been employed to try to isolate individual organisms to study their role within the environment. The results obtained to date provide an insight into the metabolic pathways and processes occurring in these biofilms, including sulphur cycling and iron oxidation.
More from 2023
Workshop|Peter Glanvill
The future of Club Journals in the age of social media
Workshop|Jonathan Lester
BCRA - Cave Survey Group Meet
Lecture|Paul Taylor
Forest of Dean Round Up
Lecture|Linda Wilson
Forgotten Voices Speak: Recording Historic Graffiti in Kents Cavern
Lecture|Jonathan Lester
BCA - Youth and Development Talk: Unearthing Ancient Wisdom and Future Shenanigans
Lecture|Rostam Namaghi
The Demographics of British Caving
Lecture|Simon Brooks
Caving in the Abode of the Clouds, Meghalaya 2020 to 2023
Lecture|Andy Farrant
Hot stuff. Looking for hypogenic caves in Southwest England
Lecture|Peter Macnab (snablet)
Vietnam & Laos 2020 - 2023
Lecture|Pete Allwright
Nicola Cave Radio developments