Bhatnagar Lab (Enviromics Group)
The Enviromics group spans two universities, AthabascaU and ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½, where researchers study ecosystems thru omics tools to co-create solutions and mobilize knowledge to address environmental issues
Microplastic
Microplastics in Alberta's Rivers
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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.Ìý
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Glyphosate and Indigenous Medicinal Plants of the Boreal Forest
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.
Oceans North
Genomics for Arctic Biodiversity and Indigenous Food Security
Other Collaborations
Wastewater-Based Epidemiology
A collaboration led by Mike Parkins (Cumming School of Medicine, ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½) and Casey Hubert (Dept. of Biological Sciences, ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½) to study antimicrobial resistance and infectious agents in the municipal wastewaters.Ìý
Arctic Ocean Microbial Ecophysiology
In collaboration with Casey Hubert, we are studying the microbial ecophysiology of Canada's Arctic Ocean by establishing microbial baselines in the Sea Ice, water column, and sediments using deeply sequenced WGS metagenomics and mining the data for microbial processes involved in oil spill bioremediation,Ìý