U.S. Enviromental Protection Agency, Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory, P.O. Box 1198, 919 Kerr Research Drive, Ada, Oklahoma 74820

A -- IDENTIFICATION OF BIOMARKERS FOR USE AS INDICATORS OF GROUND WATER QUALITY AND SUBSURFACE ECOSYSTEM HEALTH Sol. RFA-95-3. Due 042195. Contact Point, Stephen Kovash, (405) 436-8708. The USEPA, Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory, in Ada, Oklahoma, is seeking assistance by cooperative agreement with non-profit organizations (minimum of 5% Cost sharing required) or by interagency agreement with Federal Agencies qualified to conduct research in the area of subsurface microbial ecology. Subsurface microorganisms are an integral part of global biogeochemical cycling of elements, play vital roles in terrestrial biosystems, and directly effect the composition of the atmosphere. Despite these activities environemental monitoring and assessment programs in general, have not considered subsurface environments as ecoystems or included this environmental component in broad based ecological effects studies. The introduction of soluble contaminants into ground water initiates a series of complex and poorly understood responses by subsurface microorganisms. The resultant populations are defined by the hydro-geochemical conditions and thus represent an indication of past exposure to contaminatns, and of stresses to the subsurface ecosystem. The objective of this project is to identify and characterize bio-markers and characterize bio-markers of subsurface ecosystem health and function, particularly for use as indicators of ground water and subsurface-derived drinking water quality. We envision these indicators to be nucleic acid based, population markers and/or activities markers. The project is anticipated as a three-year project with the total budget not to exceed $300,000 for the three-year period, pending availability of funds. Interested sources must request a solicitation package containing a scope of work, evaluation criteria, and additional instructions in writing before the response date of April 21, 1995. FAX requests may be directed to (405) 436-8597. Telephone requests for the solicitation package or technical information will not be accepted. (070)

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