This research project aimed to understand how molecular-scale processes govern the biogeochemical function of subsurface groundwater-surface water mixing zones (i.e., the hyporheic zone). This project was conducted along the Columbia River in Eastern Washington State, which exhibits variation in microbiome composition, biogeochemical activity, and substrate biogeochemistry, making it an ideal environment for studying biogeochemical hotspots. To capture a range of biogeochemical activities, samples were collected from areas with dense vegetation and virtually no vegetation.\n\nThis project’s long-term goal is to develop models that can simulate impacts of disturbance on river corridor hydro-biogeochemistry by understanding fundamental molecular processes that lead to emergent function. This project is part of PNNL’s River Corridor Hydrobiogeochemistry Science Focus Area.
U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Biological and Environmental Research (BER) under contract DE-AC05-76RL01830 (PNNL))