Joseph J. Gauthier

Ph. D. (Microbiology), 1970, University of California, Los Angeles

Applied & Environmental Microbiology

Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294-1170

Research Description:

Research in this laboratory centers on the microbial degradation of hazardous substances and various solid wastes. Our previous research has focused on degradation of phenol, cyanide and thiocyanate from steel-industry wastewater. In collaboration with TVA, we developed a system to prevent groundwater contamination by removal of nitrate from septic waste streams. We have also worked with NASA to develop a water recycle system the Space Station.

In biological waste treatment systems, a variety of interactions occur between microorganisms and the physical and nutritional aspects of their environment. Understanding these interactions will lead to more rapid and efficient use of microorganisms in waste treatment, bioremediation and other aspects of microbial biotechnology. We are currently using computer-controlled, bench-scale systems to study the microbial ecology of solid waste degradation. Materials being investigated include sewage sludge, poultry litter, municipal solid waste and yard waste.

Note that Dr. Gauthier is planning to retire soon and is no longer accepting new graduate students.

Representative Publications:

Gauthier, J.J. 1997. Biotechnology in the sustainable environment: a review. In: G.S. Sayler, J. Sanseverino and K.L. Davis (eds.). Biotechnology in the Sustainable Environment. Plenum Press, New York, pp. 379-384.

Atkinson, C.F., D.D. Jones and J.J. Gauthier. 1997. Microbial activities during composting of pulp and paper-mill primary solids. World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology 13:519-525.

Gauthier, J.J. and D. Kinnear. 2001. Composting. Chapter for Wastewater Biology: The Habitats. Water Environment Federation Manual of Practice. Alexandria, VA pp. 71-81.

Sezgin, M. and J.J. Gauthier. 2001. Activated sludge floc formation. In Wastewater Biology: the Microlife. Water Environment Federation, Alexandria, Virginia. (in press).

Gauthier, J.J. and J.C. Turner. 2003. Infection. In, Pathophysiological Phenomena in Nursing: Human Responses to Illness (Third Edition), Saunders. Pp. 139-148.

Easton, J.H., M.M. Lalor, J.J. Gauthier and R.E. Pitt. 2005. Die-off of pathogenic E. coli O157 : H7 in sewage contaminated waters. Journal of the American Water Works Association. 41:1187-1193.

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