Microbiome of the San Pedro Valley

The San Pedro River and surrounding areas is a biodiverse area with convergence of four major deserts and the presence of mountain ranges scattered throughout the semi-arid landscape called “sky islands.” With this diversity, it creates a diverse microbiome (microorganisms living together in an environment). In this study, we look if there is a difference in the microbiome between seasons and variety of locations within the San Pedro area using nucleic acid sequencing.

Environmental effects can have an impact on microbe’s ability to produce antimicrobials. These environmental effects such as heat, cold, acids, salts, etc. will be simulated in lab to see whether there is an effect on antimicrobial producing bacteria. If there is not an effect, we will test the generational time it takes for the bacteria to no longer produce their antimicrobials under these stresses.

The increasing rate of antibiotic resistance in bacteria may be one of the most concerning threats to humans. Studies of antimicrobials and their producers can be an answer to this pressing issue. The diverse soil microbiome of the San Pedro Valley and the antimicrobials these species produce will be studied for effective microbial inhibition, which later can be used as an effective antibiotic treatment.

Instructor of Biology Kari Durham (520) 515-5436