|
|
|
 |
 |
|
||
Professor Sommerfeld came to Arizona State University in 1968 after receiving his Ph.D. from Washington University, St. Louis. While pursuing graduate study, he received National Science Foundation and National Defense Education Act Fellowships. In 1987, he received the Outstanding Faculty Award from the Alumni Association of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. He is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Botanical Society of America, International Phycological Society, and Phycological Society of America. Current research topics under investigation include: (1) algae-related problems including tastes, odors and biotoxins in drinking water supplies, (2) microalgae as renewable energy and lipid sources, (3) distribution and physiological ecology of endolithic algae, (4) lakes as sinks for biohazardous chemicals, and (5) aquatic ecology of Southwestern streams and lakes. These areas of study utilize a variety of techniques including light, phase, interference contrast and fluorescence microscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction analysis, GC-Mass spectrometry, UV-VIS spectrophotometry, fluorometry, and atomic absorption spectroscopy. The results of activities in the above areas have provided
fundamental information in the field of phycology and environmental
science. For example, certain types of algae that produce volatile
organic compounds responsible for earthy/musty odors have been isolated
from the supply and distribution systems in the Phoenix metropolitan
area. Studies are underway to define conditions that lead to production
of the compounds, as well as how production can be controlled. The
national interest in renewable energy sources and natural products
has led to the evaluation of microalgae as potential sources of liquid
fuel and fine chemicals. Microalgae isolated from saline habitats throughout
the Southwest are being screened for their growth potential, and their
ability to produce neutral lipid, desirable precursors to diesel fuel
and gasoline and high value hydrocarbons. Several microalgae have been
characterized as having considerable potential as lipid sources. Physiological
and molecular studies designed to optimize this potential are underway. An unusual community of algae that inhabit sandstone
rocks were discovered by students working in Dr. Sommerfeld's laboratory.
Efforts in this area are designed to understand how these organisms
infiltrate the rock fabric and how they can physiologically persist
in this unique habitat. Studies of urban lakes in the Phoenix metropolitan
area and selected natural lakes and streams in Arizona are in progress
to characterize water quality and discern relationships between pollutants
and the aquatic biota. Selected Publications
Sommerfeld M.R., Winkelmann R.K., Elzinga C., Nelson DR., and Edlund M.B. (2004). The plankton of the St. Croix River in 2000, including tardigrades, a red alga, and chrysophyceae. Journal of Freshwater Ecology 19: 179-188. Sommerfeld M.R., Rousch J.M., and Bingham S.E. (2003). Changes in fatty acid profiles of thermo-intolerant and thermo-tolerant marine diatoms during temperature stress. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 295: 145-156. Sommerfeld M.R., and Rousch J.M. (1999). Effect of manganese and nickel on growth of selected algae in pH buffered medium. Water Research 33: 2448-2454. Dempster, TA and MR Sommerfeld. (1998). Effects of environmental conditions on growth and lipid accumulation in Nitzschia communis (Bacillariophyceae). J Phycol 34:712-721. McGinnis, KM, TA Dempster, and MR Sommerfeld. (1997). Characterization of the growth and lipid content of the diatom Chaetoceros muelleri. J Appl Phycol 9:19-24. Spindler, PA, and MR Sommerfeld. (1996). Relations among algal species and chemical gradients in Pinal Creek, near Globe, Arizona. U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resource Investigations Report 94-4015, pp. 1107-1113. Gretz, MR, MR Sommerfeld, PV Athey, and JM Aronson. (1991). Chemical composition of the cell walls of the freshwater alga Lemanea annulata (Batrachospermales). J Phycol 27:232-240. Sommerfeld, MR, SE Ellingson, and PL Tyler. (1987). Screening microalgae isolated from the Southwest for growth potential and lipid yield. FY 1987 Aquatic Species Program, Annual Report SERI/SP-231-3200, pp. 3-57. Amalfi, FA, and MR Sommerfeld. (1987). A limnological investigation of an urban lake system in central Arizona. Hydrology and Water Resources in Arizona and the Southwest 17:67-78. Bell, RA, PV Athey, and MR Sommerfeld. (1986). Cryptoendolithic algal communities of the Colorado Plateau. J Phycol 22:429-435.
Contact SOLS|ASU Accessibility|Contact Web Master ASU Accessibility|ASU Privacy ASU Copyright & Trademark Statement Copyright All Rights Reserved |
|
