Raina Margaret Maier

Raina Margaret Maier

Professor, Environmental Science
Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences
Professor, Pharmacology and Toxicology
Professor, BIO5 Institute
Primary Department
Department Affiliations
Contact
(520) 621-7231

Research Interest

Raina M Maier, PhD, is a Professor of Environmental Microbiology in the Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science and Director of the University of Arizona NIEHS Superfund Research Program. She also serves as Director of the University of Arizona Center for Environmentally Sustainable Mining and as Deputy Director of the TRIF Water Sustainability Program. Dr. Maier is internationally known for her work on microbial surfactants (biosurfactants) including discovery of a new class of biosurfactants and of novel applications for these unique materials in remediation and green technologies. She is also recognized for her work on the relationships between microbial diversity and ecosystem function in oligotrophic environments such as carbonate caves, the Atacama desert, and mine tailings. Dr. Maier has published over 100 original research papers, authored 23 book chapters, and holds a patent on the use of biosurfactants to control zoosporic plant pathogens. She is the lead author on the textbook “Environmental Microbiology” currently in its second edition.Dr. Maier emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to her work and has served as PI or co-PI on several large granting efforts including the UA NIEHS Superfund Research Program, the UA NSF Kartchner Caverns Microbial Observatory, and the UA NSF Collaborative Research in Chemistry grant on biosurfactants.

Publications

Henry, H. F., Burken, J. G., Maier, R. M., Newman, L. A., Rock, S., Schnoor, J. L., & Suk, W. A. (2013). Phytotechnologies - Preventing Exposures, Improving Public Health. International Journal of Phytoremediation, 15(9), 889-899.

PMID: 23819283;Abstract:

Phytotechnologies have potential to reduce the amount or toxicity of deleterious chemicals and agents, and thereby, can reduce human exposures to hazardous substances. As such, phytotechnologies are tools for primary prevention in public health. Recent research demonstrates phytotechnologies can be uniquely tailored for effective exposure prevention in a variety of applications. In addition to exposure prevention, plants can be used as sensors to identify environmental contamination and potential exposures. In this paper, we have presented applications and research developments in a framework to illustrate how phytotechnologies can meet basic public health needs for access to clean water, air, and food. Because communities can often integrate plant-based technologies at minimal cost and with low infrastructure needs, the use of these technologies can be applied broadly to minimize potential contaminant exposure and improve environmental quality. These natural treatment systems also provide valuable ecosystem services to communities and society. In the future, integrating and coordinating phytotechnology activities with public health research will allow technology development focused on prevention of environmental exposures to toxic compounds. Hence, phytotechnologies may provide sustainable solutions to environmental exposure challenges, improving public health and potentially reducing the burden of disease. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.

de-Bashan, L. E., Hernandez, J., Bashan, Y., & Maier, R. M. (2010). Bacillus pumilus ES4: Candidate plant growth-promoting bacterium to enhance establishment of plants in mine tailings. Environmental and Experimental Botany, 69(3), 343-352.

Abstract:

Three plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB; Bacillus pumilus ES4, B. pumilus RIZO1, and Azospirillum brasilense Cd) were tested for their ability to enhance plant growth and development of the native Sonoran Desert shrub quailbush (Atriplex lentiformis) and for their effect on the native bacterial community in moderately acidic, high-metal content tailings (AHMT) and in neutral, low-metal content natural tailings (NLMT) in controlled greenhouse experiments. Inoculation of quailbush with all three PGPB significantly enhanced plant growth parameters, such as germination, root length, dry weight of shoots and roots, and root/shoot ratio in both types of tailings. The effect of inoculation on the indigenous bacterial community by the most successful PGPB B. pumilus ES4 was evaluated by denaturating gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) fingerprinting and root colonization was followed by specific fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Inoculation with this strain significantly changed the bacterial community over a period of 60 days. FISH analysis showed that the preferred site of colonization was the root tips and root elongation area. This study shows that inoculation of native perennial plants with PGPB can be used for developing technologies for phytostabilizing mine tailings. © 2010 Elsevier B.V.