Barbara J. Butler

Biol 499 Coordinator

Undergraduate Advisor (Biochemistry)

Bachelor of Science (BSc), Master of Science (MSc), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Waterloo

Email: bjbutler@uwaterloo.ca

Telephone: (519) 888-4567 ext. 35081

Office: Biology 1 279

Research interests

My primary focus is on undergraduate teaching, and I have taught a broad range of courses in microbiology. I am interested in the way microorganisms function, and interact with their surrounding habitat, and tend to bring that approach into whatever topic I am teaching. I have conducted research on aspects of microbial ecology, and the biodegradation of organic contaminants, particularly in groundwater and soil environments.

Current courses

• Biology 241, Introduction to Applied Microbiology
• Biology 345, Microorganisms in Foods
• Biology 446, Microbial Ecology
• Biology 449, Public Health Microbiology
• Biology 140, Fundamentals of Biology (Spring term only)

Other courses I have taught include

• Biology 448, Microbial Physiology and Biochemistry
• Biology 308, Principles of Molecular Biology
• Biology 475, Current Topics in Applied Microbiology (co-taught)
• Biology 444, Microorganisms and Disease
• Biology 447, Environmental Microbiology
• Biology/Earth 624, Environmental Biogeochemistry (co-taught)

Selected publications

• Pinheiro, M.D.O., Power, M.E., Butler, B.J., Dayeh, V.R., Slawson, R., Lee, L.E.J., Lynn, D.H., Bols, N.C. 2007. Use of Tetrahymena thermophila to study the role of protozoa in inactivation of viruses in water. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 73:643-649.
• Power, M.E., Sotornik, D., Pinheiro, M.D.O., Dayeh, V.R., Butler, B.J., Slawson, R., Lee, L.E.J., Lynn, D.H., Bols, N.C. 2006. Development of a fluorescent multiwell assay for evaluating the capacity of the ciliated protozoan Tetrahymena for bacterivory in water samples. Water Qual. Res. J. Canada. 41:307-315.
• Schirmer, M., Butler, B.J., Church, C.D., Barker, J.F., Nadarajah, N. 2003. Laboratory evidence of MTBE biodegradation in Borden aquifer material. J. Contam. Hydrol. 60:229-249.
• Hunkeler, D., Butler, B.J., Aravena, R., Barker, J.F. 2001. Monitoring biodegradation of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) using compound-specific carbon isotope analysis. Environ. Sci. Technol. 35:676-681.
• Morkin, M., Devlin, J.F., Barker, J.F., Butler, B.J. 2000. In situ sequential treatment of a mixed contaminant plume. J. Contam. Hydrol. 45: 283-301.
• Schirmer, M., Butler, B.J., Roy, J.W., Barker, J.F., Frind, E.O. 1999. A least-square-fit method to determine unique Monod kinetic parameters of BTEX compounds using batch experiments. J. Contam. Hydrol. 37:69-86.
• Granger, D.A., Butler, B.J., Barker, J.F. 1999. A case of phosphorus limiting the aerobic biodegradation of monoaromatic hydrocarbon biodegradation in groundwater. Bioremed. J. 3:213-221.
• Hunkeler, D., Aravena, R., Butler, B.J. 1999. Monitoring microbial dechlorination of tetrachloroethene (PCE) in groundwater using compound-specific stable carbon isotopes: Microcosm and field studies. Environ. Sci. Technol. 33:2733-2738.
• Millette, D., Butler, B.J., Frind, E.O., Comeau, Y., Samson, R. 1998. Substrate interaction during aerobic biodegradation of creosote-related compounds in columns of aquifer material. J. Contam. Hydrol. 29:165-183.
• Butler, B.J., Barbaro, S.E., Crocker, F.H. and Mayfield, C.I. 1997. Characterization of microbial populations of the Borden aquifer. Geomicrobiol. J. 14:259-274.
• Butler, B.J., Barker, J.F. 1996. Chemical and microbiological transformations and degradation of chlorinated solvent compounds. In Pankow, J.F., Cherry, J.A., (eds), Dense Chlorinated Solvents and Other DNAPLs in Groundwater - History, Behaviour, and Remediation. Waterloo Press, Portland Oregon. pp. 267-312.
• Allen-King, R.M., Butler, B.J., and Reichert, B. 1995. Fate of the herbicide glufosinate-ammonium in the sandy, low-organic carbon aquifer at CFB Borden, Ontario. J. Contam. Hydrol. 18:161-179.