National University of Sciences & Technology

Date: __________
Dean/ principal

MS THESIS WORK
Final Oral Exam

Student’s Name: SADAF KHAN Regn No.: 402603

Department: _Atta ur Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB)_____
Title: Bacteriophages of nitrogen cycling bacteria and engineered biochar for
reducing nitrogen losses
Name of the Supervisor: Dr. Ghulam Haider
ABSTRACT

The rapid rate of nitrification in soils presents significant environmental and economic challenges.
Environmentally, accelerated nitrification leads to increased emissions of nitrous oxide (N₂O), a potent
greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. Economically, the rapid conversion of ammonium
to nitrate in the soil results in substantial nutrient leaching, necessitating additional fertilizer inputs and
incurring higher costs for agricultural producers. Addressing these issues is crucial for sustainable
agricultural practices and environmental conservation.
This research aims to mitigate the adverse effects of rapid nitrification by leveraging bacteriophages—
viruses that specifically infect bacteria. The focus is on bacteriophages that target nitrifying bacteria,
specifically Nitrosomonas europaea, a key player in the nitrification process. The methodology
involves isolating Nitrosomonas europaea from soil and sewage samples, which are known to be rich
sources of nitrifying bacteria, and concurrently isolating bacteriophages that specifically infect this
bacterium from the same or similar environments. These bacteriophages undergo thorough
characterization to understand their infectivity and specificity, and their antibacterial activity against
Nitrosomonas europaea is evaluated through laboratory experiments to determine their potential
effectiveness in controlling nitrification.
Additionally, the study investigates the application of biochar, an organic material known for its
nutrient retention properties. Nitrogen-loaded biochar is prepared and its impact on soil nutrient
dynamics and maize growth is assessed. Biochar's porous nature helps retain nutrients within the soil,
reducing leaching and enhancing plant growth. Sorghum extract, identified as a biological nitrification
inhibitor (BNI), is incorporated into the nitrogen-loaded biochar. This doped biochar is then evaluated
for its ability to suppress nitrification and reduce N₂O emissions. The combined use of biochar and
BNIs aims to create a synergistic effect, maximizing nutrient retention and minimizing environmental
impact.
To assess the practical implications of these treatments, a pot experiment is conducted with maize. The
growth, nutrient uptake (NPK), and overall health of maize plants grown in treated soils are monitored
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and compared to control groups. This evaluation helps understand the real-world effectiveness of the
treatments in enhancing crop yield and soil health.
The expected outcomes of this research are multifaceted. By successfully isolating and utilizing
bacteriophages that infect nitrifying bacteria, the study aims to provide a biological means of
controlling nitrification. The integration of nitrogen-loaded biochar and sorghum extract seeks to retain
soil nutrients, reduce the need for additional fertilizer inputs, and mitigate N₂O emissions. Ultimately,
these interventions are anticipated to reduce economic and environmental losses, contributing to
improved ecosystem health.

Open to public
Location: Auditorium
Date/Time: 29th July, 2024, 2:30pm

Date: Signature
(Thesis Advisor)

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