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Bacteria with the potential to eat military testing sites clean are going under the microscope at the University of British Columbia.

A team of Genome BC researchers are mapping the genetic and biochemical make-up of bacteria that can break down the nitrogen-rich chemical compounds left behind after explosives testing.

"Bacteria evolved to fill every niche in the biosphere," said Lindsay Eltis, the lead researcher on the study. "They can eat just about anything, even man-made compounds that never existed in the biosphere before."

The three-year project examines how bacteria, including Rhodococcus and Gordonia, break down toxins known as nitramines. Not enough is understood about the bacteria to effectively clean up contaminated sites, which can also include firing ranges and explosives manufacturing and storage areas. Canada's Department of National Defence has already provided soil samples for use in the research.

Dr. Eltis said cleanup that uses bacteria will be an improvement over current practice, which relies on excavating and incinerating the top layer of soil. The first field testing of the bacteria is expected to take place by 2012.

The United States Army is helping to fund the $3.4-million study, and a handful of U.S. Army scientists are collaborating with the B.C. research team.

Public reaction to the military's role in the research will also be studied. The project includes focus groups to gauge popular sentiment about biological and genetic research carried out in collaboration with the military.