What are the processes and patterns affecting the ecology and evolution of antibiotic produced by waterborne pathogens?

I address this question using ecological, evolutionary and genetic approaches. In my current research I am investigating bacterial produced antibacterial peptides (bacteriocins) which are produced by all major lineages of Bacteria and Archaea.

 

These potent toxins are highly diverse, but they are all ribosomally synthesized, and are active against bacteria closely related to the producing bacteria. I explore the role bacteriocin play in microbial communities. In particular I focus on the molecular ecology and evolution aspects of this question and of utilizing the answers for the detection and treatment of waterborne pathogens.