Model system studies of the influence of bacterial biofilm formation on mineral surface reactivity

J. R. Brydie, R. A. Wogelius, S. Boult, C. M. Merrifield, D. J. Vaughan

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Biofilm development on mineral surfaces and related changes in surface reactivity were studied using batch and flow through experiments. An artificial groundwater was used as the primary nutrient medium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAO1) was the model microbial organism and 'mineral' surfaces were kept as simple as possible by using glass or a polished quartz tile. Experiments were also completed with very low concentrations (100 mg l-1) of iron, Fe2+, in the solution. In situ confocal laser scanning microscopy of developing colonies during the live growth phase, and of thick, mature biofilms, revealed only sporadic coverage of biofilm cells and associated polymers at the 'mineral-microbe interface'. Imaging and analysis of biofilm-conditioned surfaces doped with Fe2+ -rich solutions allowed the locus and form of Fe-rich mineral precipitation to be determined and show that biological surface components can cause mineral precipitation from dilute dissolved species which might otherwise remain in solution. © 2009 Taylor & Francis.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)463-472
    Number of pages9
    JournalBiofouling
    Volume25
    Issue number5
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Jul 2009

    Keywords

    • Bacterial biofilm
    • Mineral surface reactivity
    • Pseudomonas

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