Prevention of bacterial quorum sensing in aquifer materials and effect on bioclogging
Abstract
In aquifer materials that are clogged as a result of the growth and metabolism of bacteria, microscopic observations usually show the bacterial cells to be present in aggregates that tend to be strategically located at constrictions in the pore space, either strained there, or accumulating at these spots for metabolic advantages. Aggregation appears to be fostered by exopolymer production, but can also occur purely as a result of electrostatic interactions. On membranes, research has shown that if bacteria are discouraged from aggregating, for example by eliminating the biochemical means (e.g., "quorum sensing") by which they communicate in order to do so, biofouling of the membranes is significantly delayed and in some cases even largely alleviated. In this context, the goal of the research described in this presentation was to determine if a similar situation might arise when quorum quenchers are added to the liquid injected in columns of fine sand inoculated with various bacterial strains. Traditional saturated hydraulic conductivity and piezometer measurements asre complemented with detailed microscopic observations in the pore space. Perspectives on the possible use of quorum quenchers in practical situations is discussed.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2012
- Bibcode:
- 2012AGUFM.B23B0453B
- Keywords:
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- 0400 BIOGEOSCIENCES;
- 0448 BIOGEOSCIENCES / Geomicrobiology;
- 0486 BIOGEOSCIENCES / Soils/pedology