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Visualization of the Function of a Biofilm Reactor by Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Author(s) -
Nott Kevin P.,
Heese Frank P.,
PatersonBeedle Marion,
Macaskie Lynne E.,
Hall Laurance D.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
the canadian journal of chemical engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.404
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1939-019X
pISSN - 0008-4034
DOI - 10.1002/cjce.5450830112
Subject(s) - chemistry , biofilm , metal ions in aqueous solution , bioreactor , phosphate , nuclear chemistry , metal , mineralogy , geology , bacteria , paleontology , organic chemistry
This study demonstrates that Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can visualize the growth of biofilm on an inert support matrix, and quantitate the blocking effects caused by precipitation of metal ions from a stream of effluent flowing through the resultant bioreactor. The measurements were based on glass tubes (16 mm diameter, 70 mm length) packed with cubes of polyurethane foam coated with Citrobacter sp. biofilm. Each bioreactor was challenged with a buffered aqueous solution of lanthanum and/or copper ions plus an organic phosphate source which, in the presence of phosphatase in the biofilm, react together to produce a precipitate of metal phosphate. MRI can distinguish the solid metal phosphate from the surrounding fluid, and provide velocity maps that quantitate the effect of blockage on the flow field through the entire bioreactor. The use of these data to aid the design of an efficient bioreactor is discussed.