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Preliminary in vitro observations on the bacteriology of the black plug layer phenomenon associated with the biofouling of golf greens
Author(s) -
Lindenbach S.K.,
Cullimore D.R.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
journal of applied bacteriology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.889
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1365-2672
pISSN - 0021-8847
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2672.1989.tb04949.x
Subject(s) - spark plug , biofilm , layer (electronics) , water column , plug flow , flow (mathematics) , chemistry , geology , materials science , bacteria , biology , ecology , composite material , mechanics , physics , paleontology , thermodynamics
Nine sand columns were developed and subjected to various conditions thought to be associated with the bacterial generation of a black plug layer. Five axenic cultures which were originally isolated from a natural black plug layer (BPL) and a clay‐like plug layer (CLPL) were used. These cultures were applied individually and in various combinations to biofoul and possibly synthesize a BPL or CLPL in sterile vertical sand columns. Biofilm formation was monitored by gravity water flow impedance and through an observation of visual changes. Combinations (consortia) of the isolated cultures were found to form a synthetic BPL rather than where individual strains were used. All strains caused some flow impedance biofouling. Rapid plugging of the sand columns occurred in the first 3 d of the experiment. This plugging tended to occur at the top and bottom of the sand column around the upper in‐ and lower out‐flow ports to the medium circulation system. There was no relationship between the black colour associated with BPL and the development of the initial plugging. A clear biofilm developed initially in all cases to cause plugging. When sulphur‐reducing bacteria were incorporated into the column inoculum, visible black sulphide deposits were observed to develop after 3 d to form the BPL. Insoluble gases were produced in all of the columns and could be observed through the generation of fracture cavities and pockets within the sand column with associated increases in internal pressures resulting in back pressures and port disruption.