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Investigation of biofilm growth within a monodisperse porous medium under fluctuating water level assessed by means of mri

Ranzinger, Florian 1,2; Schröter, Karin 1,2; Horn, Harald 1,2; Wagner, Michael 1,2,3
1 Engler-Bunte-Institut (EBI), Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
2 Institut für Technische Chemie und Polymerchemie (ITCP), Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
3 Institut für Biologische Grenzflächen (IBG), Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)

Abstract:

Microorganisms settle in diverse partially saturated porous media in the form of biofilms. The alteration of hydraulic properties and diffusive transport processes occurs simultaneously with biofilm growth in porous media. Imaging methods offer the ability to directly visualize and quantify alterations on the pore scale. However, imaging methods have mainly observed biofilm growth in completely saturated porous media. The current study used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to dynamically visualize biofilm growth within a porous medium under alternating drainage and flushing events. Prior to the MRI experiments, the sample was cultivated for 6 days within a porous medium consisting of 2 mm glass spheres. Starting from day 6, growth was monitored using MRI over a period of 7 days. The approach allowed for a visualization of all fractions (biofilm, water, air, and porous material) after drainage as well as flushing events. Biofilm was found to preferentially grow within permanently wetted areas situated next to pore throats. Furthermore, an increase in the water retention and connectivity of the liquid phase was found. The largest liquid cluster covered 11% (day 6) and 91% (day 12) of the total retained water, suggesting that biofilm growth might improve diffusive transport processes within partially saturated porous media


Verlagsausgabe §
DOI: 10.5445/IR/1000137745
Veröffentlicht am 23.09.2021
Originalveröffentlichung
DOI: 10.3390/w13182456
Scopus
Zitationen: 1
Dimensions
Zitationen: 1
Cover der Publikation
Zugehörige Institution(en) am KIT Institut für Biologische Grenzflächen (IBG)
Publikationstyp Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Publikationsjahr 2021
Sprache Englisch
Identifikator ISSN: 2073-4441
KITopen-ID: 1000137745
HGF-Programm 43.33.11 (POF IV, LK 01) Adaptive and Bioinstructive Materials Systems
Erschienen in Water (Switzerland)
Verlag MDPI
Band 13
Heft 18
Seiten 2456
Bemerkung zur Veröffentlichung Gefördert durch den KIT-Publikationsfonds
Nachgewiesen in Scopus
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