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Prospecting Microbial Strains for Bioremediation and Probiotics Development for Metaorganism Research and Preservation
Published on: October 31, 2019
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Non-biodegradable objects may boost microbial growth in water bodies by harnessing bubbles
Atul Srivastava1, Kenji Kikuchi1,2, Takuji Ishikawa1,2
1Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-01 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579, Japan.
Royal Society Open Science
|September 20, 2021
Summary
Bubbles transport waste in water, enhancing microbial growth by mixing nutrients. This study shows bubble-induced movement increases microbe concentration and prolongs growth phases, even digging objects from sand.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Fluid Dynamics
Background:
- Bubbles and non-biodegradable waste are common in aquatic environments.
- Bubble-mediated transport of waste can significantly impact water bodies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how bubble-induced waste transport affects microbial growth.
- To model the dynamics of cell concentration and nutrient distribution.
Main Methods:
- Using yeast as model microbes and a silicone object as model waste.
- Observing the rise-sink movement of the object due to bubble forces.
- Developing a theoretical model based on conservation laws for advection-diffusion-growth.
Main Results:
- The object's movement caused significant bulk mixing and cell resuspension.
- Increased nutrient mixing led to higher microbe concentration and prolonged growth phases.
- Bubble-induced digging of objects from sand was demonstrated.
Conclusions:
- Bubble-induced waste transport enhances microbial growth through improved nutrient availability.
- The study provides a theoretical framework for understanding these environmental dynamics.
- Bubble action can mobilize submerged waste materials.
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