HR: 0800h
AN: B31A-0963    [Abstracts]
TI: Use of Rectangular Capillary Chambers for Nondestructive Microscopic Observation of Biofilm on Sand
AU: * Ochiai, N
EM: ochiain@onid.orst.edu
AF: Dept. of Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University, 3017 Ag Life Science Bldg., Corvallis, OR 97331 United States
AU: Dragila, M
EM: maria.dragila@oregonstate.edu
AF: Dept. of Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University, 3017 Ag Life Science Bldg., Corvallis, OR 97331 United States
AU: Parke, J
EM: jennifer.parke@oregonstate.edu
AF: Dept. of Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University, 3017 Ag Life Science Bldg., Corvallis, OR 97331 United States
AB: Slow sand filter removal of bacterial and fungal pathogens from water has been shown to depend on development of biofilms on sand near the filter surface. Over time, hydraulic conductivity of slow sand filters is considerably reduced, presumably due to excessive biofilm development or plugging of surface pores by particulate matter. Microscopic observation of biofilms in porous media typically requires destructive sampling of media or use of micromodels to simulate pore systems. We are developing a flow-thru chamber consisting of a thin-walled rectangular capillary attached to a mount that can be manipulated with a conventional microscope stage. Capillaries are easily packed with granular media and allow continuous, non-destructive observation of pore systems over time. Initial trials using epi-fluorescence microscopy demonstrate the potential to monitor biofilm development on pore faces or adsorption of particulate matter at the water-solid or air-water interface.
DE: 0418 Bioremediation
DE: 0452 Instruments and techniques
DE: 0463 Microbe/mineral interactions
DE: 0496 Water quality
DE: 1838 Infiltration
SC: Biogeosciences [B]
MN: Fall Meeting 2005