Sorptive properties of biofilm matrix for heavy metal sequestering

• Main Author: Elisa Tiaras
• Other Authors: Cao Bin
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Environmental engineering::Environmental pollution
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/52960
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The attachment of microbial community and the development of biofilms have been studied extensively due to the biofilm’s presence and importance in natural as well as engineering system. 1 particular field of interest is bioremediation of heavy metals using bacterial biofilm because it has been known for its ability to adsorb metals. There is thus a potential impact on global cycling of heavy metals. This study explored the role of 2 aggregative polysaccharides, Pel and Psl, in the development and characteristics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm in relation to the treatment of heavy metal by biofilm. The characteristics and the ability to treat heavy metals in 4 strains, namely PAO1 wild-type, ΔPelA strain, ΔPslBCD strain and double mutant ΔPelA- ΔPslBCD strain, were compared in the study. 2 types of metals that are commonly found in the environment were used in the study: copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn). Preparation for proteomics was also done in order to obtain better analysis of the 4 strains. Through ICP, it was found that indeed, there were differences in the metal removal efficiency among the 4 strains. This is preliminary result that indicates that Pel and Psl polysaccharides do have impacts on the biofilms ability to interact with and thus, treat toxic metal ions. Despite polysaccharide quantification and protein quantification that did not indicate significant differences between the 4 strains, further findings from proteomics analysis may provide a greater insight to how Pel and Psl affect the biofilm.