Faculty Advisor
Camesano, Terri A.
Faculty Advisor
Hobey, William D.
Faculty Advisor
Kazantzis, Nikolaos K.
Abstract
Microorganisms are used in wastewater treatment to decompose organic matter. In some processes bacteria adhere to surfaces forming an extracellular matrix called biofilm. This project investigated biofilm development on rotating discs placed in a bioreactor. The biofilm was visualized by microscopy and evaluated by daily bioreactor monitoring. Three runs were completed using various reactor feeds and disc materials to study the effects on biofilm development. A fluorescence staining protocol using a lectin probe was developed to characterize the extracellular matrix.
Publisher
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Date Accepted
January 2006
Major
Chemical Engineering
Major
Biochemistry
Project Type
Major Qualifying Project
Copyright Statement
Access to this report is limited to members of the WPI community. Please contact a project advisor or their department to request access
Accessibility
Restricted-WPI community only
Advisor Department
Chemical Engineering
Advisor Department
Chemistry and Biochemistry