Session MV: Swimming V: Micro-organisms II
8:00 AM–10:10 AM, Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Room: 205A-D
Chair: Timothy J. Pedley, University of Cambridge
Abstract ID: BAPS.2009.DFD.MV.10
Abstract: MV.00010 : Motility-enhanced bioflocculation
9:57 AM–10:10 AM
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Abstract
Authors:
Mitul Luhar
(Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
Zhaoxuan Zhang
(National University of Singapore)
Roman Stocker
(Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
Bacteria often rely on their ability to aggregate to survive in nature. They can form clusters among themselves or with suspended colloids, leading to biologically-enhanced flocculation (bioflocculation). We investigate the role of cell motility on bioflocculation by comparing two strains of~\textit{Escherichia coli,~}a wild type and a non-motile mutant.~We quantify settling rates from a suspension of bacteria and 1 $\mu $m polystyrene beads, by independently varying the concentration of bacteria and colloids. We find that motility enhances settling rates up to 6-fold\textbf{. }We~rationalize our findings in terms of an increase in encounter rates between bacteria and colloids. These results could contribute to improve the performance of wastewater treatment processes and provide a possible explanation for why motile bacteria are more successful biofilm formers.
To cite this abstract, use the following reference: http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2009.DFD.MV.10