화학공학소재연구정보센터
Biotechnology Letters, Vol.21, No.5, 407-413, 1999
Development of a pH gradient within a biofilm is dependent upon the limiting nutrient
Monospecies Citrobacter sp. biofilms were grown in a laminar flow cell using a carbon-limiting medium. Microelectrode measurements showed no change in pH between the bulk fluid and biofilm when the flow cell was supplied with the carbon-limiting medium under static or flowing conditions. When the biofilm was supplied with a phosphate-limiting medium the biofilm became more acidic than the bulk fluid and developed a gradient within. The implications for metals-bioremediation processes are discussed.