Add INBRE poster

content/academia/pva-inbre.md

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+---
+title: "Measuring diffusion of protons in polyvinyalginate"
+date: 2018-07-31
+cardImage: library
+draft: false
+featured: false
+type: poster
+authors:
+  - Thomas A. Christensen II
+  - Jonathan Counts
+  - James G. Moberly
+journal: "Idaho INBRE Summer Research Conference"
+location: "Moscow, Idaho"
+---
+
+Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a toxic and carcinogenic contaminant that presents
+unique challenges for cleanup because of its density and volatility. Use of
+microorganisms may be a promising remediation method, however metabolism of TCE
+results in acid buildup, which consequently impedes the ability of
+microorganisms to perform this remediation. Polyvinylalginate (PVA) shows
+promise as a useful shield for microorganisms carrying out bioremediation of TCE
+by surrounding them in a protective biofilm-like layer, however, key information
+is missing which relates diffusion of TCE or its metabolic products through PVA.
+To measure the effective diffusion coefficient of H{{< sup "+" >}} ions through a PVA membrane
+cross-linked with boric acid and calcium ions, we used a modified diaphragm
+cell. We found the effective diffusion coefficient to be 1.40 &times; 10{{< sup -5 >}}
+± 1.91 &times; 10{{<sup -6 >}} cm{{< sup 2 >}}s, a nearly seven-fold decrease in
+diffusivity compared to protons in water, with an unexpected significant but as
+of yet unquantified adsorption capacity. These results suggest that
+polyvinylalginate is effective in slowing diffusion of protons and buffering
+these acids produced by trichloroethylene metabolism, and remains suitable for
+encapsulation of microorganisms involved in bioremediation.