diff --git a/content/academia/pva-inbre.md b/content/academia/pva-inbre.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..be7096a --- /dev/null +++ b/content/academia/pva-inbre.md @@ -0,0 +1,32 @@ +--- +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 × 10{{< sup -5 >}} +± 1.91 × 10{{}} 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.