| title |
date |
cardImage |
draft |
featured |
type |
authors |
journal |
location |
| Measuring diffusion of protons in polyvinyalginate |
2018-07-31 |
library |
false |
false |
poster |
| Thomas A. Christensen II |
| Jonathan Counts |
| James G. Moberly |
|
Idaho INBRE Summer Research Conference |
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{{<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.
