Time course observations of nitrifying biofilm development using microelectrodes. Issue 6 (1st November 2004)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Jin; Bishop, Paul L
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental engineering and science. Volume 3:Issue 6(2004)
• Page Start: 523
• Page End: 528
• Publication Date: 2004-11-01
• Subjects: environment; Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Sanitary engineering -- Periodicals; Environmental engineering -- Canada -- Periodicals; Environnement, Technique de l' -- Périodiques; Technique sanitaire -- Périodiques; Environnement, Technique de l' -- Canada -- Périodiques; Environmental engineering; Sanitary engineering; Canada; Electronic journals; Computer network resources; Periodicals; 628.05
• DOI: 10.1139/s04-027
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1496-2551

Abstract

Abstract : Nitrifying biofilms were cultured in laboratory scale rotating drum biofilm reactors. Biofilm growth, substrate removal and product formation were monitored using microelectrodes with tip diameters less than 5 µm throughout the experiment. Three stages were observed during the formation of the biofilm: establishment of heterotrophic bacteria, establishment of nitrifiers, and possible establishment of denitrifiers. At each stage of the biofilm formation, microelectrode measurements were made to obtain the microprofiles of dissolved oxygen, ammonium, nitrate, pH, and redox potential within the biofilms. The results of this study provide validation of the heterogeneous nature of biofilm and the stratification of different microbial processes in biofilms. Key words : nitrification, denitrification, biofilm, microelectrode, biofilm formation, mass transport.