Authors:

Hannah Tharrington

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About Paper:

Microplastics, a water contaminant, possess qualities making them susceptible to biofilm growth. Biofilm is a collection of microorganisms growing within a matrix known as the extracellular polymeric substance, or the EPS. Microbial growth is amplified on non-polar, hydrophobic surfaces; degradation of plastic polymers into carbon provides an ample energy source for these microbes. Concerns of biofilm growth surround the potential of bacteria to absorb and transport contaminants from the surrounding waters. We hypothesize that the growth of biofilm on microplastics impacts the adsorption of waterborne contaminants. This study utilized the BioMig procedure to grow biofilm on 5mm glass beads and microscope slides, which were submerged in water from the Wabash River and tap water from the Hampton Hall of Civil Engineering. A phosphate buffer, iron solution, and sodium acetate solution serving as a carbon source, were then added to the water. Observations were taken over a week, while flow cytometry was performed to analyze cell count. Next, to examine the role of biofilm on contaminant absorption, biofilm was grown in vials containing 5mm glass beads and low-density polyethylene pellets. These vials are to be contaminated and further analyzed. Our observations show that biofilm rapidly grows in both varieties of water, with added carbon increasing the rate of growth. Subsequently, analysis of the vials is expected to show the relationship between biofilm and contaminant adsorption. The relationship between biofilm, microplastics, and contaminant fate is intended to provide solutions for concerns of plastic's use in water distribution systems.

Source:

Purdue University / 2023

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Co-authors:

Hannah Tharrington