Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Comparison Of Optical Density, Total Cell Protein, And Number Of Viable Cells (Via Fluorescent Straining) As Measures Of Microbial Growth Kinetics In Suspended And Biofilm Cultures During Biodegradation Of Naphthalene, Jeong Seop Shim

Dissertations

Most studies on bacterial growth kinetics have been dependent on theoretical modeling with general biomass measurements using either dry weight or optical density (OD), without distinguishing live from dead bacteria or debris. As a result, there remains considerable uncertainty in reliably predicting rates of biodegradation for design of treatment processes for environmental pollutants.

This research focused on measurement of bacterial growth rates and activities in suspended cultures and biofilms using Pseudomonas putida (ATCC 17484) for biodegradation of naphthalene. As expected, the rates of biodegradation differed between suspended and immobilized cultures. A comparison was made of the impact of three biomass …