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Quorum quenching bacteria can be used to inhibit the biofouling of reverse osmosis membranes.
- Source :
-
Water Research . Apr2017, Vol. 112, p29-37. 9p. - Publication Year :
- 2017
-
Abstract
- Over the last few decades, significant efforts have concentrated on mitigating biofouling in reverse osmosis (RO) systems, with a focus on non-toxic and sustainable strategies. Here, we explored the potential of applying quorum quenching (QQ) bacteria to control biofouling in a laboratory-scale RO system. For these experiments, Pantoea stewartii was used as a model biofilm forming organism because it was previously shown to be a relevant wastewater isolate that also forms biofilms in a quorum sensing (QS) dependent fashion. A recombinant Escherichia coli strain, which can produce a QQ enzyme, was first tested in batch biofilm assays and significantly reduced biofilm formation by P. stewartii . Subsequently, RO membranes were fouled with P. stewartii and the QQ bacterium was introduced into the RO system using two different strategies, direct injection and immobilization within a cartridge microfilter. When the QQ bacterial cells were directly injected into the system, N- acylhomoserine lactone signals were degraded, resulting in the reduction of biofouling. Similarly, the QQ bacteria controlled biofouling when immobilized within a microfilter placed downstream of the RO module to remove QS signals circulating in the system. These results demonstrate the proof-of-principle that QQ can be applied to control biofouling of RO membranes and may be applicable for use in full-scale plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00431354
- Volume :
- 112
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Water Research
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 121355881
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2017.01.028