Microbial Migration: Implications for Bioremediation Technologies

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Bioremediation is an emerging technology which exploits the natural degradative processes of microorganisms for the purpose of cleaning up chemical wastes. Although several case studies have reported impressive results, for example the restoration of the Alaskan coastline following the recent oil spill, the processes controlling the rates of chemical degradation are not well understood. One aspect which has not been fully investigated is the role of bacterial population migration. Motile bacteria are able to move in response to chemical gradients toward beneficial substances and away from substances which may be detrimental to their survival. The purpose of this study is to determine the significance of bacterial migration in bioremediation processes and its potential for accelerating the overall rate of chemical degradation. Experimental studies will measure bacterial motility and chemotaxis in terms of population parameters derived from known cell mechanisms for a model system such as Pseudomonas and benzene. These parameters will be incorporated into mathematical models describing bacterial population dynamics to determine their effect on the population. The results will be used to determine the feasibility of this type of study and approach and also provide direction for the development of a research program in the area of bioremediation.