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Development of a pH gradient within a biofilm is dependent upon the limiting nutrient

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Abstract

Monospecies Citrobacter sp. biofilms were grown in a laminar flow cell using a carbon-limiting medium. Microelectrode measurements showed no change in pH between the bulk fluid and biofilm when the flow cell was supplied with the carbon-limiting medium under static or flowing conditions. When the biofilm was supplied with a phosphate-limiting medium the biofilm became more acidic than the bulk fluid and developed a gradient within. The implications for metals-bioremediation processes are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Biological Sciences, The University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK

    V.J.M. Allan, L.E. Macaskie & M.E. Callow

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  1. V.J.M. Allan
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  2. L.E. Macaskie
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  3. M.E. Callow
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Allan, V., Macaskie, L. & Callow, M. Development of a pH gradient within a biofilm is dependent upon the limiting nutrient. Biotechnology Letters 21, 407–413 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1005401926320

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1005401926320

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