Potential for bioremediating using constructed mixed microbial mats
- Rust Federal Services, Inc., Anderson, SC (United States)
- Microbial and Aquatic Treatment Systems, Inc., Atlanta, GA (United States)
- Clark Atlanta Univ., Atlanta, GA (United States)
- Skidaway Inst. of Oceanography, Savannah, GA (United States)
- Pacific Northwest Labs., Richland, WA (United States)
Microbial mats are natural heterotrophic and autotrophic communities dominated by cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). They are self-organized laminated structures annealed tightly together by slimy secretions from various Microbial components. The surface slime of the mats effectively immobilizes the ecosystem to a variety of substrates, thereby stabilizing the most efficient internal microbial structure. Constructed microbial mats can be generated rapidly by enriching a water surface with ensiled grass clippings. These constructed mats are durable, tolerant to a variety of toxins and resilient under changing environmental conditions. The mats can he designed for specific tasks by inoculating the cyanobacteria/silage with selected microorganisms. Mats constructed with specific microbial components have been developed for various bioremediation applications: removal of metals, organic degradation, treatment of mixed contaminants, biological treatment ponds, and soil remediation. Constructed mats offer a broad range of mechanisms related to the sequestration of heavy metals, the biodegradation of recalcitrant organic compounds, and the remediation of mixed organic/inorganic contaminants such as TCE and carbofuran with heavy metals.
- OSTI ID:
- 49342
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-941189-; ISBN 1-56590-016-2; TRN: IM9523%%165
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: SUPERFUND XV: 15th environmental conference and exhibition for the hazardous materials/hazardous waste management industry, Washington, DC (United States), 29 Nov - 1 Dec 1994; Other Information: PBD: 1994; Related Information: Is Part Of Superfund XV conference proceedings. Volume 1; PB: 866 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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