Method and apparatus for determining nutrient stimulation of biological processes

Patent · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1997

OSTI ID:871223

Colwell, Frederick S ^[1]; Geesey, Gill G ^[2]; Gillis, Richard J ^[2]; Lehman, R Michael ^[1]

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1. Idaho Falls, ID
2. Bozeman, MT

A method and apparatus for determining the nutrients to stimulate microorganisms in a particular environment. A representative sample of microorganisms from a particular environment are contacted with multiple support means wherein each support means has intimately associated with the surface of the support means a different nutrient composition for said microorganisms in said sample. The multiple support means is allowed to remain in contact with the microorganisms in the sample for a time period sufficient to measure differences in microorganism effects for the multiple support means. Microorganism effects for the multiple support means are then measured and compared. The invention is particularly adaptable to being conducted in situ. The additional steps of regulating nutrients added to the particular environment of microorganisms can enhance the desired results. Biological systems particularly suitable for this invention are bioremediation, biologically enhanced oil recovery, biological leaching of metals, and agricultural bioprocesses.

• Research Organization: Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID
• DOE Contract Number: AC07-94ID13223
• Assignee: Lockheed Idaho Technologies Company (Idaho Falls, ID)
• Patent Number(s): US 5686299
• OSTI ID: 871223
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

/435/73/
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