Method and apparatus for determining nutrient stimulation of biological processes

Patent · Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1999

OSTI ID:872384

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 difference 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 Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC07-94ID13223
• Assignee: Lockheed Martin Idaho Technologies Company (Idaho Falls, ID)
• Patent Number(s): US 5922559
• OSTI ID: 872384
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

method
apparatus
determining
nutrient
stimulation
biological
processes
nutrients
stimulate
microorganisms
particular
environment
representative
sample
contacted
multiple
support
means
intimately
associated
surface
composition
allowed
remain
contact
time
period
sufficient
measure
difference
microorganism
effects
measured
compared
particularly
adaptable
conducted
situ
additional
steps
regulating
added
enhance
desired
results
systems
suitable
bioremediation
biologically
enhanced
oil
recovery
leaching
metals
agricultural
bioprocesses
representative sample
particularly adaptable
biological systems
period sufficient
oil recovery
particularly suitable
time period
support means
enhanced oil
particular environment
stimulate microorganisms
biological processes
nutrient composition
desired results
additional steps
nutrient stimulation
intimately associated
additional step
determining nutrient
/435/