Measuring bacterial adhesion at environmental interfaces with single-cell and single-molecule techniques

A synopsis is provided of techniques currently used to quantify the interactions between bacterial cells and surfaces. Focus is placed on techniques which allow for direct probing of nano, pico, or femto-scale interaction forces between bacteria and surfaces of relevance for environmental science and engineering. We focus on bacterial adhesion measurements and surface characterizations via techniques that measure forces on individual bacterial cells or cellular macromolecules, particularly atomic force microscopy (AFM) and related force spectroscopy. However, we also include overviews of other techniques useful for evaluating cellular forces, such as optical tweezers, evanescent wave scattering-based techniques (i.e. total internal reflection microscopy (TIRM) and total internal reflection aqueous fluorescence (TIRAF) microscopy) and the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). These latter techniques, while most are not providing direct measurements of forces of adhesion, can be used to explain adhesion and interaction forces in bacterial systems. We review the operating principles, advantages and limitations of each technique, and key bacterial adhesion studies from each area are presented. Qualitative and quantitative methodologies for relating force measurements to bacterial attachment, particularly to bacterial retention in porous media, are discussed.     

Transport and retention of Escherichia coli in a mixture of quartz,Al‐coated and Fe‐coated sands

Transport and retention of Escherichia coli through the mixture of quartz, Al‐coated and Fe‐coated sands was examined using column experiments to investigate the effect of geochemical heterogeneity on bacteria transport. The first set of the experiments was performed in quartz, Al‐coated and Fe‐coated sand mixtures (coated sand: 0, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100%) to examine the influence of positively‐charged sand grains on bacteria transport. The second experiments were carried out to observe the impact of pH (range 6·74–8·21) on bacteria transport in the mixture of quartz 50% and Fe‐coated sand 50%. The third experiments were conducted to analyse the effect of ionic strength (0, 50, 100, 200 mM) on bacteria transport in the mixture of quartz 50% and Al‐coated sand 50%. The first experiments show that bacterial mass recoveries were in the range of 3·6–43·4%, decreasing nonlinearly as the content of Al‐ and Fe‐coated sands increased. In the second experiments, the bacterial mass recoveries were in the range of 35·5–79·2%, increasing linearly as the solution pH increased. In the third experiments, the mass recovery was 3·4% at 0 mM. As the ionic strength increased to 50mM, the mass recovery decreased to 0%. When the ionic strength increased further to 100 and 200 mM, no bacterial mass was recovered as in the case of 50 mM. It indicates that in the mixed medium of quartz 50% and Al‐coated sand 50% both positive (increment of bacterial adhesion) and negative (decrement) effects of ionic strength may be counterbalanced, minimizing the impact of ionic strength on the bacterial adhesion. This study helps to understand the role of metal oxides and solution chemistry in the transport of bacteria in geochemically heterogeneous media Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Removal of Selenium Species from Waters Using Various Surface‐Modified Natural Particles and Waste Materials

Waste red mud and natural pumice/volcanic slag particles were surface modified and their selenium adsorption from waters was investigated. Acid activation/heat treatment of original red mud (ORM) particles significantly increased their micropore and external surface area and cumulative volume of pores. Iron oxide coating of pumice/slags and acid activation of ORM decreased their pH_pzc values and increased surface acidity. Selenite/selenate adsorption on iron oxide surfaces and acid activated red mud (AARM) was very fast with approximately first‐order adsorption kinetics. Iron oxide coating of pumice/slag and acid activation of ORM particles significantly enhanced their selenite and selenate uptakes. Maximum Se adsorption capacities as high as 6.3 (mg Se/g adsorbent) were obtained by AARM. The extent of selenate uptakes by the surface modified particles was generally lower than those of selenite. Due to competition among Se species and other background water matrix for iron oxide adsorption sites, reduced selenite/selenate uptakes were found in natural water compared to single solute tests. Higher Se uptakes by iron oxide surfaces were found at pH 7.5 compared to pH 8.9, due to increased electrostatic repulsion among iron oxides and Se species at higher pH. The most effective adsorbents among the tested 17 different particles for Se uptake were AARM and iron oxide coated pumice. Se concentrations less than drinking water standards (5–10 µg/L) can be achieved by these particles. These low‐cost, natural, or recyclable waste particles appear to be promising adsorbents for Se removal after their surface modification.     

结晶岩的水化膨胀研究

室温下的应变实验表明 ,低孔隙度的结晶岩如花岗岩、片麻岩、闪长岩和变基性岩 ,水饱和时膨胀 ,干燥时收缩 ,这种效应是可重复的 .用水的吸附和解吸 （在相对湿度下 ） ,也可以观察到膨胀和收缩 .膨胀效应是由于表面力 （VanderWaals吸引、双电层排斥及溶剂化排斥 ）引起的 .水饱和体应变约为其孔隙度的 1 /1 0 .用庚烷饱和的体应变比用水饱和的小 .用CaCl2 溶液饱和的应变随着盐克分子浓度的增加而减小 .杨氏模量E、切变模量G、品质因数Q的准静态测量表明 ,随着相对湿度的增加 ,E、G、Q减少 ,吸附水的增加改变了孔隙内表面分子的相互作用力 .大约在岩石孔隙表面吸附达到 3个水分子层时 ,可观察到最强烈的膨胀效应 .     

Overbank sand deposition in relation to transport volumes during large-magnitude floods in the Dutch sand-bed Rhine river system

Using aerial photographs and field measurements, sandy overbank deposits formed by the large-magnitude floods of 1993/94 and 1995 were quantified along two branches of the Dutch Rhine river system: the Waal (1993/94 and 1995) and the IJssel (1995). These deposits were laid down intermittently all along the length of these rivers on the top and landward slope of the natural levees, and covered about 4 per cent of the embanked floodplain on the Waal and about 1 per cent on the IJssel. The overbanks and transport mechanism is basically convective by nature. The spatial variability of overbank sedimentation points to the important role played by helicoidal currents in determining overbank deposition. The presence of embankments and training works appears to influence the sand transport to and morphological development of the floodplains along the Dutch Rhine river system. Overbank deposition volumes about equal present estimates of sand transport during a large-magnitude flood. It appears that studies on sand transport in the Dutch Rhine carried out so far underestimate sand transport during floods. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Pesticides in the River Rhine Pestizide im Rhein

Since 1987 significant decrease of pesticide concentrations in the river Rhine has been observed. This is due to the improvement of waste water treatment processes and the closing of some pesticide production sites in the Rhine basin area. Whereas in the last years point pollution from waste water effluents was the dominant source for pesticide input into the river, nowadays the nonpoint pollution (diffuse runoff) becomes more and more important. This leads to seasonal occurrence or to higher concentration peaks after application in agriculture. Only for atrazine and its metabolite desethylatrazine very low ?background”?-levels could regularly be found along the river and all over the year. Furthermore pesticide metabolites and byproducts seem to be interesting for evaluating pesticide pollution in the river Rhine.     

A holistic computational model for prediction of clay suspension structure

The formation of clay suspensions involves complex interactions among clay particles subjected to the geochemical environment during the sedimentation process. The structural characteristics have a major influence on the physical and mechanical behavior of the suspension. A modeling framework involving a Discrete Element Method (DEM) model with customized particle mechanical interactions is proposed in this paper for the holistic prediction of the physical structure of clay suspensions. The particle interaction force model is based on the Derjaguin, Landau, Verwey, and Overbeek (DLVO) theory that accounts for electrostatic repulsion, van der Waals attraction, contact repulsion, etc. Kaolinite is used as the model clay to demonstrate the model performance. The surface charge density of kaolinite is obtained through Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) force measurement and is implemented in the particle interaction force model in the subsequent simulations. Influencing factors, such as centrifugal acceleration, ionic concentration, platy structure of particles, and particle size, on the formation of kaolinite suspensions are studied with the numerical model and compare favorably well with the experimental data. This work lays down a unique framework consisting of computational modeling and microscale characterization of clay particles to holistically predict the characteristics of clay suspensions, which paves the basis to model and predict their bulk physical and mechanical behavior.     

Nachweis von Industriechemikalien (HPS,BPS und SPS) im Oberflächenwasser

Occurrence of Industrial Chemicals (HPS, BPS, and SPS) in Surface Water The paper gives the results of water examinations for different phenylsulfonamides. Random samples taken every month between May 1999 and August 2000 from surface water out of the river Rhine (kilometer 838), the river Ruhr (Mülheim Styrum) and the river Emscher (Oberhausen center) were tested for the corrosion inhibiting agent 6‐[methyl(phenylsulfonyl)amino]‐hexanoic acid (HPS) as well as its metabolites 4‐[methyl‐(phenylsulfonyl)amino]‐butanoic acid (BPS) and sarkosin‐N‐(phenylsulfonyl) (SPS). Furthermore, the sewage plant effluents of two municipal wastewater treatment plants from the rural area were also included in the monitoring program. The analytical method includes solid‐phase extraction (SPE), a derivatization step as well as gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). SPS is regularly found in all investigated surface waters, but only occasionally in the effluents of the two rural sewage plants. The median values for SPS amount to 0.09 μg/L in the river Rhine, 0.60 μg/L in the river Ruhr, and 0.70 μg/L in the river Emscher. BPS can only be found in the river Ruhr (median value: 0.08 μg/L) and in the river Emscher (median value: 0.41 μg/L). HPS was regularly found in a surface water for the first time. This substance can be detected in the Emscher through the whole measurement period. The median value for HPS amounts to 1.78 μg/L. Aditionally, the validation characteristics of an alternative analytical method including solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) is worked out. The fully automated process includes an on‐fiber methylation step and the GC‐MS. The repeatability standard deviation of the process amounts to RSD < 12%. Detection limits between 0.07 and 0.70 μg/L are achieved.     

International co-operation on Rhine water quality 1945-2008: An example to follow?

The management of the Rhine is often seen as an exemplary case of international river basin management. In the Rhine basin, countries that went to war with each other twice in the last century have managed to reach agreements on many issues and water quality has improved considerably. The improvement in water quality is often attributed to the activities of the International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine and in particular to its Rhine Action Plan. In order to test this assertion, this paper describes and analyzes the development of international co-operation on the water quality of the Rhine since 1945. It concludes that water quality improvement cannot be attributed to any single factor. Instead, a whole array of interrelated factors are at play, including the European Union, other international fora such as the North Sea Ministerial Conferences, domestic legislation, the activities of environmental NGOs and waterworks, growing environmental awareness, and the changing structure of the industry in the basin. Because of the importance of contextual factors, the Rhine experiences cannot simply be applied to basins with a different context. In many cases, international river basin management may be promoted most effectively by promoting co-operation at the river basin level. In many other cases, however, it may be more effective to identify and then work on the contextual factors that (1) have the biggest leverage effect in the specific case and (2) can be influenced most effectively.     

SST observations of upwelling induced by tidal straining in the Rhine ROFI

In this paper SST imagery and a three-dimensional numerical model of a river plume were employed to detect upwelling induced by tidal straining in the Rhine ROFI (region of fresh water influence). Previous studies have shown that the Rhine ROFI in the North Sea exhibits strong cross-shore density gradients that compete with tidal and wind mixing to establish stratification. During neap periods with low mixing energy an area measuring 30 km offshore by 100 km alongshore becomes stratified. When the ROFI is stratified strong cross-shore currents are observed, with surface currents rotating anti-cyclonically and bottom currents rotating cyclonically. The cross-shore currents interact with the cross-shore density gradients to produce a semi-diurnal cycle of stratification. Due to continuity requirements imposed by the proximity of the coast, the offshore-directed surface currents and onshore-directed bottom currents should lead to coastal upwelling.     

Simulating the signature produced by a single airgun under real gas conditions

Models that simulate the signature of single airguns form the basis for modelingthe signals of airgun arrays. Most of the existing models assume that the air inside theproduced bubble is ideal gas, which may lead to errors because of the high operating pressureof the airguns. In this study, we propose a model that precisely simulates the signals of singleairguns by applying the Van der Waals equation based on the Ziolkowski algorithm. We alsoconsider a thermodynamically open quasistatic system, the heat transition between waterand gas, the throttling effect of the port and the bubble rise, and the effect of the sea surface.Modeling experiments show that （1） the energy of the source increases and the signal-to-noise ratio of the signature wavelet decreases with increasing seawater temperature, （2） thereflection coefficient of the sea surface under the actual state and depth of the source affectsthe notch caused by the surface reflection, （3） the computed signature with the proposedmodel is very close to the actual data, and （4） the proposed model accurately simulates thesignature of sinale air~uns.     

Using new mass balance methods to estimate gross surface water and groundwater exchange with naturally occurring tracer 222Rn in data poor regions: a case study in northwest China

Given that the concentration of ²²²Rn in groundwater is much higher than that in surface water and that its radioactive half‐life (3.83 d) is short, ²²²Rn is an effective tracer of groundwater–surface water interactions. In this study, a new mass balance method is presented, which can be used to estimate specific groundwater–surface water interactions within a river reach. Three possible situations of interaction between groundwater and surface water are considered, and equations based on the mass conservation of ²²²Rn are formulated for judging specific groundwater–surface water interaction processes and for calculating water flux. A case study was conducted for the Nalenggele River, Northwest China, to demonstrate the usefulness of this method. Samples of river water and groundwater containing ²²²Rn were collected from the study area to estimate the interactions between groundwater and surface water. The amount of water exchanged during these interactions was estimated and the results show that transformations between groundwater and surface water are frequent along the stream. The ²²²Rn mass balance method is highly sensitive for studying such interactions, even in areas for which conventional hydrologic data are sparse. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Chemische Gewässerverunreinigung und Wassernutzung

Pollution by chemicals of natural water resources frequently impairs production of drinking water. Enrichment by refractory dissolved organic compounds is the main reason as can be easily observed in the river Rhine. Characterization of pollution is possible by analysis of individual compounds and by the ratios of parameters such as DOC, COD and UV-extinction. Experience shows that future water pollution control technology has to include physical-chemical processes for the elimination of refractory substances.      

Auswertung langzeitlicher Meßreihen zur aeroben Abbauleistung der Uferpassage einer Wassergewinnungsanlage am Niederrhein

Evaluation of Long-term Measurements Concerning the Aerobic Degradation Performance of the Subsoil Passage of a Water Catchment at the Lower Rhine The magnitude of the biodegradation of organics during bank filtration was investigated and exemplary quantified at a drinking water catchment in the lower river Rhine area. The catchment is situated at an undercut slope where the Rhine has a steady flow. The observed segment of the quarternary aquifer was free of iron and manganese and showed even under anaerobic conditions no heterotrophic denitrification. This facilitated the assignment and the balance of oxygen consumption and the determination of inorganic carbon due to the metabolic activity of heterotrophic organisms. In particular the progressive curve of the base neutralization capacity up to pH 8.2 of the bank filtered water proved to be a good measure for the biological activity in the river bottom. In the months from summer to autumn there was an increased biological activity. The observed oxygen consumptions could be attributed to the biodegradation of dissolved organic matter by 35 to 45% only. Obviously the particulate organic matter after the rise in temperature during summer takes part in a substantial manner considered little until now. Today the Rhine is regarded as a largely rehabilitated river with respect to oxygen consuming pollutions. The observations demonstrate, that in such flowing waters the particulate organic matter, which should mainly consist of withered organisms, may have a dominant influence on the concentration of oxygen in the bank-filtered water in summertimes.     

Spatial and temporal dynamics of bacterial contamination in South France coastal rivers: focus on in‐stream processes during low flows and floods

Faecal indicator bacteria (thermotolerant coliform and faecal streptococci) were enumerated in a Mediterranean coastal river to evaluate bacterial contamination levels in relation to hydrological conditions, to estimate delivery of bacterial loads to transitional and coastal waters (Thau lagoon) and to identify bacterial sources of pollution and their contribution to the bacterial flow. Results showed that (1) in low flow conditions, mean bacterial concentrations were higher than EU guidelines for bathing waters; (2) floods had higher concentrations of indicator bacteria than low flows; (3) low flow conditions represented a negligible proportion of bacterial loads compared with high flow and flood periods; (4) during medium and low flow conditions, bacteria were stored in riverbed fine sediments forming in‐stream stores that may be flushed during floods; (5) the first flush effect was highlighted during an early autumn flood as was the role of in‐stream stores during the course of the flood; and (6) point sources that continuously feed the river are contributing to the pool of bacteria accumulated in the riverbed sediment. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Heavy metal transport in large river systems: heavy metal emissions and loads in the Rhine and Elbe river basins

Pollutant transport and management in the Rhine and Elbe basins is still of international concern, since certain target levels set by the international committees for protection of both rivers have not been reached. The analysis of the chain of emissions of point and diffuse sources to river loads will provide policy makers with a tool for effective management of river basins. The analysis of large river basins such as the Elbe and Rhine requires information on the spatial and temporal characteristics of both emissions and physical information of the entire river basin. In this paper, an analysis has been made of heavy metal emissions from various point and diffuse sources in the Rhine and Elbe drainage areas. Different point and diffuse pathways are considered in the model, such as inputs from industry, wastewater treatment plants, urban areas, erosion, groundwater, atmospheric deposition, tile drainage, and runoff. In most cases the measured heavy metal loads at monitoring stations are lower than the sum of the heavy metal emissions. This behaviour in large river systems can largely be explained by retention processes (e.g. sedimentation) and is dependent on the specific runoff of a catchment. Independent of the method used to estimate emissions, the source apportionment analysis of observed loads was used to determine the share of point and diffuse sources in the heavy metal load at a monitoring station by establishing a discharge dependency. The results from both the emission analysis and the source apportionment analysis of observed loads were compared and gave similar results. Between 51% (for Hg) and 74% (for Pb) of the total transport in the Elbe basin is supplied by inputs from diffuse sources. In the Rhine basin diffuse source inputs dominate the total transport and deliver more than 70% of the total transport. The diffuse hydrological pathways with the highest share are erosion and urban areas. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Modelling floodplain sedimentation using particle tracking

Both climate change and river rehabilitation projects induce changes in floodplain sedimentation. Notably along the lower River Rhine, the sediment deposition patterns and rates are subject to change. To assess the magnitude of these changes, we developed the MoCSED model, a floodplain sedimentation model within a geographical information system for the lower Rhine River. We based MoCSED on the ‘method of characteristics’ (MoC), a particle tracking method that minimizes numerical dispersion. We implemented the MoCSED model in the PCRaster dynamic modelling language. The model input comprises initial suspended sediment concentrations, water levels, flow velocities, and longitudinal and transverse dispersivities. We used a combination of the Krone and Chen concepts to calculate the subsequent sedimentation (SED routine). We compared the model results with sediment trap data for the Bemmel floodplain along the Dutch Waal River during the 2003 inundation. This comparison showed that MoCSED was able to simulate the pattern of sediment deposition. In addition, the model proved to be an improvement in comparison with a conventional raster‐based floodplain sedimentation model for the lower River Rhine. In future, MoCSED may serve well to study the impact of a changing discharge regime due to climate change and floodplain rehabilitation plans on deposition of sediments. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Colonization by aerobic bacteria in karst: laboratory and in situ experiments

Experiments were carried out to investigate the potential for bacterial colonization of different substrates in karst aquifers and the nature of the colonizing bacteria. Laboratory batch experiments were performed using limestone and PVC as substrates, a natural bacterial isolate and a known laboratory strain (Escherichia coli [E. coli]) as inocula, and karst ground water and a synthetic formula as growth media. In parallel, fragments of limestone and granite were submerged in boreholes penetrating two karst aquifers for more than one year; the boreholes are periodically contaminated by enteric bacteria from waste water. Once a month, rock samples were removed and the colonizing bacteria quantified and identified. The batch experiments demonstrated that the natural isolate and E. coli both readily colonized limestone surfaces using karst ground water as the growth medium. In contrast, bacterial colonization of both the limestone and granite substrates, when submerged in the karst, was less intense. More than 300 bacterial strains were isolated over the period sampled, but no temporal pattern in colonization was seen as far as strain, and colonization by E. coli was notably absent, although strains of Salmonella and Citrobacter were each observed once. Samples suspended in boreholes penetrating highly fractured zones were less densely colonized than those in the borehole penetrating a less fractured zone. The results suggest that contamination of karst aquifers by enteric bacteria is unlikely to be persistent. We hypothesize that this may be a result of the high flow velocities found in karst conduits, and of predation of colonizing bacteria by autochthonous zooplankton.