Date of Award
2011
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Applied Science (MASc)
Department
Environmental Applied Science and Management
First Advisor
Gideon Wolfaardt
Abstract
Biofilms are known to contribute to disease through inherent protective mechanisms and propagation strategies. These multi-cellular systems also play essential roles in numerous environmental processes. The current study investigated the responses of a mixed community biofilm to carbon-starvation, and measured the effects of UV-C on pure-culture biofilms at different stages of maturity by monitoring metabolic and cell yield responses. Carbon dioxide production and biofilm-derived planktonic cell yield were used at the measurement parameters. The mixed community rapidly responded to induced carbon-starvation under continuous flow conditions by remaining metabolically inactive throughout the 96 and 120 h starvation periods, only to promptly return to a metabolically active state upon the reintroduction of carbon. The effects of UV-C on pure-culture biofilms was negligible, with no log activation being achieved, and metabolic activity remaining static.
Recommended Citation
Lane, C Alexia, "Pure-culture and mixed community biofilm responses to carbon-starvation and UV-C exposure /" (2011). Theses and dissertations. Paper 737.
http://digitalcommons.ryerson.ca/dissertations/737