Complex Dielectric Properties of Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria Suspensions

Abstract

Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) can potentially enhance the remediation of heavy metals in the subsurface. Previous geophysical research has demonstrated the sensitivity of electrical measurements to SRB-mediated mineral transformation in porous media. However, the inherent dielectric properties of SRB and their direct contribution to the electrical properties of porous media are poorly understood. We studied the complex dielectric properties of SRB (Desulfovibrio vulgaris) suspensions at different concentrations and at different growth stages using a two-electrode dielectric spectroscopy measurement over the frequency range of 20 Hz to 1 MHz. Our results show higher dielectric responses (relative dielectric permittivity, real and imaginary conductivity) occurred with higher bacteria concentration at frequencies <10 kHz. Additionally, permittivity and conductivity both decreased as cells aged from mid-log phase to late stationary phase. Our results suggest that dielectric spectroscopy measurements can be used to noninvasively monitor biomass and various growth stages of SRB. Our work advances the interpretation of electrical signals associated with SRB observed in the subsurface.

A new model for the spectral induced polarization signature of bacterial growth in porous media

“…The optimized value of the five model parameters ( c , τ , σ ∞ , K ′ and M n ) are reported in Table 3 with their uncertainties. The model fits the data of Zhang et al [2012] very well over the full spectrum of frequencies.…”

“…Test of the model for a colloidal suspension of bacteria ( Desulfovibrio vulgaris , strain Hildenborough / ATCC 35115). Experimental data (circles) from Zhang et al [2012] are in the frequency range 20 Hz to 1 MHz. (a) Effective (in phase or real) conductivity.…”

Geophysical Properties of the Near Surface Earth: Electrical Properties

“…Data from Knight and Nur (1987a,b) and B € orner and Sch € on (1991) are sandstones, data from Slater and Glaser (2003) are alluvial unconsolidated sediments, and data from Slater et al (2006) are artificial kaolinite-sand mixtures. Table 5 Relative dielectric permittivity of various common minerals (after a compilation by Sch € on (2004) of data from Dortman (1976), Keller (1989), Olhoeft (1981), and Parkhomenko (1965) compounds and the biomediated precipitation of metal sulfides (Placencia-Gó mez et al, 2013;Zhang et al, 2013) and calcite can produce electrical dispersions with characteristic frequencies often in the low-frequency range (Personna et al, 2008;Zhang et al, 2010Zhang et al, , 2012. The linear regression is s 00 ¼S por 0.8 (R 2 ¼ 0.82).…”

Suitable real‐time monitoring of the aerobic biodegradation of toluene in contaminated sand by spectral induced polarization measurements and CO2 analyses

“…Finally, we can assume growing presence of bacteria (Revil et al ; Zhang et al ) and biofilm formation (Davis et al ) but also their activities (ions and organic acids production) (Atekwana and Atekwana ) induce the SIP parameters, principally shift.…”