Document Type
Thesis
Degree
Master of Science (MS)
Major/Program
Environmental Engineering
First Advisor's Name
Dr. Shonali Laha
First Advisor's Committee Title
Committee member
Second Advisor's Name
Dr. Yelena Katsenovich
Second Advisor's Committee Title
Committee member
Third Advisor's Name
Dr. Berrin Tansel
Third Advisor's Committee Title
Committee member
Fourth Advisor's Name
Dr. Michael Sukp
Fourth Advisor's Committee Title
Committee member
Keywords
environmental, remediation, microorganisms, uranium, anaerobic, facultative, bacteria, chemistry
Date of Defense
4-1-2016
Abstract
Uranium (U) is a key contaminant at the Hanford site. The formation of uranyl-phosphate bearing minerals such as autunite as a result of tripoliphosphate injections has been used as a U immobilization strategy. Bacteria are known as key factors governing the fate and transport of soil contaminants. This research evaluated the interaction of facultative bacteria Shewanella Oneidensis MR-1 with autunite mineral in bicarbonate-amended media solutions. The concentration of several elements such as U, calcium (Ca) and phosphorous (P) released as a result of autunite mineral biodissolution were determined as a function of time; changes in cell density and protein assay were performed to evaluate cells viability. Results suggested that higher bicarbonate concentrations increased aqueous U, Ca and P concentrations while also allowing cells to withstand U toxicity and, additionally suggested the possibility of secondary minerals formation. This research provides a better understanding on the stability of uranyl phosphate minerals in the presence of facultative bacteria in bicarbonate-amended media solutions.
Identifier
FIDC000287
Recommended Citation
Herrera Landaez, Sandra C., "A Study on the Dissolution of Autunite Minerals by Facultative Bacteria in Bicarbonate Media" (2016). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 2437.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/2437
Included in
Biology Commons, Environmental Engineering Commons, Environmental Microbiology and Microbial Ecology Commons
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