Optimization of immobilization media of thalassospira profundimaris: diffusion and strength applications

Abstract

Many petroleum samples have abundant heterocyclic compounds. One example of petroleum samples is diesel where nitrogen, sulphur and aromatic compounds are the major impurities present in it. Heterocyclic compounds are inextricably into life processes in which a vast number of active heterocyclic compounds are being used. One example of heterocyclic compounds is carbazole which is know to be highly cancinogenic. Bacteria called Thalassospira Profundimaris could potentially degrade the carbazole compounds. The bacteria are immobilized inside media to offer high mechanical strength, high metabolic activity, and resistance to toxic chemicals causing damage to the cell. The media used widely are gellan gum, Ca-alginate and yeast. The finding of the maximum carbazole degradation, optimum strength and diffusivity of the media are profound to increase the performance of the bacteria entrapped inside as well as withstanding the harsh environment around it. This project has proven that the concentration affects the porosity and strength of the media. Increasing the concentration of media would form stronger media with lower diffusivity where lower concentration forms soft media with higher diffusivity.