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Diffusion of E. coli Bacteria in Water and in a Quasi-two-dimensional Porous Media

Abstract Details

2019, Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, Civil Engineering (Engineering and Technology).
Understanding and quantifying the diffusion of microorganisms is key to understanding their motile behavior in both natural and artificial environments like biofilms, granular soil, and engineered filtration systems. Based on established modifications to colloidal theory, it is hypothesized that non-spherical shape and surface features can greatly affect the characteristics of their behavior. The diffusivity of E. coli bacteria was explored in two different constructed environments by capturing microscope images, and processing the resulting data using image processing algorithms. Translational diffusion in the lab frame and body frame were both calculated along with rotational diffusion, each by mean squared displacement calculation or by calculating the probability of displacements at a certain point in time. The results showed that this particular E. coli strain does not exhibit strong anisotropy despite its elongated shape, and potentially significant surface features. It was also demonstrated that in a confined environment the bacteria may undergo attenuated rotational diffusion while also experiencing enhanced translational diffusion.
Lei Wu (Advisor)
155 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Mull, T. (2019). Diffusion of E. coli Bacteria in Water and in a Quasi-two-dimensional Porous Media [Master's thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1565883937820145

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Mull, Tristan. Diffusion of E. coli Bacteria in Water and in a Quasi-two-dimensional Porous Media. 2019. Ohio University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1565883937820145.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Mull, Tristan. "Diffusion of E. coli Bacteria in Water and in a Quasi-two-dimensional Porous Media." Master's thesis, Ohio University, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1565883937820145

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)