Equilibrium modeling of pseudomonad aggregation and partitioning to dolomite

Bioremediation is a common treatment technology considered for the remediation of many toxic and hazardous waste sites. In order for this technology to be successfully implemented, the mobility and adhesion characteristics of the microorganisms must be understood. This study explored the surface and adhesion characteristics of two pseudomonads: Pseudomonas aeruginosa Olin and P. fluorescens rib:lux. In general, the Lewis acid/base character of these microorganisms dominated surface thermodynamics. In both cases partitioning to dolomite, a common mineral, was predicted to be greatest in the stationary phase. In the log growth and decay phases, the Lewis acid/base interaction energy was repulsive for both organisms. The stationary phase ibr both microbes exhibited a reversal of the Lewis acid/base energy to attractive. Although the magnitude of the various surface energy components differed between the microorganism, it is remarkable that the Lewis acid/base energy exhibited similar behavior.