Population Dynamics in a Multi- Species Biofilm for the Creation of a Reactive Biobarrier

A series of column experiments were performed using different bacterial inoculation scenarios to maximize the TCE-degrading potential of a multi-species biofilm. The single-species population dynamics of Burkholderia cepacia PR1 pTOM31c, a TCE-degrading microorganism unable to form a significant biofilm, were examined and compared to those of a dual-species population containing both B. cepacia and Klebsiella oxytoca, a strong biofilm-forming microorganism. These experiments were performed to determine if a dual-species TCE-degrading biofilm could be established in porous media. The results indicate that B. cepacia was able to persist throughout the porous media columns as part of a single-and dual-species population. The presence of K. oxytoca did not adversely affect B. cepacia in the porous media columns. The method of dual-species inoculation, B. cepacia before, after, or simultaneously with K. oxytoca, did not have a significant effect on the B. cepacia cell numbers.