Investigation on quorum sensing-based microbiological control of MBR fouling

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K18143
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Civil and environmental engineering
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Tobino Tomohiro 東京大学, 環境安全研究センター, 助教 (90624916)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 膜分離活性汚泥法 / ファウリング / クオラムセンシング / アシルホモセリンラクトン / フーリエ変換型質量分析装置

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study aimed at unraveling fundamental mechanisms of an innovative technology for MBR membrane fouling control that targets "quorum sensing" with which bacteria utilize signaling compounds to sense their cell density. Analytical method for quantification of signaling compounds acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) has been developed, and AHL concentrations in MBR sludge were quantified to reveal the relationship to membrane fouling. AHLs were detected from MBR sludge samples under different conditions, indicating the involvement of quorum sensing system in the MBR sludge, whereas no clear relationship of detected AHL concentrations in the sludge supernatant to membrane fouling was found.

Free Research Field

環境微生物、水処理工学