Conditioning film and initial biofilm formation on electrochemical CaCO3 deposition on a metallic net in the marine environment |
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Authors: | Nachshon Siboni Stephane Martinez Avigdor Abelson Alex Sivan |
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Affiliation: | 1. Department of Biotechnology Engineering , Ben-Gurion University of the Negev , P.O. Box 653, Be'er-Sheva , 84105 , Israel;2. Department of Zoology , George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv , 69978 , Israel |
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Abstract: | Electrochemical deposition of minerals is a unique technology for artificial reef constructions, relying on calcium carbonate (CaCO3) build-up over metallic structures through electrolysis of seawater. The present study traces the first 72 h following electric current termination on bacterial biofilm build-up on a metallic net covered with CaCO3. 16S rRNA clone libraries indicated a dynamic succession. Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were evident at all sampling times while Cyanobacteria appeared only within the first 8 h. A significant increase in total organic carbon (TOC) and total protein was observed after 48 h with a significant correlation (R 2 = 0.74), indicating TOC is a good tool for characterizing initial biofilm formation. 18S rRNA gene sequences obtained 72 h following current termination indicated a significant presence of Cnidarians (51%). Understanding the dynamics among primary bacterial settlers is important because they play a crucial role in driving the colonization of sessile invertebrate communities on artificial, as well as natural surfaces. |
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Keywords: | bacteria biofilm CaCO3 conditioning film early colonizers electrochemical deposition |
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