NMR Imaging of Hydrodynamics Near Microbially Colonized Surfaces

Abstract

Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI) was used to study fluid flow in a model flow bioreactor as a function of biofilm formation. NMRI in which the phase of the nuclear spins depends on the spin velocity was used to obtain fluid velocity distribution, whereas images predominately of the biofilm density were obtained by spin-lattice relaxation time weighted data. Velocity images showed the manner in which the fluid velocity changed around a biomass growth. We conclude that NMRI is an excellent tool to study these systems.