Cell membrane permeability modification.

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2 total messages Started by Andy Adsetts Tue, 17 Jan 1995 23:55

#4445

Author: Andy Adsetts
Date: Tue, 17 Jan 1995 23:55

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My company is currently considering a variety of treatment options for 
the control of hydrogen sulfide odors in our wastewater ponds. Normal 
treatment involves the use of an oxidant to destroy the sulfides that 
are formed by anaerobic bacteria. However, an alternative compound has 
been proposed, which claims to modify the cells action in the pond. I 
quote:
'Contains natural organic compounds derived from plant extracts. These 
compounds increase cell wall permeability of micro-organisms. This 
increases their ability to move water, digestive substances and 
neutrients (sp) in and out of their cells. This has a general 
stimulating effect on their digestive capacity and over all metabolism. 
The result is a faster and more complete breakdown of organic wastes by 
the micro-organisms. An indirect effect of the action is odor control.'

While it all sounds scientific, I'm not convinced that its true. The 
product has worked well in testing, but can you really do what the 
product claims to do? With plant extracts?? I know the product contains 
some ferrous sulfate, and I'm not sure if the above statement is just a 
smokescreen for some more traditional chemical treatment.  
If anyone has any knowledge of this process or general comments, please 
post or email them to me.
TIA
Andy
-- 


________________________________________________________________________
Andrew M. Adsetts                                         'Don't Panic!'
adsetts@ix.netcom.com               -The Hitchhikers Guide To the Galaxy

Re: Cell membrane permeability modification.

#4446

Author: Kurt R. Klimpel
Date: Wed, 18 Jan 1995 15:23

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There are a number of natural substances which can alter the cell wall
permeability of bacterial cells.  Some plants make natural "detergents"
which effectivly open up bacterial cells.  They can also make specific
proteins which have the ability to form pores.  In addition many
compounds found in plants may trigger certain "alternate" metabolism
pathways to be used by the bacteria which would give similar results. 
I would suggest however that any of these substances would more likely
be toxic for the bacteria, and while dead bacteria don't make compounds
that smell, thay also don't clean up the water.  I would be cautious
about these claims and have independant tests run to show that they can
reduce odor with out effecting biodegradation.  Kurt Klimpel, Sr. Staff
Fellow, NIH

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