Additional Funding Sources
The project described was supported by a student grant from the UI Office of Undergraduate Research.
Abstract
Poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel membranes have potential applications in the process of bioremediation by restricting the flow of certain molecules through the membrane while allowing other molecules to pass through. This can potentially protect the bacteria from harmful acid while still allowing the chemicals being remediated such as trichloroethylene through. The effectiveness of the hydrogels can be affected by certain factors involved in their creation. Both the composition of the hydrogel and the method of cross-linking can affect the diffusion of certain chemicals across the membrane. Cross-linking involves the process of breaking and reforming bonds in the polymer to achieve a stronger structure. This can be done both through a series of freezing and thawing or chemically. Additionally, poly(vinyl alcohol) can be supplemented with other materials such as sodium alginate. Finally, the ionic strength of the solution passing through the membrane can play a role and is closely observed in this experiment.
Elucidating Mechanism of Hydronium Diffusion in Polyvinyl Alcohol Hydrogels
Poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel membranes have potential applications in the process of bioremediation by restricting the flow of certain molecules through the membrane while allowing other molecules to pass through. This can potentially protect the bacteria from harmful acid while still allowing the chemicals being remediated such as trichloroethylene through. The effectiveness of the hydrogels can be affected by certain factors involved in their creation. Both the composition of the hydrogel and the method of cross-linking can affect the diffusion of certain chemicals across the membrane. Cross-linking involves the process of breaking and reforming bonds in the polymer to achieve a stronger structure. This can be done both through a series of freezing and thawing or chemically. Additionally, poly(vinyl alcohol) can be supplemented with other materials such as sodium alginate. Finally, the ionic strength of the solution passing through the membrane can play a role and is closely observed in this experiment.