Methods for research poster (Week 11)
Microplastic Processing: Each plastic type (#3, 4, 5 and 6) was processed using a reciprocating saw, soaked in isopropanol (100%) to remove microbial contamination, and dried by evaporation under a fume hood.
Removal of Microplastics by Filtration: 15 milligrams of each isopropanol-treated microplastic (#3, 4, 5 and 6) were placed in sterile glass test tubes and co-incubated with broth cultures of Pseudomonas species for 7 days. The microplastics were removed by filtration and placed on selective media to observe growth.
Culturing on PIA and PF agar: Pseudomonas isolation agar (PIA) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (PF) agar were used to select for and differentiate between Pseudomonas species. Isopropanol-treated microplastics (#3, 4, 5 and 6) were aseptically placed on PIA and PF agar for 7 days and incubated at 25-37⁰C. 15 milligrams of each microplastic were then co-incubated with pure cultures of Pseudomonas species for 7 days at 25-37⁰C. Pure cultures of each Pseudomonas species tested were grown on PIA and PF and used as controls.
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM): Using a double-sided carbon mounting stub, each microplastic sample was held in place and coated in gold. After it was coated, the sample was placed in the SEM and images were captured at magnifications of 4400x and 7500x.
Ibrahim! The picture of Maria with the power tool looks so cool! It's fascinating to see the different micro-plastics projects in the lab. Each one of you have different approaches. For example, Maricruz once used a power tool as well to shred the plastics, but opt out for another tool. It is also great to see you have your results, totally jealous that you do haha
ReplyDeleteHey Ibrahim, CONGRATS at the Arizona-Nevada Academy of Science conference! You rocked your presentations at the conference and the ASU Symposium! Keep up the great work! I am not sure if you went to the EMCC conference, but I would like to hear about it if you did. Keep on rocking!
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