Quantification of the ultrasound induced sedimentation of Microcystis aeruginosa

Abstract

It has been known for more than 40 years that vacuolate organisms can be induced to sediment with ultrasound. However, robust indicators are still needed to compare the efficacy of different treatments. A repeatable index is proposed that makes it possible to quantify the ultrasonic induced sedimentation. The procedure is used to monitor the long term sedimentation of Microcystis aeruginosa after sonication. Results reveal that the sedimentation process continues after gas vesicles have fully recovered, although at a slower rate.

Keywords: Buoyancy; Collapse; Cyanobacteria; Gas vesicle; Sedimentation.