The
environmental chemodynamics of hydrophobic organic chemicals
(HOCs) are often rate-limited by diffusion in stagnant boundary layers.
This study investigated whether motile microorganisms can act as microbial
carriers that enhance mass transfer of HOCs through diffusive boundary
layers. A new experimental system was developed that allows (1) generation
of concentration gradients of HOCs under the microscope, (2) exposure
and direct observation of microorganisms in such gradients, and (3)
quantification of HOC mass transfer. Silicone O-rings were integrated
into a Dunn chemotaxis chamber to serve as sink and source for polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). This resulted in stable concentration
gradients in water (>24 h). Adding the model organism <i>Tetrahymena
pyriformis</i> to the experimental system enhanced PAH mass transfer
up to hundred-fold (benzo[a]pyrene). Increasing mass transfer enhancement
with hydrophobicity indicated PAH co-transport with the motile organisms.
Fluorescence microscopy confirmed such transport. The effective diffusivity
of <i>T. pyriformis</i>, determined by video imaging microscopy,
was found to exceed molecular diffusivities of the PAHs up to four-fold.
Cell-bound PAH fractions were determined to range from 28% (naphthalene)
to 92% (pyrene). Motile microorganisms can therefore function as effective
carriers for HOCs under diffusive conditions and might significantly
enhance mobility and availability of HOCs
