title: Induction of biofilms on quartz surfaces as a means of reducingthe visual impact of quartz quarries.
abstract: In the present study the induction of biofilms on the open rock faces of quartz quarries is reported as a feasible method of correcting the visual impact generated by the industry. Experiments were carried out to colonize quartz samples with microorganisms isolated directly from aged quarry faces. The results demonstrated the viability of inducing colonisation on quartz, which is not the most favourable material for such treatment. Furthermore, biofilm development caused a significant change in the colour of the surface of the quartz samples to greenish- or reddish yellow, which may be quantified by a colorimeter for solids. The notable change in the colour is sufficient to attenuate the bright white aspect of the quartz faces and therefore to correct the visual impact generated.
authors.affiliation: Dpto Edafología y Química agrícola, Fac. Farmacia, University Santiago de Compostela, Spain. edprieto@usc.es
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Prieto
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Aira
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Laiz
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification; D018441:Biofilms; D003116:Color; D006801:Humans; D011791:Quartz; D013499:Surface Properties; D014785:Vision, Ocular / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D011791:Quartz