Method for quantifying influence of hydrodynamic force on particle capturing and bonding capacity of microorganism mat
By simulating different wind speed conditions through microbial culture experiments, the weight of particles captured and bound by microbial mats was measured, which solved the problem of quantitative research on the ability of hydrodynamics to capture and bind particles by microbial mats and provided experimental evidence for the formation of ancient microbial rocks.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHINA PETROLEUM & CHEMICAL CORP
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-22
AI Technical Summary
Current technologies lack quantitative studies on the effects of hydrodynamic conditions on the ability of microbial mats to capture and bind particles, limiting our understanding of the formation of ancient stromatolites and tuffaceous rocks.
Through microbial culture experiments, the weight of particles captured and bound by the microbial mat was measured under simulated wind speed conditions, and the influence of hydrodynamics on the ability of the microbial mat to capture and bind particles was quantitatively analyzed.
It provides a quantitative experimental method to help assess the aquatic environment in which ancient microbial rocks were formed, providing important experimental evidence for the study of microbial rocks and filling the gap in existing technology.
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Figure CN122071733A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of microbial and microbial rock research technology, and in particular to a method for quantifying the hydrodynamic influence on the ability of microbial mats to capture and bind particles. Background Technology
[0002] Microbial rocks refer to "organic sediments formed by benthic microbial communities through the capture and binding of clastic sediments, or through in-situ mineral precipitation induced by microorganisms in an inorganic / organic manner," encompassing both capture and binding processes, and induced precipitation. Specifically, capture and binding refer to the barrier and protection effect of uncalcified microorganisms and their produced extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) mucus matrix on particles, causing water-carried particles to precipitate and form sediments. This process is considered an important factor in the formation and development of stromatolites and tuffaceous rocks in ancient and modern Bahamas and Shark Bay, such as the abundant "aggregate fine-grained to coarse-grained" stromatolites developed in the Lower Cretaceous of the Iberian Basin.
[0003] Numerous studies have shown that, in both ancient and modern environments, the capture and binding of microorganisms are closely related to microbial community ecology, hydrodynamics, water saturation, and underground topography. Among these factors, hydrodynamic conditions are one of the controlling factors influencing the formation and diverse morphological development of microbial rocks. Hydrodynamic conditions are not only the driving force for particle transport but also a crucial factor affecting the metabolic processes of microbial rocks. Throughout geological history, hydrodynamic conditions have fluctuated intermittently due to the influence of tides and prevailing winds, and these frequent changes in hydrodynamics have led to the formation of a wide variety of microbial rocks.
[0004] Currently, some techniques have attempted to establish the relationship between different morphologies of stromatolites and hydrodynamics and water depth. For example, columnar stromatolites represent a relatively high-energy intertidal environment, but this is not an absolute correlation. Numerical simulations show that with increasing hydrodynamics, microbial rocks accumulate laterally along the flow direction more quickly, meaning that accretion is stronger on the windward side. However, current case studies and existing techniques primarily reveal the control of hydrodynamics on microbial rocks and their morphology from a qualitative perspective, lacking quantitative research. This significantly limits our understanding of the hydrodynamic conditions that led to the formation of ancient stromatolites and tuffaceous rocks. Existing related microbial experimental techniques mainly focus on inducing the formation of carbonate minerals such as calcite and dolomite through microbial mat cultivation, providing some experimental guidance for studying the century-old mystery of the "dolomite problem." Therefore, there is an urgent need for an experimental method to quantitatively characterize how hydrodynamic conditions affect the ability of microbial mats to capture and bind particles.
[0005] After searching patents and literature, the Derwent database shows that: Patent CN112308936A discloses a method for determining the influence of microbial activity on the development of microbial carbonate reservoirs, bridging the relationship between the strength of microbial activity and structure and the reservoir. This method quantitatively characterizes the influence of hydrodynamic conditions on the ability of microbial mats to capture and bind particles, addressing the formation mechanism of microbial rocks from a mechanistic perspective, and can provide a reference for the formation of microbial rocks in this patent. Therefore, there are differences in the technical field and application scenarios. Patent CN111411127A discloses a method for inducing calcium carbonate precipitation using microorganisms by adding sodium montmorillonite. Accelerating calcium carbonate precipitation is one of the processes in microbial rock formation (induced precipitation). However, this method differs in that it addresses another capture and bonding process in microbial rock formation through microbial culture experiments, which differs from existing technologies in terms of method, purpose, and application. Patent CN110628624B discloses a magnetic microbial capture material and method, which greatly enhances the capture efficiency of magnetic beads through the introduction of magnetic materials. In contrast, this method focuses on the capture and bonding ability of microbial mats under different hydrodynamic conditions, rather than on microbial particles themselves. It falls under the fields of microbiology and geological sedimentology, and differs significantly from existing technologies in terms of method and purpose. Summary of the Invention
[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, at least one embodiment of the present invention provides a method for quantifying the effect of hydrodynamics on the ability of microbial mats to capture and bind particles. This method quantitatively characterizes the influence of hydrodynamics on the ability of microorganisms to capture and bind particles through microbial culture experiments, providing important experimental evidence for assessing the aquatic environment in which ancient microbial rocks were formed.
[0007] In some optional embodiments, the method mainly includes the following steps:
[0008] Microbial mats that meet the experimental conditions are cultivated based on the physicochemical conditions of the water at the sampling point;
[0009] Take several microbial mats that meet the experimental conditions and conduct multiple capture experiments under different wind speed conditions. For each capture experiment, measure the weight of the particles captured by the microbial mat and continue to cultivate the microbial mat after capturing the particles. After the capture experiment is completed, measure the weight of the particles adhered to the microbial mat.
[0010] Take several microbial mats that meet the experimental conditions, and after sterilization and cleaning, conduct multiple sets of blank experiments under different wind speed conditions. For each set of blank experiments, measure the weight of particles captured by the microbial mat, and continue to cultivate the microbial mat after capturing particles. After the blank experiments are completed, measure the weight of particles adhered to the microbial mat.
[0011] By comparing the measurement results of the capture experiment and the blank experiment, the weight ratio of particles captured and bound by the microbial mat under different wind speed conditions was determined, and the influence of hydrodynamic magnitude on the ability of the microbial mat to capture and bind particles was analyzed based on the weight ratio.
[0012] In some optional embodiments, the physicochemical conditions of the water body at the sampling point include one or more of the following: seawater illumination, temperature, salinity, pH, anion and cation composition, and nutrients.
[0013] In some optional embodiments, the cultivation of a microbial mat that meets experimental conditions based on the physicochemical conditions of the water at the sampling point includes:
[0014] The types and components of the microbial mat were determined by rRNA gene sequence analysis.
[0015] Determine whether the microbial mat meets the experimental conditions based on its type and composition.
[0016] In some optional embodiments, determining whether the microbial mat meets the experimental conditions based on its type and composition includes:
[0017] Calculate the percentage of principal components in the microbial mat;
[0018] When the proportion of the main component in the microbial mat exceeds a preset threshold, the microbial mat is determined to meet the experimental conditions.
[0019] In some optional embodiments, the method further includes, prior to performing the capture experiment:
[0020] Based on the physicochemical conditions of the water body at the sampling point, the relevant conditions of the microbial mat experimental environment were set up, and hydrodynamic conditions were pre-experimentally analyzed to determine the maximum wind speed.
[0021] In some optional embodiments, the multiple capture / blank experiments under different wind speed conditions include:
[0022] The wind speed conditions for each group of experiments were set according to predetermined wind speed intervals to simulate hydrodynamic conditions.
[0023] In some optional embodiments, the analysis of the effect of hydrodynamic size on the ability of the microbial mat to capture and bind particles based on the weight percentage includes:
[0024] The relationship between wind speed and the weight percentage of microbial mat-captured and binding particles was fitted.
[0025] Based on the fitting results, the influence of hydrodynamic size on the ability of microbial mats to capture and bind particles and their changing trends were analyzed.
[0026] At least one embodiment of the present invention also provides an electronic device, characterized in that it comprises:
[0027] At least one processor; and,
[0028] A memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein,
[0029] The memory stores instructions that can be executed by the at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to perform the method described above for quantifying the hydrodynamic effects on the ability of microbial mats to capture and bind particles.
[0030] At least one embodiment of the present invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method described above for quantifying the hydrodynamic effects on the ability of microbial mats to capture and bind particles.
[0031] At least one embodiment of the present invention also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method described above for quantifying the hydrodynamic effects on the ability of microbial mats to capture and bind particles.
[0032] The embodiments of the present invention provide a method for quantifying the hydrodynamic influence on the ability of microbial mats to capture and bind particles. This method is simple in process, highly feasible in operation, and has significant expected results. It effectively fills the gap in existing microbial experimental techniques in this area. It is expected that the experimental results, combined with the study of ancient microbial rock particle characteristics, can provide important experimental references for the quantitative study of the growth and metabolic environment of ancient microbial communities and for reconstructing the formation and development environment of ancient microbial rocks. It can be widely promoted and applied in microbial mineralization, reservoir prediction, etc., and has strong practicality. Attached Figure Description
[0033] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, and these illustrative descriptions do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments.
[0034] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the steps of the method for quantifying the effect of hydrodynamics on the ability of microbial mats to capture and bind particles, as used in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0035] Figure 2 This is a cross-plot of different wind speeds and the percentage of cyanobacterial particles captured by the mat in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;
[0036] Figure 3 This is a cross-plot of different wind speeds and the percentage of cyanobacterial mat adhesive particles in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0037] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will understand that many technical details are presented in the embodiments of the present invention to facilitate a better understanding of the invention. However, the technical solutions claimed in the present invention can be implemented even without these technical details and various variations and modifications based on the following embodiments. The division of the following embodiments is for ease of description and should not constitute any limitation on the specific implementation of the present invention. The various embodiments can be combined with and referenced by each other without contradiction.
[0038] This invention aims to provide a method for quantifying the effect of hydrodynamics on the ability of microbial mats to capture and bind particles, comprising the following steps: cultivating mature microbial mats under simulated physicochemical conditions at indoor sampling points; identifying the principal components of microbial species through rRNA gene sequencing; conducting hydrodynamic pre-experimental analysis to optimize and determine the maximum wind speed; setting experimental groups at certain wind speed intervals, weighing particles and placing them into the microbial mats for capture experiments, and recording the weight of captured particles; continuing to cultivate the experimental samples, and recording the weight of bound particles after the experiment; performing a blank control experiment after autoclaving and ethanol cleaning of the microbial mats; quantitatively calculating the proportion of particles captured and bound by the microbial mats under different wind speeds (hydrodynamics), and fitting the relationship between wind speed and the captured and bound particles.
[0039] Example 1
[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, this method mainly includes the following steps:
[0041] S01, Microbial culture: The physical and chemical conditions of the water body at the indoor sampling point are simulated. The collected microbial mats are placed in a large water tank for a certain period of time for culture. The growth of the microbial community is observed to determine its evolution to the mature stage.
[0042] S02, Microbial species identification: Divide the microbial mat into several equal-sized portions, take several portions for rRNA gene sequence analysis, determine the microbial species and main components, and check whether they meet the experimental standards (>90%).
[0043] S03, Preliminary Experimental Analysis of Hydrodynamic Conditions: The strength of hydrodynamic conditions is simulated by wind speed. Several portions of microbial mats are placed in petri dishes and then fixed in the same large water tank at an inclination angle of 15°. The water tank and external conditions are the same as described in step S01. Further, several portions of particles of the same weight are weighed and placed in the corresponding microbial mats. The fully automatic blower connected to the water tank is adjusted, and the wave pattern is observed to select an appropriate wind speed.
[0044] S04, Capture Experiment: Set the wind speed conditions for each group of experiments at certain wind speed intervals, and take several samples of microbial mats to conduct multiple capture experiments under different wind speed conditions. The experimental process and water tank physicochemical conditions are the same as in step S03. After a short period of settling, collect the uncaptured particles, dry them, weigh them, and record the weight data of the captured particles for each group.
[0045] S05, Adhesion Experiment: In step S05, the experimental sample is cultured for a certain period of time. After the experiment is completed, the unadhesive particles are collected by inverting the sample, dried, and weighed again. The weight data of each group of adhered particles is recorded.
[0046] S06, Blank Experiment Comparison: Several microbial mats were taken for blank experiment comparison. The experimental conditions and procedures were the same as in steps S05 and S06, except that the microbial mats underwent autoclaving and ethanol cleaning. After the experiment, uncaptured and unbonded particles were collected, dried, and weighed. The weight data of captured and bonded particles in each group were recorded.
[0047] S07, Quantitatively calculate the weight ratio of captured and bonded particles under different hydrodynamic conditions: Calculate the weight ratio of captured and bonded particles of cyanobacterial mats under different wind speeds in each experimental group, fit the relationship between wind speed and capture ratio, and bond / capture ratio, and quantitatively analyze the changing trend of the influence of hydrodynamic magnitude on the ability of cyanobacterial mats to capture and bond particles.
[0048] Example 2
[0049] Another embodiment of the present invention takes a cyanobacterial microbial mat as an example to conduct a quantitative study on the effect of different hydrodynamic conditions (wind speed) on the ability of the microbial mat to capture and bind particles.
[0050] The specific implementation steps are as follows:
[0051] S01, Microbial Culture: Simulating the seawater conditions of region A, including light, temperature, salinity, pH, anion and cation composition, and nutrients, the collected cyanobacterial mats were placed in a 1m×1m×1m large water tank for cultivation. The tank was connected to a bubbler to prevent excessive oxygen accumulation. Further, the growth of the cyanobacteria was observed. When the cyanobacteria stopped growing significantly, showed no signs of decay, and continued to produce bubbles, it indicated that the cyanobacterial mat had evolved to a mature and stable stage, capable of producing the maximum amount of slime matrix EPS.
[0052] S02, Microbial species identification: The mature cyanobacterial mat from step 1 was divided into 36 equal parts, each measuring 15cm × 15cm × 15cm. Three parts from different regions were analyzed for rRNA gene sequence testing, identifying cyanobacteria, diatoms, sulfate-reducing bacteria, and other microbial components. The cyanobacteria content, primarily *Coleofasciculus*, averaged 95%, meeting the experimental standards.
[0053] S03, Preliminary hydrodynamic analysis: Three cyanobacterial mat samples were placed in petri dishes and then fixed in the same large water tank at a 15° inclination angle. The physicochemical conditions inside and outside the water tank were the same as in step S01 to ensure normal growth of the cyanobacterial mats. Further, large particles of the same weight and a diameter of 3-5 mm were weighed and gently placed onto the microbial mats to prevent them from being blown off and tumbled by waves, thus affecting the experimental results. The fully automatic blower connected to the water tank was turned on, and the wind speed was adjusted, starting from 0 m / s and increasing by 0.2 m / s each time. Preferably, a wind speed of 2.4 m / s was determined to ensure that the waves generated in one pass were transmitted to the entire water tank without causing the particles to tumble and affect the capture results.
[0054] S04, Capture Experiment: Seven groups of experiments with different wind speeds were set up: 0 m / s, 0.4 m / s, 0.8 m / s, 1.2 m / s, 1.6 m / s, 2.0 m / s, and 2.4 m / s, for a continuous duration of 24 hours. Twenty-one cyanobacterial mats were used for multiple capture experiments under different wind speed conditions. Each group included three cyanobacterial mats. The experimental procedure and the physicochemical conditions of the water tank were the same as in step S01. Further, after setting the experimental conditions for each group of wind speeds, 5g of large particles of the same weight and a particle size of 3–5 mm were weighed and gently placed onto the microbial mat. After standing for half an hour, the blower was turned off, and the uncaptured particles were collected, dried, and weighed. The weight data a1–a3 of the captured particles for each group were recorded.
[0055] S05, Adhesion Experiment: In step S04, each group of cyanobacterial mat experimental samples continued to be cultured for 18 hours. After the experiment was completed, the blower was turned off, the unadhesive particles were collected by inverting the sample, dried, and weighed. The average weight data b1 to b3 of the adhesive particles in each group were recorded respectively.
[0056] S06, Blank Experiment Comparison: Three cyanobacterial mats were used for a blank experiment comparison. The experimental conditions and procedures were the same as in steps S04 and S05. The difference was that the cyanobacterial mats were autoclaved and cleaned with ethanol. After the experiment, uncaptured and unbonded particles were collected, dried, and weighed. The average weight data c1~c3 and d1~d3 of the captured and bonded particles in each group were recorded.
[0057] S07, Quantitatively calculate the weight ratio of captured and bound particles under different hydrodynamic conditions: Calculate the weight ratio of captured and bound particles of the cyanobacterial mat under different wind speeds for each group (Formulas 1 and 2), fit the relationship between wind speed (i.e., hydrodynamic force) and the capture ratio and the bound / capture ratio, and analyze the changing trend of the cyanobacterial mat's ability to capture and bind particles as the magnitude of hydrodynamic force increases. Specifically, the calculation formulas are as follows:
[0058]
[0059]
[0060] Where m represents the total weight (g) of particles of different sizes before the experiment, x and y represent the weight (g) of uncaptured and bonded particles after each group of experiments, respectively, Pcapture represents the percentage (%) of captured particles of different sizes in each group, and Bbond represents the percentage (%) of captured particles bonded after bonding. The Pcapture and Bbond data, fitting curves, and formulas for capturing and bonding particles of different sizes in each group are shown in the example. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The results of this embodiment show that: (1) with the continuous increase of wind speed (hydrodynamics), the ability to capture and bind particles fluctuates and generally shows a gradual decreasing trend; (2) wind speed has little effect on the binding ability of cyanobacteria mats; (3) the blank experimental group still has the ability to capture and has a certain binding ability, but is less affected by wind speed conditions.
[0061] This embodiment uses a cyanobacterial microbial mat as a specific example to quantitatively characterize the influence of hydrodynamic conditions on the ability of the cyanobacterial mat to capture and bind particles, effectively filling the gap in this experimental aspect of existing technologies. Preferably, the cyanobacteria in this embodiment are one of the most common types of ancient and modern microorganisms. This method is effective against other microorganisms such as red and green algae, diatoms, and sulfate-reducing bacteria. Therefore, any modifications that do not deviate from the essence of this method still fall within the scope of the present invention, such as changes in the type of microorganism, wind speed, and wind duration.
[0062] Example 3
[0063] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to an electronic device, comprising: at least one processor; and a memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein the memory stores instructions executable by the at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to perform the methods for quantifying the hydrodynamic effects on the ability of microbial mats to capture and bind particles as described in the above embodiments.
[0064] The memory and processor are connected via a bus, which can include any number of interconnecting buses and bridges, connecting various circuits of one or more processors and memories. The bus can also connect various other circuits, such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and will not be described further herein. The bus interface provides an interface between the bus and the transceiver. The transceiver can be a single element or multiple elements, such as multiple receivers and transmitters, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium. Data processed by the processor is transmitted over the wireless medium via an antenna, which further receives data and transmits it to the processor.
[0065] The processor manages the bus and general processing, and also provides various functions, including timing, peripheral interfaces, voltage regulation, power management, and other control functions. Memory, on the other hand, is used to store data used by the processor during operation.
[0066] Example 4
[0067] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program. When executed by a processor, the computer program implements the method described above for quantifying the hydrodynamic effects on the ability of microbial mats to capture and bind particles.
[0068] That is, those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a program instructing related hardware. This program is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a device (which may be a microcontroller, chip, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of the present invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.
[0069] Example 5
[0070] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method described above for quantifying the hydrodynamic influence on the ability of microbial mats to capture and bind particles.
[0071] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments are specific embodiments for implementing the present invention, and in practical applications, various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A method for quantifying the effect of hydrodynamics on the ability of microbial mats to capture and bind particles, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Microbial mats that meet the experimental conditions are cultivated based on the physicochemical conditions of the water at the sampling point; Take several microbial mats that meet the experimental conditions and conduct multiple capture experiments under different wind speed conditions. For each capture experiment, measure the weight of the particles captured by the microbial mat and continue to cultivate the microbial mat after capturing the particles. After the capture experiment is completed, measure the weight of the particles adhered to the microbial mat. Take several microbial mats that meet the experimental conditions, and after sterilization and cleaning, conduct multiple sets of blank experiments under different wind speed conditions. For each set of blank experiments, measure the weight of particles captured by the microbial mat, and continue to cultivate the microbial mat after capturing particles. After the blank experiments are completed, measure the weight of particles adhered to the microbial mat. By comparing the measurement results of the capture experiment and the blank experiment, the weight ratio of particles captured and bound by the microbial mat under different wind speed conditions was determined, and the influence of hydrodynamic magnitude on the ability of the microbial mat to capture and bind particles was analyzed based on the weight ratio.
2. The method for quantifying the hydrodynamic influence on the ability of microbial mats to capture and bind particles according to claim 1, characterized in that, The physicochemical conditions of the water at the sampling point include one or more of the following: seawater illumination, temperature, salinity, pH, anion and cation composition, and nutrients.
3. The method for quantifying the hydrodynamic influence on the ability of microbial mats to capture and bind particles according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cultivation of microbial mats that meet experimental conditions based on the physicochemical conditions of the water at the sampling point includes: The types and components of the microbial mat were determined by rRNA gene sequence analysis. Determine whether the microbial mat meets the experimental conditions based on its type and composition.
4. The method for quantifying the hydrodynamic influence on the ability of microbial mats to capture and bind particles according to claim 3, characterized in that, The step of determining whether the microbial mat meets the experimental conditions based on its type and composition includes: Calculate the percentage of principal components in the microbial mat; When the proportion of the main component in the microbial mat exceeds a preset threshold, the microbial mat is determined to meet the experimental conditions.
5. The method for quantifying the hydrodynamic influence on the ability of microbial mats to capture and bind particles according to claim 1, characterized in that, Prior to conducting the capture experiment, the method further includes: Based on the physicochemical conditions of the water body at the sampling point, the relevant conditions of the microbial mat experimental environment were set up, and hydrodynamic conditions were pre-experimentally analyzed to determine the maximum wind speed.
6. The method for quantifying the hydrodynamic influence on the ability of microbial mats to capture and bind particles according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multiple capture / blank experiments conducted under different wind speed conditions include: The wind speed conditions for each group of experiments were set according to predetermined wind speed intervals to simulate hydrodynamic conditions.
7. The method for quantifying the hydrodynamic influence on the ability of microbial mats to capture and bind particles according to claim 1, characterized in that, The analysis of the effect of hydrodynamic size on the ability of the microbial mat to capture and bind particles based on the weight ratio includes: The relationship between wind speed and the weight percentage of microbial mat-captured and binding particles was fitted. Based on the fitting results, the influence of hydrodynamic size on the ability of microbial mats to capture and bind particles and their changing trends were analyzed.
8. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: At least one processor; as well as, A memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein, The memory stores instructions executable by the at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7 for quantifying the hydrodynamic effects on the ability of microbial mats to capture and bind particles.
9. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the method for quantifying the hydrodynamic influence on the ability of microbial mats to capture and bind particles, as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.
10. A computer program product, comprising a computer program, characterized in that, When executed by a processor, the computer program implements the steps of the method for quantifying the hydrodynamic influence on the ability of microbial mats to capture and bind particles, as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.