This research focuses on the implications of bacterial attachment to surfaces. Current projects are examining how bacterial adhesion
affects the cellular metabolic activity, with implications on surface colonization, biofilm formation, and long-term survival under
oligotrophic conditions.
Microbial attachment and transport through porous media
This research focuses on attachment and transport of microorganisms through both saturated and unsaturated porous media. A key
aspect of this work is how surfactants - the key ingredient in detergents and other household cleaners - affect microbial transport.
A second aspect is the linkage between lab-scale studies and field-scale transport and the impact of scale on transport parameters.
Microbial kinetics
My interests in this area are related to biodegradation of hydrophobic compounds and multisubstrate biodegradation kinetics.
I am also interested in how bacteriophage (viruses that infect bacteria and are ubiquitous in the environment) impact biodegradation
kinetics.
Multicomponent non-aqueous phase liquids
One other research area of mine is in multicomponent, non-aqueous phase liquids with a focus on coal tars. My interests are on (a)
how we can model and perform risk assessments on these complex mixtures; (b) dissolution, mass transfer and sorption of the individual
components in the subsurface; and (c) specific interfacial processes of these complex mixtures, such as the interfacial film that
forms on coal tars.
Interactions between microorganisms and surfaces
Research Areas
Derick G. Brown, Ph.D., P.E.
Class of 1961 Associate Professor
