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From 2011.igem.org

Human Practices

Containment

To prevent spread of the auxin-producing plasmid in the environment, we have devised a containment device that will be able to kill other bacteria that take up the plasmid. In addition, we have devised experiments to test the survivability of E. coli in soil to evaluate whether these bacteria would be outcompeted by other soil microorganisms. Soil-dwelling protozoa also play an important role as they have been shown to feed off bacteria.

Soil Experiment

This experiment is designed to determine the survivability of E.Coli in soil. If bacteria were to be left in the soil we can estimate accurately the length of time they will be alive by carrying out this experiment. It is probable that the bacteria will live for longer in sterile soil than non-sterile soil, due to factors such as competition or they are being attacked by soil bacteria.

Results

Non-Sterile:

1A 0.315
1B 0.393
1C 0.361
2A 0.553
2B 0.583
2C 0.548
3A 0.399
3B 0.668
3C 0.300

Sterile

1A O.523
1B 0.548
1C 0.476
2A 0.716
2B 0.616
2C 0.664
3A 0.950
3B 0.887
3C 1.002