Biofouling in water systems

Abstract

The paper describes the mechanisms in the development of biofouling layers (initial surface conditioning, microbial transport and attachment, mass transfer of nutrients to the biofilm surface and through the microbial layer, cell metabolism, and detachment of cells and of larger parts of the biofilm) and summarizes the effects of several factors on the buildup and stability of biofilms (nutrient availability, fluid velocity and turbulence, temperature, surface condition, and nonliving particles). Mass transfer within biofilms is treated in more detail. A biofouling model applied to the development of biofilms in heat exchangers is presented. Finally, references are made to biofouling control methods (biocide and the proper design and operation of heat exchangers) and to future research needs in this area.