Biofouling and microbial corrosion problem in the thermo-fluid heat exchanger and cooling water system of a nuclear test reactor

Fabrication of Poly(ionic liquid) Hydrogels Incorporating Liquid Metal Microgels for Enhanced Synergistic Antifouling Applications

Hydrogels are ideal for antifouling materials due to their high hydrophilicity and low adhesion properties. Herein, poly(ionic liquid) hydrogels integrated with zwitterionic copolymer-functionalized gallium-based liquid metal (PMPC-GLM) microgels were successfully prepared by a one-pot reaction. Poly(ionic liquid) hydrogels (IL-Gel) were obtained by chemical cross-linking the copolymer of ionic liquid, acrylic acid, and acrylamide, and the introduction of ionic liquid (IL) significantly increased the cross-linking density; this approach consequently enhanced the mechanical and antiswelling properties of the hydrogels. The swelling ratio of IL-Gel decreased eight times compared to the original hydrogels. PMPC-GLM microgels were prepared through grafting the zwitterionic polymer PMPC onto the GLM nanodroplet surface, which exhibited efficient antifouling performance attributed to the bactericidal effect of Ga3+ and the antibacterial effect of the zwitterionic polymer layer PMPC. Based on the synergistic effect of PMPC-GLM microgels and IL, the composite hydrogels PMPC-GLM@IL-Gel not only exhibited excellent mechanical and antiswelling properties but also showed outstanding antibacterial and antifouling properties. Consequently, PMPC-GLM@IL-Gel hydrogels achieved inhibition rates of over 90% against bacteria and more than 85% against microalgae.

The potential role of biofilms in promoting fouling formation in radioactive discharge pipelines

Nuclear facility discharge pipelines accumulate inorganic and microbial fouling and radioactive contamination, however, research investigating the mechanisms that lead to their accumulation is limited. Using the Sellafield discharge pipeline as a model system, this study utilised modified Robbins devices to investigate the potential interplay between inorganic and biological processes in supporting fouling formation and radionuclide uptake. Initial experiments showed polyelectrolytes (present in pipeline effluents), had minimal effects on fouling formation. Biofilms were, however, found to be the key component promoting fouling, leading to increased uptake of inorganic particulates and metal contaminants (Cs, Sr, Co, Eu and Ru) compared to a non-biofilm control system. Biologically-mediated uptake mechanisms were implicated in Co and Ru accumulation, with a potential bioreduced Ru species identified on the biofilm system. This research emphasised the key role of biofilms in promoting fouling in discharge pipelines, advocating for the use of biocide treatments methods.

Chemical synthesis and antifouling activity of monoterpene-furan hybrid molecules

Geraniol, a monoterpene, and furan are structural motifs that exhibit antifouling activity. In this study, monoterpene-furan hybrid molecules with potentially enhanced antifouling activity were designed and synthesized. The nine synthetic hybrids showed antifouling activity against the cypris larvae of the barnacle Balanus (Amphibalanus) amphitrite with EC₅₀ values of 1.65-4.70 μg mL^-1. This activity is higher than that of geraniol and the reference furan compound. This hybridization approach to increase antifouling activity is useful and can also be extended to other active structural units.

A metallic anti-biofouling surface with a hierarchical topography containing nanostructures on curved micro-riblets

Metallic surface finishes have been used in the anti-biofouling, but it is very difficult to produce surfaces with hierarchically ordered structures. In the present study, anti-biofouling metallic surfaces with nanostructures superimposed on curved micro-riblets were produced via top-down fabrication. According to the attachment theory, these surfaces feature few attachment points for organisms, the nanostructures prevent the attachment of bacteria and algal zoospores, while the micro-riblets prohibit the settlement of macrofoulers. Anodic oxidation was performed to induce superhydrophilicity. It forms a hydration layer on the surface, which physically blocks foulant adsorption along with the anti-biofouling topography. We characterized the surfaces via scanning electron and atomic force microscopy, contact-angle measurement, and wear-resistance testing. The contact angle of the hierarchical structures was less than 1°. Laboratory settlement assays verified that bacterial attachment was dramatically reduced by the nanostructures and/or the hydration layer, attributable to superhydrophilicity. The micro-riblets prohibited the settlement of macrofoulers. Over 77 days of static immersion in the sea during summer, the metallic surface showed significantly less biofouling compared to a surface painted with an anticorrosive coating.

Innovative fouling-resistant materials for industrial heat exchangers: a review

Fouling of heat exchangers (HEs) has become a major concern across the industrial sector. Fouling is an omnipresent phenomenon but is particularly prevalent in the dairy, oil, and energy industries. Reduced energy performance that results from fouling represents significant operating loss in terms of both maintenance and impact on product quality and safety. In most industries, cleaning or replacing HEs are currently the only viable solutions for controlling fouling. This review examines the latest advances in the development of innovative materials and coatings for HEs that could mitigate the need for costly and frequent cleaning and potentially extend their operational life. To better understand the correlation between surface properties and fouling occurrence, we begin by providing an overview of the main mechanisms underlying fouling. We then present selected key strategies, which can differ considerably, for developing antifouling surfaces and conclude by discussing the current trends in the search for ideal materials for a range of applications. In our presentation of all these aspects, emphasis is given wherever possible to the potential transfer of these innovative surfaces from the laboratory to the three industries most concerned by HE fouling problems: food, petrochemicals, and energy production.

Assessment of the Impact of Temperature on Biofilm Composition with a Laboratory Heat Exchanger Module

Temperature change over the length of heat exchangers might be an important factor affecting biofouling. This research aimed at assessing the impact of temperature on biofilm accumulation and composition with respect to bacterial community and extracellular polymeric substances. Two identical laboratory-scale plate heat exchanger modules were developed and tested. Tap water supplemented with nutrients was fed to the two modules to enhance biofilm formation. One “reference” module was kept at 20.0 ± 1.4 °C and one “heated” module was operated with a counter-flow hot water stream resulting in a bulk water gradient from 20 to 27 °C. Biofilms were grown during 40 days, sampled, and characterized using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, EPS extraction, FTIR, protein and polysaccharide quantifications. The experiments were performed in consecutive triplicate. Monitoring of heat transfer resistance in the heated module displayed a replicable biofilm growth profile. The module was shown suitable to study the impact of temperature on biofouling formation. Biofilm analyses revealed: (i) comparable amounts of biofilms and EPS yield in the reference and heated modules, (ii) a significantly different protein to polysaccharide ratio in the EPS of the reference (5.4 ± 1.0%) and heated modules (7.8 ± 2.1%), caused by a relatively lower extracellular sugar production at elevated temperatures, and (iii) a strong shift in bacterial community composition with increasing temperature. The outcomes of the study, therefore, suggest that heat induces a change in biofilm bacterial community members and EPS composition, which should be taken into consideration when investigating heat exchanger biofouling and cleaning strategies. Research potential and optimization of the heat exchanger modules are discussed.

Assessment of biogrowth assemblages with depth in a seawater intake system of a coastal power station

Marine biogrowth infestation of a seawater intake system was investigated. A digital camera fixed onto a skid was used to record the biogrowth at intervals of 5 m up to a depth of 55 m. Divers inspected the intake shaft and collected the biogrowth samples for biomass estimation. A biomass density of 7.5 kg m^-2 and 28.2 kg m^-2 was recorded at 5 and 30 m depths respectively. Inspection by the divers revealed that hard-shelled organisms such as oysters and brown and green mussels were observed in plenty up to a thickness of 15 cm and bryozoans grew as epibionts. At lower depths (<40 m), hydroids grew on the shells of green mussels along with silt accumulation. The biofouling community was composed of 46 organisms, exhibiting variation in distribution and abundance. The study explains the extent and type of marine biogrowth phenomena with depth and describes biofouling preventive methods.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/08927014.2021.1933457 .

Design novel three-dimensional network nanostructure for lubricant infused on titanium alloys towards long-term anti-fouling

Titanium alloys, recognized as a marine material with great potential, are currently facing serious biofouling problems, which greatly limits its application range. To improve the antifouling performance of titanium alloys, three unique surface of three-dimensional network, grass-like and linear nanostructures were obtained on titanium alloys via hydrothermal treatment in this work. Further, slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPSs) were fabricated on titanium alloys via infusing PFPE lubricant into these nanostructures. Water contact angles and sliding angles of SLIPSs were measured to evaluate the effect of nanostructures on the stability of PFPE lubricant layer. Anti-fouling capability of SLIPSs were investigated by quantifying the cells of chlorella and phaeodactylum tricornutum (P. tricornutum)adhered to titanium alloys. The results shows that all the SLIPSs exhibited remarkable inhibition capacity for the settlement of chlorella and P. tricornutum. Among them, the SLIPS with three-dimensional network nanostructure displayed the longest-term anti-fouling performance, and its reduction rate of P. tricornutum and chlorella reaching 77.2 % and 84.5 % after being cultivated for 21 days, respectively, indicating that there existed a positive correlation between the stability of lubricant layer in the artificial seawater and the antifouling effect.

Effect of phosphate availability on biofilm formation in cooling towers

Phosphate limitation has been suggested as a preventive method against biofilms. P-limited feed water was studied as a preventive strategy against biofouling in cooling towers (CTs). Three pilot-scale open recirculating CTs were operated in parallel for five weeks. RO permeate was fed to the CTs (1) without supplementation (reference), (2) with supplementation by biodegradable carbon (P-limited) and (3) with supplementation of all nutrients (non-P-limited). The P-limited water contained ≤10 µg PO₄ l^-1. Investigating the CT-basins and coupons showed that P-limited water (1) did not prevent biofilm formation and (2) resulted in a higher volume of organic matter per unit of active biomass compared with the other CTs. Exposure to external conditions and cycle of concentration were likely factors that allowed a P concentration sufficient to cause extensive biofouling despite being the limiting compound. In conclusion, phosphate limitation in cooling water is not a suitable strategy for CT biofouling control.

Silicone-Based Fouling-Release Coatings for Marine Antifouling

Marine biofouling profoundly influences marine industries and activities. It slows the speed and increases the fuel consumption of ships, corrodes offshore platforms, and blocks seawater pipelines. The most effective and economical antifouling approach uses coatings. Fouling-release coatings (FRCs) with low surface free energy and high elasticity weakly adhere to marine organisms, so they can be readily removed by the water shear force. FRCs have attracted increasing interest because they are biocide-free and hence ecofriendly. However, traditional silicone-based FRCs have weak adhesion to substrates, low mechanical strength, and low fouling resistance, limiting their applications. In recent years, many attempts have been made to improve their mechanical properties and fouling resistance. This review deals with the progress in the construction of high-performance silicone-based fouling-release surfaces.

Detecting Escherichia coli Biofilm Development Stages on Gold and Titanium by Quartz Crystal Microbalance

Bacterial biofilms are responsible for persistent infections and biofouling, raising serious concerns in both medical and industrial processes. These motivations underpin the need to develop methodologies to study the complex biological structures of biofilms and prevent their formation on medical implants, tools, and industrial apparatuses. Here, we report the detailed comparison of Escherichia coli biofilm development stages (adhesion, maturation, and dispersion) on gold and titanium surfaces by monitoring the changes in both frequency and dissipation of a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) device, a cheap and reliable microgravimetric sensor which allows the real-time and label-free characterization of various stages of biofilm development. Although gold is the most common electrode material used for QCM sensors, the titanium electrode is also readily available for QCM sensors; thus, QCM sensors with different metal electrodes serve as a simple platform to probe how pathogens interact with different metal substrates. The QCM outcomes are further confirmed by atomic force microscopy and crystal violet staining, thus validating the effectiveness of this surface sensitive sensor for microbial biofilm research. Moreover, because QCM technology can easily modify the substrate types and coatings, QCM sensors also provide well-controlled experimental conditions to study antimicrobial surface treatments and eradication procedures, even on mature biofilms.

Latest research progress of marine microbiological corrosion and bio-fouling, and new approaches of marine anti-corrosion and anti-fouling

Marine resources and industry have become one of the most important pillars in economic development all over the world. However, corrosion of materials is always the most serious problem to the infrastructure and equipment served in marine environment. Researchers have found that microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) and marine bio-fouling are two main mechanisms of marine corrosions due to the complicated marine environment and marine organisms. This article summarized the latest research progress about these two mechanisms and indicated that both MIC and marine bio-fouling are closely related to the biofilms on material surfaces formed by the marine microorganisms and their metabolites. As a result, to prevent the occurrence of MIC and bio-fouling, it is important to control the microorganisms in biofilms or prevent the adhesion and formation of biofilms. The traditional method of using chemical bactericide or antifoulant faces the problems of pollution and microorganism resistance. This article introduced four research approaches about the new tendency of applying new materials and technologies to cooperate with traditional chemicals to achieve better and longer effects with lower environment pollution through synergistic actions. Finally, some future research tendencies were proposed for whole marine anti-corrosion and anti-fouling areas.

Culture dependent and independent analysis and appraisal of early stage biofilm-forming bacterial community composition in the Southern coastal seawater of India

Microbial aggregation on artificial surfaces is a fundamental phenomenon in aquatic systems that lead to biofouling, corrosion and influence the buoyancy of plastic materials. Despite the maritime activities and with nearshore large industrial sector, Laccadive Sea in the Indian Ocean has rarely been investigated for characterizing early biofilm-forming bacterial community. The present investigation was aimed to catalogue the primary colonizers on artificial surfaces and their comparison with planktonic community in southern coastal seawater of India. Surface seawater samples and biofilm assembled on three artificial surfaces over a period of 72 h of immersion in the intake area of a nuclear power plant at Kudankulam, India were collected. The structure of surface assemblages and plankton were unveiled by employing culture dependent, DGGE and NGS methods. In static condition, a collection of aerobic heterotrophic bacteria was screened in vitro for their ability to form potent biofilm. Proteobacteria preponderated the communities both in seawater and natural biofilm and Gammaproteobacteria accounted for >85% in the latter. Vibrionaceae, Alteromonadaceae and Pseudoalteromonadaceae dominated the biofilm community and constituted for 41, 25 and 8%, respectively. In contrast to other studies that showed Rhodobacteraceae family of Alphaproteobacteria as predominant component, we found Vibrionaceae of Gammaproteobacteria as dominant group in early stage of biofilm formation. Both DGGE and NGS data indicated that the attached community is noticeably distinct from those suspended in water column and form the basis for the proposed hypothesis of species sorting theory, that is, the local environmental conditions influence bacterial community assembly. Collectively, the data are testament for species sorting process that occur during initial assembly of bacterial community in marine environment and shed light on the structure of marine bacterial biofilm development. The outcome of the present study is of immense importance for designing long-term, efficient and appropriate strategies to control the biofouling phenomenon.

Dynamic surface antifouling: mechanism and systems

Marine biofouling is a global problem today. High efficiency and eco-friendly antifouling systems are in pressing need. In recent years, we have proposed the concept of dynamic surface antifouling (DSA). That is, a continuously changing surface can effectively prevent marine fouling organisms from landing and adhesion. Based on this strategy, we developed coatings with dynamic surfaces by using degradable polymers including polyester-polyurethane, modified polyester and poly(ester-co-acrylate). They exhibit tunable renewability, and excellent antifouling and mechanical performance. Moreover, the polymers can serve as carrier and controlled release systems of antifoulants so that they have long service life. This paper reviews the progress and trends in marine anti-biofouling, and presents the mechanism and systems of DSA.

Isolation and characterization of culturable bacteria present in the spent nuclear fuel pool water

A spent nuclear fuel (SNF) pool is a key facility for safe management of nuclear waste, where spent nuclear fuel rods are stored in a water pool. The spent fuel rods carry a significant amount of radioactivity; they are either recycled or stored for further processing. Pool water acts as a heat sink as well as a shield against the radiation present in spent/burned fuel rods. The water used in these pools is filtered by an ultra-filtration process which makes certain the purity of water. As the life span of these pools is approximately 20 to 40 years, the maintenance of pure water is a big challenge. A number of researchers have shown the presence of bacterial communities in this ultrapure water. The bacterial types present in SNF pool water is of increasing interest for their potential bioremediation applications for radioactive waste. The present study showed the isolation of six bacterial species in the SNF pool water samples, which had significant radio-tolerance (D₁₀ value 248 Gy to 2 kGy) and also biofilm-forming capabilities. These strains were also investigated for their heavy metal removal capacity. Maximum biofilm-mediated heavy metal (Co and Ni) removal (up to 3.8 μg/mg of biomass) was observed by three isolates (FPB1, FPB4, and FPB6). The ability of these bacterial isolates to survive in radioactive environments can be of great interest for remediation of radioactive contaminants.

Effect of ultra-sonication and its use with sodium hypochlorite as antifouling method against Mytilus edulis larvae and mussel

Biofouling is a stubborn problem in cooling systems where using raw water from lakes, rivers, and sea. The effect of ultrasound and its sequential application with sodium hypochlorite (chlorination) upon marine bivalve Mytilus edulis (blue mussel), a massive fouling organism, has been studied and discussed here. The results obtained from the work carried out have shown that 42 kHz ultrasound is better than 28 kHz in accordance with veliger larvae mortality. The 42 kHz ultrasound has enhanced the mortality rate of veliger larvae than only free-residual chlorination up to 99%. On the other side, the 14-mm size mussel was less resistance than 25-mm size mussel to 42 kHz ultrasonication, among the studied two sizes (14 and 25 mm) of the blue mussel. Lethal time (100%) have decreased by 1-12% used for the sequential action of 42 kHz ultrasonic followed by free-residual chlorination compare with only free-residual chlorination treatment. The obtained results are put forward that the application of ultra-sonication before chlorination can reduce the mussel extinct time up to 12%. Obviously, this result will provide a possible use of ultra-sonication with famous chlorination antifouling treatment and eventually can decrease the chlorine exposure time and dose. It could discharge low chlorine by-products that may provide an environment friendly way.

Antibiofouling Properties of Plasma-Deposited Oxazoline-Based Thin Films

Infections caused by the bacterial colonization of medical devices are a substantial problem to patients and healthcare. Biopassive polyoxazoline coatings are attracting attention in the biomedical field as one of the potential solutions to this problem. Here, we present an original and swift way to produce plasma-deposited oxazoline-based films for antifouling applications. The films developed via the plasma deposition of 2-methyl-2-oxazoline and 2-ethyl-2-oxazoline have tunable thickness and surface properties. Diverse film chemistries were achieved by tuning and optimizing the deposition conditions. Human-derived fibroblasts were used to confirm the biocompatibility of oxazoline derived coatings. The capacity of the coatings to resist biofilm attachment was studied as a function of deposition power and mode (i.e., continuous wave or pulsed) and precursor flow rates for both 2-methyl-2-oxazoline and 2-ethyl-2-oxazoline. After careful tuning of the deposition parameters films having the capacity to resist biofilm formation by more than 90% were achieved. The substrate-independent and customizable properties of the new generation of plasma deposited oxazoline thin films developed in this work make them attractive candidates for the coating of medical devices and other applications where bacteria surface colonization and biofilm formation is an issue.

Microbial Attachment Inhibition through Low-Voltage Electrochemical Reactions on Electrically Conducting Membranes

Bacterial biofilm formation on membrane surfaces remains a serious challenge in water treatment systems. The impact of low voltages on microbial attachment to electrically conducting ultrafiltration membranes was investigated using a direct observation cross-flow membrane system mounted on a fluorescence microscope. Escherichia coli and microparticle deposition and detachment rates were measured as a function of the applied electrical potential to the membrane surface. Selecting bacteria and particles with low surface charge minimized electrostatic interactions between the bacteria and charged membrane surface. Application of an electrical potential had a significant impact on the detachment of live bacteria in comparison to dead bacteria and particles. Image analysis indicated that when a potential of 1.5 V was applied to the membrane/counter electrode pair, the percent of dead bacteria was 32±2.1 and 67±3.6% when the membrane was used as a cathode or anode, respectively, while at a potential of 1 V, 92±2.4% were alive. The application of low electrical potentials resulted in the production of low (μM) concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (HP) through the electroreduction of oxygen. The electrochemically produced HP reduced microbial cell viability and increased cellular permeability. Exposure to low concentrations of electrochemically produced HP on the membrane surface prevents bacterial attachment, thus ensuring biofilm-free conditions during membrane filtration operations.

Characterization of microfouling and corrosive bacterial community of a firewater distribution system

This investigation provides generic information on the culturable corrosive and the microfouling bacterial community in a firewater distribution system that uses freshwater. Conventional microbiological methods were used for the selective isolation of the major microfouling bacteria. The isolates were characterized by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and the biofilm as well as the corrosion characteristics of the isolates were evaluated. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus cereus were predominantly observed in all the samples analysed. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) was carried out for the various samples of firewater system (FWS) and the high intensity bands were sequenced to identify the predominant bacteria. Bacterial groups such as Cyanobacteria, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were identified. Biofilm thickness was recorded using confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM). This was the first study to report Lysinibacillus fusiformis in a firewater system and its role in iron corrosion. Sulphidogenic bacteria Tissierella sp. and Clostridium bifermentans generated sulphides in the range of 400-900 ppm. Significant corrosion rates of carbon steel (CS) coupons were observed up to 4.3 mpy. C. bifermentans induced more localized corrosion in CS with a pit diameter of 50 μm. Overall, the data on the characterization of the fouling bacteria, their biofilm forming potential and subsequent metal deterioration studies supported in designing an effective water treatment program.

Antifouling action of polyisoprene-based coatings by inhibition of photosynthesis in microalgae

Previous studies have demonstrated that ionic and non-ionic natural rubber-based coatings inhibit adhesion and growth of marine bacteria, fungi, microalgae, and spores of macroalgae. Nevertheless, the mechanism of action of these coatings on the different micro-organisms is not known. In the current study, antifouling activity of a series of these rubber-based coatings (one ionic and two non-ionic) was studied with respect to impacts on marine microalgal photosynthesis using pulse-amplitude-modulation (PAM) fluorescence. When grown in contact with the three different coatings, an inhibition of photosynthetic rate (relative electron transport rate, rETR) was observed in all of the four species of pennate diatoms involved in microfouling, Cocconeis scutellum, Amphora coffeaeformis, Cylindrotheca closterium, and Navicula jeffreyi. The percentage of inhibition ranged from 44% to 100% of the controls, depending on the species and the coating. The ionic coating was the most efficient antifouling (AF) treatment, and C. scutellum and A. coffeaeformis are the most sensitive and tolerant diatoms tested, respectively. Photosynthetic inhibition was reversible, as almost complete recovery of rETR was observed 48 h post exposure, after detachment of cells from the coatings. Thus, the antifouling activity seemed mostly due to an effect of contact with materials. It is hypothesized that photosynthetic activity was suppressed by coatings due to interference in calcium availability to the microalgal cells; Ca(2+) has been shown to be an essential micro/macro nutrient for photosynthesis, as well as being involved in cell adhesion and motility in pennate diatoms.

Experimental investigation of interactions between the temperature field and biofouling in a synthetic treated sewage stream

Biofouling causes significant losses in efficiency in heat exchangers recovering waste heat from treated sewage. The influence of the temperature field on biofouling was investigated using a flat plate heat exchanger which simulated the channels in a plate and frame unit. The test surface was a 316 stainless steel plate, and a solution of Bacillus sp. and Aeromonas sp. was used as a model process liquid. The test cell was operated under co-current, counter-current, and constant wall temperature configurations, which gave different temperature distributions. Biofouling was monitored via changes in heat transfer and biofilm thickness. The effect of uniform temperature on biofouling formation was similar to the effect of uniform temperature on planktonic growth of the organisms. Further results showed that the temperature field, and particularly the wall temperature, influenced the rate of biofouling strongly. The importance of wall temperature suggests that fouling could be mitigated by using different configurations in summer and winter.

Microbial fouling community analysis of the cooling water system of a nuclear test reactor with emphasis on sulphate reducing bacteria

Culture and molecular-based techniques were used to characterize bacterial diversity in the cooling water system of a fast breeder test reactor (FBTR). Techniques were selected for special emphasis on sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB). Water samples from different locations of the FBTR cooling water system, in addition to biofilm scrapings from carbon steel coupons and a control SRB sample were characterized. Whole genome extraction of the water samples and SRB diversity by group specific primers were analysed using nested PCR and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). The results of the bacterial assay in the cooling water showed that the total culturable bacteria (TCB) ranged from 10(3) to 10(5) cfu ml(-1); iron-reducing bacteria, 10(3) to 10(5) cfu ml(-1); iron oxidizing bacteria, 10(2) to 10(3) cfu ml(-1) and SRB, 2-29 cfu ml(-1). However, the counts of the various bacterial types in the biofilm sample were 2-3 orders of magnitude higher. SRB diversity by the nested PCR-DGGE approach showed the presence of groups 1, 5 and 6 in the FBTR cooling water system; however, groups 2, 3 and 4 were not detected. The study demonstrated that the PCR protocol influenced the results of the diversity analysis. The paper further discusses the microbiota of the cooling water system and its relevance in biofouling.

Dense fouling in acid transfer pipelines by an acidophilic rubber degrading fungus

An unique case of dense fouling by an acidophilic, hard rubber (polymerized rubber) degrading fungus in the acid transfer pipelines of a boron enrichment plant located at Kalpakkam, India is reported. In spite of a highly adverse environment for survival (pH 1.5, no dissolved nutrients), the fungus thrived and clogged the pipeline used for transferring 0.1N hydrochloric acid (HCl). Detailed investigations were carried out to isolate and identify the fungus and examine the nutrient source for such profuse growth inside the system. Microscopic observation showed the presence of a thick filamentous fungal biomass. Molecular characterization by 18S rRNA gene sequencing showed 98% similarity of the isolate with the acidophilic fungus Bispora sp. In laboratory studies the fungus showed luxuriant growth (specific growth rate of 13 mg day⁻¹) when scrapings of the hard rubber were used as the sole source of carbon. Scanning electron microscopy revealed extensive incursion of the fungus into the hard rubber matrix. In the laboratory, fungal growth was completely inhibited by the antifungal agent sodium omadine. The study illustrates an interesting example of biofouling under extreme conditions and demonstrates that organisms can physiologically adapt to grow under unfavourable conditions, provided that a nutrient source is available and competition is low. The use of this fungal strain in biodegradation and in development of environmentally compatible processes for disposal of rubber wastes is envisaged.

The CQ ratio of surface energy components influences adhesion and removal of fouling bacteria

The interaction energy between bacteria and substrata with different surface energies was modelled by the extended DLVO (Derjaguin, Landau, Verwey and Overbeek) theory. The modeling results revealed that the interaction energy has a strong correlation with the CQ (Chen and Qi) ratio, which is defined as the ratio of the Lifshitz-van der Waals (LW) apolar to the electron donor surface energy components of substrata. Both modeling and experimental results with different bacteria including P. fluorescens, Cobetia marina and Vibrio alginolyticus demonstrated that if the LW surface energy of bacteria is larger than that of water, which is the case for most bacteria, the number of adhered bacteria decreases with a decreasing CQ ratio while bacterial removal rate increases with a decreasing CQ ratio. However, if the LW surface energy of bacteria is less than that of water, the opposite results are obtained. The CQ ratio gives a clear direction for the design of anti-biofouling and biofouling-release coatings through surface modification.

Biofouling control using microparticles carrying a biocide

This study presents a new technological approach to minimize the use of antimicrobial (AMB) agents and their deleterious effects, based on the principle of drug-delivery systems whereby the AMB chemicals are transported on microparticles. The efficacy of microparticles carrying the quaternary ammonium compound (QAC), benzyldimethyldodecyl ammonium chloride (BDMDAC), was assessed against Pseudomonas fluorescens in both the planktonic and the biofilm state. The microparticles were prepared using a layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembly technique. Oppositely charged molecules of polyethyleneimine (PEI), sodium polystyrene sulfonate (PSS), and BDMDAC were assembled on polystyrene (PS) cores. BDMDAC-coated particles were observed by CryoSEM and their composition analyzed by X-ray microanalysis. Zeta potential measurements indicated that changes in surface charge were compatible with a BDMDAC/particle interaction. This biocidal carrier structure had significant stability, verified by the release of only 15% of the BDMDAC when immersed in water for 18 months. Biocidal carrier activity was evaluated by determining the survival ratio of P. fluorescens planktonic and biofilm cells after different exposure periods to BDMDAC-coated particles. Tests with biofilm cells were also performed with the free QAC. An efficient AMB effect (minimum bactericidal concentration) against suspended cells was found for a concentration of 9.2 mg l(-1) of BDMDAC on coated particles after incubation for 30 min and 6.5 mg l(-1) of BDMDAC on coated particles after 60 min. Exposure of biofilms to PS-PEI/PSS/BDMDAC (0.87 mg l(-1)) resulted in a decrease in viability of 60.5% and 66.5% of the total biofilm population for 30 and 60 min exposure times, respectively. Exposure for 60 min to 6.33 mg l(-1) and 11.75 mg l(-1) of BDMDAC in PS-PEI/PSS/BDMDAC particles promoted inactivation of 80.6% and 87.2% of the total population, respectively. The AMB effects obtained with the application of free BDMDAC were statistically similar to those promoted by the application of BDMDAC coated particles. The overall results indicate that this novel AMB strategy has potential for the control of microbial growth of planktonic cells and biofouling. Moreover, the technique allows the reuse of AMB molecules and consequently reduces the environmental risks associated with excessive use of AMB agents, thereby providing real benefits to public health.