Microbial fouling and corrosion: Fundamentals and mechanisms

Abstract

Forma of nontransient adherent communities of microorganisms on submerged surfaces (biofilm) is a ubiquitous phenomenon. Over 9% of the all aquatic bacteria are found associated with interfaces such as the sediment-water interface and surface micro-layer of aquatic systems. Biofilms constitute a consortium of biotic elements like bacteria, cyanobacteria and algae attached to a substratum by microbially produced extracellular polysaccharide matrix which entraps soluble and particulate matter, immobilizes extracellular enzymes and acts as a sink for nutrients and inorganic elements. The biofilm composition may vary both spatially and temporally with respect to different waters, and greatest differences are usually associated with shifts in the relative importance of autotrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms.