Comparative study of the effects of biocides and metal oxide nanoparticles on microbial community structure in a stream impacted by hydraulic fracturing

Leveraging the Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Process to Create Regenerative Biocidal ePTFE Membranes

“…Myriads of studies on antifouling strategies have been extensively developed to prevent bacteria from attaching to the membrane surface and forming colonies that consequentially lead to the decline of membrane performance. − Despite the undeniable effectiveness of “passive antifouling”, an approach designed to deter initial adhesion of foulants on the surface without affecting the characteristics of bacteria or microbes by endowing the surface with increased hydrophilicity, some bacteria will inevitably adhere to the surface, leading to a cascade of fouling and ultimately biofouling formation. − Meanwhile, an alternate antifouling strategy known as “active antifouling” entails developing antifouling surfaces that actively impede bacteria colonization and prevent biofilm formation. ,, Here, antibacterial or biocide agents kill bacteria by intervening with their biochemical pathways. , Biocides like metal-based nanomaterials, silver, copper, gold, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and copper oxide, are released from the surface to attack the bacteria. , However, these biocides are at risk of potential unregulated release, which may lead to their rapid depletion from the surface, lowering their potency, posing a risk to people, and raising the prospect of bacterial resistance. ,, Alternatively, efforts are being exerted on the development of contact-mediated killing on active antifouling surfaces to kill bacteria by functionalizing the membranes’ surface with cationic polymeric materials . While contact-mediated killing appears to be more promising than the other strategies, the dead bacteria on the surface block the functional groups from killing the other bacteria and may also act as a conditioning film for the live bacteria, ultimately leading to biofilm formation.…”