Monitoring Microbial Attachment in Seawater

Abstract

The attachment activity of microorganisms in seawater was studied by electrochemical and microscopic techniques. It was frequently observed that in natural seawater, the open circuit potential (Eocp) of stainless steel was ennobled due to biofilm formation on the metal surface. Microscope observation revealed that the ennoblement of the Eocp value of stainless steel changed linearly with the number of bacteria attached to the metal surface. Considering the fact that Eocp of copper is almost a constant for a longer time in seawater, a compound electrode was made up of a stainless steel electrode and copper electrode for assessing the attachment of microbes in different seawater media according to the change in the potential difference between the two metals. The results demonstrated a good performance of the compound electrode for this purpose.

Initial phases of microbial biofilm formation on opaque, innovative anti‐adhesive surfaces using a modular microfluidic system

“…The incoming flow u is calculated from the volumetric flow rate q and the flow cross-section of the tubing (A), with Eq. (5).…”

“…Microorganisms live in both planktonic cultures and communities on surfaces called biofilms . Biofilms can be formed by bacteria or other organisms, such as protista or fungi , and they grow on diverse biotic and abiotic surfaces, including those of both natural and industrial aquatic systems, such as pipelines, bioreactors, ship hulls, and the water‐cooled sides of heat exchangers. Biofilms are also found on various medical biomaterials implanted in patients, including plastic, rubber, or metallic materials .…”