Microbial fouling in water treatment plants

Abstract Microbial fouling poses serious problems in cooling circuits, wherein they reduce heat transfer efficiency resulting in a significant pressure drop in the condensers as well as impairing the performance of associated ancillary systems. Predicting the type, rate, and extent of microfouling phenomena manifests the problem of biofouling in industrial cooling systems and affects the operation of industrial equipment which is prone to biofouling. Microbes thrive in the conducive environment of cooling water systems which aids in adhesion and growth. The colonized microbes and their metabolic products can deteriorate the various material of the cooling circuit. The microbial consortia are also implicated in the corrosion phenomenon since they are locally focused on the metal surfaces. The degree of colonization on the metallic surfaces by microfouling bacteria is distinct; this aids in generating corrosion potentials as large as that generated between incompatible metals. The impact of microbial corrosion can range from significant physical damage to pipes and other system components due to pitting or localized corrosion.