Biofilm formation: hydrodynamic effects on internal diffusion and structure

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 1993

Authors

M. J. Vieira (Author) Other; Luis F. Melo (Author) FEUP; M. M. Pinheiro (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Biofouling Oxon

Vol. 7 No. 1

Pages: 67-80

ISSN: 1029-2454

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Indexing

Scopus

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology

Other information

DOI: 10.1080/08927019309386244

Abstract (EN): Diffusion in microbial films produced by Pseudomonas fluorescens under turbulent flow conditions was studied using an inert substance (LiCl). Mass transfer coefficients in the biofilm were measured during formation of the biological deposits and for biofilms developed under different fluid velocities. Mass transfer rates in the biofilm decreased with time, and more quickly in the case of biofilms subjected to high shear stresses. The latter show lower final thicknesses and lower internal diffusivities. The so-called ¿active layer¿, if it exists, does not seem to have a fixed thickness (as proposed by some authors), since it will depend on the environmental conditions, particularly on fluid velocities.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 14