When you consider that the impeller in the photo above is actually about 10 feet high, you can start to appreciate how BIG a problem biofilm can be for industry. Atkinson, B. and Fowler, H.W., in Biochemical Engineering Vol.
Introduction Let's start with biofilm .
Once anchored to a surface, biofilm microorganisms carry out a variety of detrimental or beneficial reactions, depending on the surrounding conditions. The Center for Biofilm Engineering concerns itself with problems and potentials of biofilm formation. Conservative estimates of the costs incurred by biofilm-related problems reach into the billions of dollars annually. Not all biofilm activity has negative results. Bacteria within biofilms can break down contaminants in soil and water.