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Observations on biofilm formation in industrial air-cooling units

Conference · · Dev. Ind. Microbiol.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6302993
Observations on biofilm formation in industrial air-cooling units were made over a 60-day operational period. Methods employed included: epifluorescent direct counts of water and slime samples, enumeration of culturable bacteria in water and slime samples, and ultrastructural observations of microbial attachment to formvar coated grids and epoxy resin blocks. Acridine orange direct counts and culturable counts of bacteria in water samples remained constant over the 60-day cycle, while culturable counts in slime samples increased with time. Interfering fluorescent materials present in the slime made accurate direct counts difficult to obtain. Initial increases in numbers of bacteria on formvar coated grids and culturable counts of slime samples were positively correlated with time. However, after 14 days, the formvar deteriorated and direct transmission electron microscopic bacterial counts could no longer be obtained. Submersion of epoxy resin blocks, especially those with pitted surfaces, provided an excellent method for the observation of bacterial attachment and colonization. 21 references, 3 figures.
Research Organization:
Univ. of West Florida, Pensacola
OSTI ID:
6302993
Report Number(s):
CONF-8208164-
Conference Information:
Journal Name: Dev. Ind. Microbiol.; (United States) Journal Volume: 24
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English