CH2 - Effects of microbial attachment to surfaces of stainless steels and copper on the materials performance in industrial water systems

• Research unit: COST
• Project number: C98.0015

Key words (English)

Materials; biofilms; field studies; monitoring

Research programs (English)

COST-Action 520 - Biofouling et matériaux

Short description (English)

See abstract

Partners and International Organizations (English)

B, DK, FIN, F, D, GR, H, I, NL, P, RO, SI, E, S, CH, GB

Abstract (English)

Activities in the frame of the COST Project 520 CH-2 included (1) laboratory experimentation: A series of experiments was performed aiming at (i) the initial phase of microbial attachment to solid surfaces and (ii) the response of planktonic and sessile microbial populations to environmental stress brought about by application of oxidizing biocides. Using test equipment of the 'Robbins Device' type combined with epifluorescence microscopy and conventional culturing techniques it was shown that it is possible to not only detect the colonization of materials surfaces but also to register temporal changes of the microbiological condition of the system in general (important for the assessment of efficacy of antimicrobial strategies). (2) Field studies are long-term experiments based on the '2-track-approach': (i) monitoring of microbial activity of the working medium in a practical installation and (ii) in-depth study of case histories (operational problems related to microorganisms; corrosion, biofouling, deterioration of hygiene). In-depth studies of case histories have been performed in collaboration with the Project Partner CH-3 (University of Zürich).

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: COST-DB of the State Secretariat for Education and Research Hallwylstrasse 4 CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland Tel. [phone] Swiss Project-Number: C98.0015