Biofilm accumulation and activity: a process engineering analysis

Abstract

Process Analysis refers to the application of systematic methods to recognize, define and clarify problems and to develop methodologies for their solution. Biofilm formation and persistence in both natural and engineered systems is governed by a collage of complex physical, chemical, and biological processes; each process dependent on a unique set of system parameters. Process analysis applied to biofilm formation provides an integrated approach which incorporates microbial physiology, reaction engineering, and transport phenomena to understand, control, and exploit biofilm processes. Application of process analysis allows one to (a) interpret the operation of an existing biofilm system, (b) design new biofilm reactor systems, and (c) understand the complexities of natural biofilm systems. It is increasingly apparent that research into biofilm processes which does not comprise microbial, chemical, and fundamental engineering aspects is incomplete.