Biofilm

Biofilm or bio-layer is a slimy layer found on the interior of water receptacles such as silos, tanks, pipes, etc. This bio-layer mainly consists of slime-producing bacteria and other organisms including algae, viruses, fungi, etc. Bio-layer is essential in order for these organisms to reproduce. Viruses, fungi and bacteria found in water need bio-layer in order to reproduce. They use this bio-layer as a kind of incubator.

This is a process that constantly repeats itself, meaning that high concentrations of micro-organisms can be present in the affected water after a period of time. If this bio-layer is eliminated from the water, it becomes impossible for micro-organisms to reproduce. When a pressure wave strikes the side or bottom of a water receptacle, it has a sterilising effect on that area. As a result, the bio-layer that may have formed is eliminated after a period of time.

Biofilm is characterised by 5 stages of growth:

• Stage 1 initial attachment
• Stage 2 irreversible attachment
• Stage 3 Growth I
• Stage 4 Growth II
• Stage 5 Outbreak