Eawag News «Biofilms» issue published

December 23rd, 2006

Biofilms are ubiquitous: not only do they form on our teeth – practically all natural and artificial interfaces are colonized by microorganisms. Although in many cases they are unwelcome (e.g. dental plaque), certain biofilms are cultivated deliberately, such as the bacteria used to break down nutrients and other pollutants in wastewater treatment plants.

Selected topics:

• Mathematical models for the simulation of biofilm behaviour
• Biofilms in natural waterbodies: sites of intense biological activity
• Biofilms as indicators of environmental impacts
• Biofilms in wastewater treatment
• Controlling unwanted biofilm growth on heat exchangers

Articles (in German only)