The Control of Bacteria on Surfaces: Effectiveness of Bromine-Based Biocides towards Microbial Biofilms and Biofilm-Associated Legionella Pneumophila

摘要

Proper cooling system operation depends on maintaining clean system surfaces for optimum heat transfer efficiency and system longevity. Biofilms or microbiological growth on surfaces can negatively impact the operation of cooling systems in many ways - by impeding efficient heat transfer in heat exchangers, by clogging film fill surfaces, and by creating an environment for destructive and pathogenic organisms such as sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRBs) and Legionella pneumophila. For the past several years, we have studied the effectiveness of bromine-based biocides for control of biofilm bacteria in general and for control of problem organisms like Legionella pneumophila and SRBs in particular. This work indicates subtle differences in the activity of various bromine-based biocides and provides guidance for the development of effective microbiological treatment strategies for industrial cooling systems. Two case studies illustrate how different bromine technologies - one based on a stabilized bromine liquid; the other on a granular solid - can be used to control biofouling and to provide an effective water treatment program.