Biofilms in Industrial Water Systems: Metagenomic Insight on Biofilm Populations from a New Real-Time Biomonitoring System

摘要

Within the last decade researchers have gained a significant understanding of the role of biofilms in the onset of microbial-influenced corrosion in anthropogenic water systems.Biofilms are the preferred habitat for microorganisms and in this environment they are protected from harsh chemical treatments,shear stress,and predators.Within the biofilm matrix,microorganisms thrive in conditions responsible for promoting a corrosive environment.The types of bacteria responsible for corrosion vary from system to system.In this study we used a novel biomonitoring system installed in 26 unique industrial water systems across the United States.These systems provided not only a diverse geographical biofilm sample set but also allowed the evaluation in the seasonal variation within the biofilm samples collected from the same system.Metagenomic sequence analysis was utilized to provide a new understanding of the variations in bacterial populations existing in biofilms.Data revealed from the analysis will provide insight on the phylogenetically and metabolically distinct species present in the biofilms.This will aid in the formation of new anti-biofilm strategies to help minimize microbial-infiuenced corrosion.