Larger Microorganisms in Well Systems

摘要

Biofouling or biologically related fouling is a common problem in wells, storage tanks, and various means of water conveyance and management. Differentiating between naturally occurring bacteria and organisms generally associated with surface water is an important tool in the management of wells. "Groundwater under the direct influence of surface water" means a groundwater source is located close enough to nearby surface water such as a river, lake, or marshland to receive direct surface water recharge. As wells constructed in the proximity of surface water bodies can potentially receive a portion of their recharge from the surface, it's important to understand the risks of contamination from larger microorganisms. Microorganisms or microbes are microscopic organisms invisible to the unaided eye. Microorganisms exist as unicellular, multicellular, or clusters of cells. Widely distributed in nature, microorganisms are beneficial to life but some can cause serious harm. They can be divided into six major types: bacteria, archaea, fungi, protozoa, algae, and viruses.