Chapter 4, Problem 1SA

Describe a detrimental and a beneficial effect of biofilms.

Summary Introduction

To review:

Description of a detrimental and a beneficial effect of biofilms

Introduction:

The microorganisms in nature can live permanently or temporarily in a hydrousenvironment but most attach themselves to surfaces and live in polymer encased communities called as biofilms. Biofilms causethe sticky substance that coats the drains of the kitchen, the sticky colorless deposit, which grows on surfaces within the mouth.

Explanation of Solution

The formation of biofilms begins when free-floating cellsmove to a surface and attach. Multiplication will then take place and will release hydrophilic polymers, DNA, and polysaccharides. The unrelated cells may attach and grow. The assembly of these polymersisreferred to as extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). EPS gives a biofilm its slimy appearance.

Biofilms have harmful effects. Biofilms can be formed anywhere especially on moist surfaces because it provides the good ground for the bacteria to grow. They tend to be resistant to antibiotics. Biofilms are seen growing around the surfaces of toilets, sinks, in hospitals, wound dressing. Complication of cystic fibrosis, in which the lungs and digestive systems get clogged with mucus, ear infection, heart diseases, and respiratory problems, isthe harmful effectof biofilms. These infections often require a high dose of antibiotics to get rid of the body and it requires a long time.

Biofilms have beneficial effects. They are important for wastewater treatment facilities. The various microbial activity in the water is controlled in the biological treatment of wastewater. This is the filtration process where the wastewater is treated. The conversion of organic carbon in the water into bacterial biomass is the biological filtration. This process makes the treated water more biologically stable and free of all disinfectant. Biofilms are used in the process of bioremediation of contaminated soil. Bioremediation is the process where the toxic organic material is converted into a harmless product. Various toxic contaminants(gasoline, fuel oil) are released accidentally underground in the soil. The bacterial population present in the native soil will use the organic contaminants as a food source. Thus they will make the soil free from all the toxic organic contaminants and will convert them into harmless by-products.

Conclusion

Thus, the harmful effect of biofilm is seen in various health-related problems, such as respiratory disease, ear infection, and a complication of cystic fibrosis. The beneficial effect is seen in the treatment of urban wastewater, bioremediation of contaminated soil.