Biofilm formation on galvanized steel by SRB isolate obtained from cooling tower water

Abstract

In this study, we investigated biofilm formation on galvanized steel coupons by anaerobic bacteria isolate including sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB) isolated from cooling tower water in a lab-scaled experimental setup. The test coupons were exposed to the culture of anaerobic bacteria isolate during 744 hours. In the course of time, anaerobic bacteria isolate could form biofilm on galvanized steel coupons. According to the statistical analyses, there was no significant difference between sessile and planktonic SRB counts, while a positive correlation was found out between SRB counts (P<0.01). Extracellular carbohydrate appeared to be degraded by bacteria culture in the test system. Keywords: Sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB), cooling tower water, galvanized steel, biofilm.