Biofilm: a small forest in the water supply

Unlike most micro-organisms in our environment, biofilm can be seen with the naked eye. This is because biofilm is an elaborate system of a lot of micro-organisms; it is like a forest consisting of bacteria, fungi, minerals, algae and water. Something special happens in this system: micro-organisms that normally live alone adapt to their place in the biofilm. In this way, it can arm itself against measures such as antibiotics, chlorine, hydrogen peroxide and UV radiation.

Biofilms occur in almost every environment on earth that has contact with water; tissue as well as solid and liquid surfaces. Examples include a slippery layer on the shower floor, slimy deposits in a water pipe and dental plaque. Bacteria can adapt to the environment through biofilm formation and thus survive when they could not on their own. For example, biofilms have been found in extremely acidic (pH 1) environments.

Each a task

In water pipes, biofilm forms as loose microorganisms attach themselves to a the wall of the pipe. With the help of proteins, the loose cells make contact with each other, forming different layers. This allows the biofilm to better resist, for example, the flow of water. Due to the contact the micro-organisms have, they develop differently from each other. This creates an intricate structure with channels, pores and mucus where the waste products of one become the food for another. It is basically a mini-forest, with each species having its own task. On the outside of the biofilm, the forest expands. Cells release and are carried away by the water. This is how the biofilm spreads through the pipes.

Dangers of biofilm in livestock farming

In animal husbandry, biofilm poses a huge risk to animal health. The standard of 10,000 bacteria per millilitre contributes to water pipes being approved while there is a continuous presence of biofilm, as long as it releases less than 10,000 germs per millilitre. This not only spreads pathogenic bacteria, but also the toxins they produce.

Controlling biofilm is extra difficult because they are highly resistant to many pesticides. To combat biofilm effectively with acid or chlorine dioxide, for example, requires a concentration in the drinking water that is too high for animals to drink safely. So this cannot be done at the same time. Cleaning between rounds does not help either, because the biofilm will regrow within a few days. To combat biofilm properly, it is important that bacteria are continuously killed off and cannot re-attach to the pipe with a product that is effective against contamination but safe for animals.

How can the Watter system help you?

Our disinfection device uses a technology called electrochemical activation (ECA). In the Watter system, salt and water are electrolysed and, as a result, a disinfectant with HOCl as active substance. Due to the variety of active ingredients, the concentration can be kept very low without losing effectiveness. This means that with much less disinfectant, much better results are achieved.

Also for industry and healthcare

Disinfection and biofilm control are also extremely important in other sectors. Examples are the food industry, machine cleaning in industry and surface disinfection in healthcare. Therefore, the Watter system also offers many advantages in these industries. Want to know more? Take a look at our industry and healthcare pages.