Asian-Pacific Aquaculture 2019

June 19 - 21, 2019

Chennai Tamil Nadu - India

SUITABLE APPROACH FOR BIO-FOULING CONTROL IN WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS

Kabiru Abdullahi AISLT
 College of Science and Technology
 Jigawa State Polytechnic, Dutse
 kabviruabdullahi@gmail.com
 

Biofouling is referred to as the settlement and growth of organisms on submerged structures, in short, it is unwanted deposition and growth of biofilms. This phenomenon can occur in an extremely wide range of situations, from the colonization of devices used in the production of ultra-pure, drinking and process water and the fouling of thermal exchangers, pipelines and reservoirs. Although biofouling occurs in different areas, it has a common cause, which is the biofilm. Biofilms are the most successful form of life on Earth and tolerate high amounts of biocides. Bioremediation has been used as the finest solution to pollutions but in turn this solution can causes biofouling if it is not accompanied by other technics. The hydrodynamic mechanical and medical consequences of biofouling organisms on water supply and treatment structures, e.g. Aerators, water pump, filters, reverse osmosis equipment, pipelines, heat exchangers etc. are of particular concern. There a number of issues with biofouling, these include:

  • Biofouling of pipelines by pathogenic organisms causes water pollution and leads to disease outbreak.
  • It Increases to surface weight and roughness thereby impacting drag and survivability of devices;
  • biofouling on Aerator blades, decreasing efficiency of Aeration;
  • It contribute or accelerate corrosion of metals pipe that causes blockage and could affect its lifespan;
  • It provide surfaces on artificial structures in the the water body (water source) environment which may create 'stepping-stone' habitats for the spread of fouling communities.

Above all, these issues leads to the economic lost In terms of frequent maintenance and repair cost, reduced performance of the machineries and formation of algal bloom cover.

For a sustainable biofouling prevention and control, an integrated approach is suggested which includes the analysis of the fouling situation, a selection of suitable components from the anti-fouling menu, less use of chemicals that are source of nutrients to pathogenic microbes and an effective and representative monitoring of biofilm development. Being able to apply innovative solutions in combination with this knowledge in future could help to increase the productivity of wholesome water, enabling relevant targets to be met for resolving world water crisis.