ABSTRACT
Biofilms dominated by algae and/or cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) will grow on any surface provided there is moisture and light. In natural ecosystems, algal biofilms are familiar on trees and fences, on stones in rivers, and on the seashore. They are also found in extremely hostile environments from the ice and snow of the polar ice caps to the tropics. Algal biofilms on paintwork and buildings are considered unsightly whilst fouling of underwater structures such as ships’ hulls causes substantial economic losses and may compromise safety.
