ABSTRACT
The ability of bacteria to act as self-replicating entities distinguishes these contaminants from other, abiological, particulates. Their growth, replication, and production of various ionic and organic by-products in otherwise contaminant-free purified waters, clean-room air, and manufacturing surfaces presents a tremendous challenge to production and quality assurance personnel. The same metabolic and structural properties that enable survival in such an otherwise hostile environment create special problems for bacterial detection and treatment.
