ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the processes affecting biofilm accumulation and activity, and provides hypotheses for future biofilm research. Biofilms can present a problem when they occur in unwanted locations such as industrial process equipment or implanted medical devices. Biofilm and other immobilized cell reactors offer significant advantages in bioprocessing, such as increased process flow rates without washing the organisms from the reactor. The progression of biofilm accumulation typically follows a sigmoidal-shaped curve in terms of biofilm mass, cell numbers, or thickness. The research of Chang and Rittmann compares the effects of surface irregularities on biofilm shear losses and accumulation in packed columns of granular activated carbon (GAC). During the induction period, the irregularly shaped GAC showed greater biofilm attachment and no erosion. A characteristic of open systems, as compared to closed systems, is that open systems can reach a steady state with regard to viable biomass and substrate concentrations.
