MICROFOULING ON METAL SURFACES EXPOSED TO SEAWATER

The formation of films that retard the efficient transfer of heat through metallic surfaces exposed to seawater is a complex process beginning with formation of a primary film that attracts microorganisms of increasingly complex morphology. These organisms and their extracellular polymers form the biofouling film. The morphology of this film apparently does not depend on the texture of the metallic surface but on its chemical composition. The biomass and community composition of the microbial film can be quantitatively assayed with biochemical measures that can be correlated with resistance to heat transfer. This information can be used to perfect antifouling design modifications and chemical or mechanical cleaning countermeasures.