Surface microorganisms

Kurtz, H.D. Netoff, D.I. (2001) Stabilization of friable sandstone surfaces in a desiccating, wind-abraded environment of south-central Utah by rock surface microorganisms. Journal of Arid Environments 48(1), 89-100. 

Blakeman, J. "Ecological succession of leaf surface microorganisms in relation to biological control", In Biological Control on the Phylloplane, C. Windels, S. Lindow, Eds., American Phytopathological Society St. Paul, MN, 1985, 6-30. 

J. P. Blakeman, The chemical environment of the leaf surface in relation to growth of pathogenic fungi, in Ecology of Leaf Surface Microorganisms, pp. 255-268, Academic Press, New York (1971). 

A. K. Fraser, Growth restriction of pathogenic fungi on the leaf surface, Ecology of Leaf Surface Microorganisms, ... 

Physical condition. The physical condition of distribution system pipes influences their tendency to foster biological regrowth. Distribution pipes that have tuber-cules or other surface irregularities commonly harbor microbial encrustations. Certain pipe materials and conditions can lead to a heavy accumulation of bacteria on their walls, a so-called biofilm. By attaching to the surface, microorganisms can be protected from washout and can exploit larger nutrient resources either accumulated at the surface or in the passing water. Moreover, attached bacteria appear to be less affected by disinfectants than those suspended in the disinfected liquid. 

Dickinson, C.H. 1971. Cultural studies of leaf saprophytes. In Ecology of Leaf Surface Microorganisms, eds. T.F. Preece C.H. Dickinson, pp. 129-137, Academic Press, New York. 

Other Properties. Polyester fibers have good resistance to uv radiation although prolonged exposure weakens the fibers (47,51). PET is not affected by iasects or microorganisms and can be designed to kill bacteria by the iacorporation of antimicrobial agents (19). The oleophilic surface of PET fibers attracts and holds oils. Other PET fiber properties can be found ia the Hterature (47,49). 

Produce. Eresh fmits and vegetables must be handled gendy because of sensitive stmctures and the ubiquitous presence of microorganisms. Damage to the product surfaces provide channels through which microorganisms can enter to initiate spoilage. 

Water and Waste Water Treatment. PAG products are used in water treatment for removal of suspended soHds (turbidity) and other contaminants such as natural organic matter from surface waters. Microorganisms and colloidal particles of silt and clay are stabilized by surface electrostatic charges preventing the particles from coalescing. Historically, alum (aluminum sulfate hydrate) was used to neutralize these charges by surface adsorption of Al cations formed upon hydrolysis of the alum. Since 1983 PAG has been sold as an alum replacement in the treatment of natural water for U.S. municipal and industrial use. 

Vaccines can be roughly categorized into killed vaccines and Hve vaccines. A killed vaccine can be (/) an inactivated, whole microorganism such as pertussis, (2) an inactivated toxin, called toxoid, such as diphtheria toxoid, or (J) one or more components of the microorganism commonly referred to as subunit vaccines. The examples are capsular polysaccharide of Streptococcus pneumoniae and the surface antigen protein for Hepatitis B vims vaccine. 

BloFIms. Microbiologists recognize two different populations of microorganisms. Free-floating (planktonic) populations are found in the bulk water. Attached (sessile) populations colonize surfaces. The same kinds of microorganisms can be found in either population, but the sessile population is responsible for biofouling. 

MicrobiologicaHy influenced corrosion, which results from the interaction of microorganisms and a metal, is receiving increased emphasis (1,3,9). The action of microorganisms is at least one of the reasons why natural seawater is more corrosive than either artificial seawater or sodium chloride solutions. Microorganisms attach to the surfaces of metals and can, for example, act as diffusion barriers produce metaboHtes that enhance or initiate... 

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