Techniques to Address Biofouling

The objectives of biofouling treatment techniques are to kill microbes remove microbes and dead microbial bodies (which can become food for new growth) prevent adhesion, propagation, and biofilm maturation and remove nutrients that foster microbial growth. Techniques to accomplish these objectives include  

Modification of the bacterium or organic nutrient source itself 

Physical Techniques Physical techniques include ultraviolet radiation (UV), membrane filtration [microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF)j, and sand filtration. These techniques either modify the bacterium itself to hinder reproduction (UV) or remove bacteria via particle size filtration (MF, UF, and sand filtration). These techniques can be capital intensive and do little to address biofilm once formed. 

Ultrasound (sonication) This is a chemical-free process to cause cell disruption by inducing cavitation (bubbles) into a solution. The bubbles generate turbulence and pressure differences during both formation and bursting that can lead to rupture of microorganisms. The technique is still under research. 

Thermosonication This technique uses temperature (48 C) in addition to sonication to distxub microorganisms. The 

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