Joint Program on Molecular Biology of Marine Organisms
Abstract
Research developed under ONR sponsorship has provided evidence that there are both bulk-phase and substratum variables which control colonization and biofilm formation. Bacterial attachment is not, therefore, completely dependent on a series of random, stochastic events. certain organisms more readily colonize substrata than others. The presence of primary colonizing populations is a necessary prerequisite for establishment of secondary colonizers. At least one type of bacterium associated with microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) activity, Desulfovibrio gigas, will only colonize substrata which have been previously colonized by Pseudomonas fluorescens. Successional colonization may be an important factor in MIC activity. Certain substratum inhomogeneities; e.g., the presence of welds, influence early colonization events. At some point in time, however, biofilm biomass constituents, metabolic activity, and community structure become independent of substratum effects. Mixed species biofilms show evidence of stress on 316 ss surfaces.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 20, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA254718
Entities
People
- David. C. White
- Marc W. Mittelman
Organizations
- University of Tennessee system