Center for Biofilm Engineering

Abstract:  

"Biofilms and biobarriers"
 

09-025

Biofilms have received a great deal of notice as the agents of disease, for their role in the destruction of fine art and sculpture and as the cause of biocorrosion in pipes, heat exchangers, and engines. This article, intended for teachers and students of microbiology, is intended to show how biofilms can serve as positive agents in environmental protection.

This paper explains the theory and practice of biobarrier technology, in which biofilms are established in soil to prevent or retard the spread of pollutants in ground water. Instructions for constructing, and operating a biobarrier column are given so that students can explore this growing technology.

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0618744. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Lennox J, Ashe J, "Biofilms and biobarriers," The American Biology Teacher 2009; 71(1):20-26