Effects of phosphate and silicate on stiffness and viscoelasticity of mature biofilms developed with simulated drinking water.

ABSTRACT: Biofilms, a porous matrix of cells aggregated with extracellular polymeric substances under the influence of chemical constituents in the feed water, can develop a viscoelastic response to mechanical stresses. In this study, the roles of phosphate and silicate, common additives in corrosion control and meat processing, on the stiffness, viscoelasticity, porous structure networks, and chemical properties of biofilm were investigated. Three-year biofilms on PVC coupons were grown from sand-filtered groundwater with or without one of the non-nutrient (silicate) or nutrient additives (phosphate or phosphate blends). Compared with non-nutrient additives, the phosphate and phosphate-blend additives led to a biofilm with the lowest stiffness, most viscoelastic, and more porous structure, includin

SUBMITTER: Huang C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10065970 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature