Diagnosis of the Diatom Community upon Biofilm Development on Stainless Steels in Natural Freshwater.

ABSTRACT: This paper reports the development of biofilms on stainless steels (SS) upon exposure in a natural freshwater ecosystem for about six months and focuses on the composition of diatom populations. By using environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) technique, we provide a detailed description regarding diatom identification at species level as well as their main characteristics, including type, morphology, ability to form colony, and motility. Results reveal the presence of both prostrate (initial colonizers) and stalked (late colonizers) forms. Pennate diatoms, Cocconeis placentula and Amphora coffeaeformis, and a centric diatom, Melosira varians, are shown to be the abundant forms regardless of the SS type. Pennate diatoms dominate the community and are directly

SUBMITTER: Richard C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5662069 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature