Online biofilm monitoring is missing in technical systems: how to build stronger case-studies?

Abstract

AbstractUsing physical tools to assess online, real-time, continuous information about biofilms in technical water systems is a key component of an early-warning antifouling strategy. However, online biofilm monitoring is not yet relevant in real-field practice, nor in lab studies. In this review we analyse online biofilm monitoring from an academic perspective to provide insights on what science can improve to bring it to the spotlight of biofouling management and prevention. We argue the need to involve a broader community of biofilm researchers on the use of online monitoring to deepen biofilm studies (e.g. linking biofilm features, dynamics and operational impact) as well as the need for more, and better detailed studies. This will, consequently, reinforce the added value of biofilm monitoring as part of an early-warning antifouling strategy while bridging the techniques’ potential to the real-field needs. Finally, we propose a framework to improve laboratorial and field studies.