Biological fouling
Biological fouling (or biofouling) refers to the collection of impure or unwanted organisms (including bacteria, plants, small animals and so on) that may colonise, resulting in biofilms in marine and industrial settings.
Biofouling can sometimes interfere with the operation of equipment (including marine vehicles) or the purity of water collection and delivery systems (including inlets, pipes and so on). If biofouling occurs in certain types of mechanical systems (including heating and cooling systems), it can cause clogging that may lead to poor performance, system failures and costly remedial works.
Steps to address biofouling (sometimes referred to as anti-fouling measures) will depend on the type of mechanical systems and the cause of the biofouling condition.
NB Water safety in buildings, published by the World Health Organization in 2011, defines biofilms as: ‘A slimy matrix produced and inhabited by bacteria, which enables the bacteria to adhere to a surface and carry out certain essential biochemical processes.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Biofilm.
- BSRIA Water Treatment for Closed Heating and Cooling Systems BG 50/2021.
- Copper in construction.
- Foul water.
- Groundwater control in urban areas.
- Heating ventilation and air conditioning.
- Pipework.
- Training for pre-commissioning cleaning of pipework systems.
- Water purification.
- Water treatment.
Featured articles and news
Shortage of high-quality data threatening the AI boom
And other fundamental issues highlighted by the Open Data Institute.
Data centres top the list of growth opportunities
In robust, yet heterogenous world BACS market.
Increased funding for BSR announced
Within plans for next generation of new towns.
New Towns Taskforce interim policy statement
With initial reactions to the 6 month policy update.
Heritage, industry and slavery
Interpretation must tell the story accurately.
PM announces Building safety and fire move to MHCLG
Following recommendations of the Grenfell Inquiry report.
Conserving the ruins of a great Elizabethan country house.
BSRIA European air conditioning market update 2024
Highs, lows and discrepancy rates in the annual demand.
50 years celebrating the ECA Apprenticeship Awards
As SMEs say the 10 years of the Apprenticeship Levy has failed them.
Nominations sought for CIOB awards
Celebrating construction excellence in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
EPC consultation in context: NCM, SAP, SBEM and HEM
One week to respond to the consultation on reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings framework.
CIAT Celebrates 60 years of Architectural Technology
Find out more #CIAT60 social media takeover.
The BPF urges Chancellor for additional BSR resources
To remove barriers and bottlenecks which delay projects.
Flexibility over requirements to boost apprentice numbers
English, maths and minimumun duration requirements reduced for a 10,000 gain.
A long term view on European heating markets
BSRIA HVAC 2032 Study.
Humidity resilience strategies for home design
Frequency of extreme humidity events is increasing.
National Apprenticeship Week 2025
Skills for life : 10-16 February