Microfouling on metal surfaces exposed to seawater (Reprinted)

The formation of films that retard the efficient transfer of heat through m etallic surfaces exposed to seawater is a complex process beginning with fo rmation of a primary film that attracts microorganisms of increasingly comp lex morphology. These organisms and their extracellular polymers form the b iofouling film. The morphology of this film apparently does not depend on t he texture of the metallic surface but on its chemical composition. The bio mass and community composition of the microbial film can be quantitatively assayed with biochemical measures that can be correlated with resistance to heat transfer, This information can be used to perfect antifouling design modifications and chemical or mechanical cleaning countermeasures.