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Biofilms can grow in the most extreme environments: from, for example, the extremely hot, briny waters of hot springs ranging from very acidic to very alkaline, to frozen glaciers. Biofilms can be found on rocks and pebbles at the bottoms of most streams or rivers and often form on the surfaces of stagnant pools of water.
Microbial mats and less complex types of biofilm are found at temperature ranges from –40 °C to +120 °C, because variations in pressure affect the temperatures at which water remains liquid. [3] They even appear as endosymbionts in some animals, for example in the hindguts of some echinoids. [10]
Microalgal biofilms consist of 90% EPS and 10% algal cells. Algal EPS has similar components to the bacterial one; it is made up of proteins, phospholipids, polysaccharides, nucleic acids, humic substances, uronic acids and some functional groups, such as phosphoric, carboxylic, hydroxyl and amino groups.
Biofilms in marine environments Various biofilm components (including bacteria, algae, and fungi) are embedded in a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances.. An intertidal bioflim is a biofilm that forms on the intertidal region of bodies of water.
The formation of biofilms is a complex process and is dependent upon the availability of light as well as the relationships between the microorganisms. Biofilms serve a variety of roles in aquatic, terrestrial, and extreme environments; these roles include functions which are both beneficial and detrimental to the environment.
Rather, a biofilm is made up of an array of microorganisms that come together to form a cohesive biofilm. [7] Although, there are homogeneous biofilms that can form. For example, the plaque that forms on the surfaces of teeth is caused by a biofilm formation of primarily Streptococcus mutans and the slow breakdown of tooth enamel. [8] [9]
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Biofilms can consist of a multitude of bacteria, fungi, and algae which are able to absorb, immobilize, and degrade many common pollutants found in wastewater.By harnessing a natural phenomenon, biofilm-mediated remediation is an environmentally friendly method for environmental cleanup. [3]