Assessment of a low-frequency ultrasound device on prevention of biofilm formation and carbonate deposition in drinking water systems.

•Low-frequency ultrasound was studied on drinking water biofilms and CaCO3 deposits.•Ultrasounds affect both biofilm and planktonic cell number and activity.•US treatment did not prevent initial bacterial adhesion and CaCO3 deposition.•Low-frequency ultrasounds markedly limit biofilm formation and scaling.