Identification of Microorganisms Involved in Biofilm Formation and Challenge for Biofilm Control

Membrane bioreactor is promising wastewater treatment technology whereas remains major issue of biofilm formation on the membrane surface. Recently, various studies are focusing on microbial community of the biofilm and suggested that certain bacteria detected in the biofilm played an important role on biofilm formation (e.g., early colonization). This review summarized the biofilm forming bacteria which is divided into two types; pioneer bacteria and maturation bacteria existed in early and matured biofilm, respectively. Moreover, recent studies indicate that biological control represented by antisense method and bacteriophage are effective technologies to eliminate biofilm forming bacteria. This review also discussed applicability of these technologies from engineering point of view.