05-16: Control of Resistant Bacteria in Recirculating Water Systems

Bacteria are everywhere in recirculating cooling water systems. Controlling bacterial populations in the bulk water and on cooling system surfaces is necessary to maintain and operate the cooling system properly. Control of micro organisms in the field requires successful application of biocide agents. However, bacterial resistance to biocides is inevitable and irreversible, a natural consequence of bacterial adaptation to exposure to anti microbials. This paper presents mechanisms of bacterial resistance to anti microbials, strategies for overcoming resistant cell populations, and a supportive case history using biocides successfully against resistance bacteria.