Planktonic versus Sessile Cells

Definition

The distinction between free-floating microorganisms in the bulk water and surface-attached cells living in biofilm.

When biocide drops to zero, planktonic bacteria multiply and then begin establishing sessile biofilm on surfaces. The shift from planktonic cells to surface biofilm is one of the listed form changes in a mass balance. Once cells become sessile within biofilm they are sheltered from oxidants that still control the planktonic population.

Related concepts

Biocide Efficacy · Biofilm · Microbiological Growth

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Part of The Blueprint of Water · 🦠 biology