Emerging microbial control issues in cooling water systems

Microbial life affects everything including many industrial processes. The nature and activity of microorganisms determines whether their presence is beneficial or destructive. In cooling towers, the destructive capability of these organisms is manifested. The microorganisms that inhabit industrial cooling water systems can adversely affect the efficiency of the operation by their sheer number and diversity, metabolic wastes or deposits and associated corrosion. Microbiologically influenced corrosion is emerging as a serious problem in cooling systems. This article brings into focus the problems created by microbial infestations in cooling water systems and the control procedures evolved to combat them. Further, the future strategies being evolved in view of environmental concerns with biocides currently used are also discussed.