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Biofilm thickness measurement using an ultrasound method in a liquid phase

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Abstract

In this report, the development of an online, noninvasive, measurement method of the biofilm thickness in a liquid phase is presented. The method is based in the analysis of the ultrasound wave pulse-echo behavior in a liquid phase reproducing the real reactor conditions. It does not imply the removal of the biomass from the support or any kind of intervention in the support (pipes) to detect and perform the measurements (non-invasiveness). The developed method allows for its sensor to be easily and quickly mounted and unmounted in any location along a pipe or reactor wall. Finally, this method is an important innovation because it allows the thickness measurement of a biofilm, in liquid phase conditions that can be used in monitoring programs, to help in scheduling cleaning actions to remove the unwanted biofilm, in several application areas, namely in potable water supply pipes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departamento de Ciências e Engenharia do Ambiente, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Quinta da Torre, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal

    R. Maurício, N. Jubilado & F. Santana

  2. CENIMAT I3N, Departamento de Ciências dos Materiais, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova Lisboa, Quinta da Torre, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal

    C. J. Dias

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  1. R. Maurício
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  4. F. Santana
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Correspondence to R. Maurício.

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Maurício, R., Dias, C.J., Jubilado, N. et al. Biofilm thickness measurement using an ultrasound method in a liquid phase. Environ Monit Assess 185, 8125–8133 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-013-3160-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-013-3160-0

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