Exposure to chlorine affects the extracellular polymeric substance production and cell surface hydrophobicity in biofilm bacteria

Chlorination is a common antifouling method adopted by industrial units to minimize the fouling growth on cooling systems. In the present study, the effect of sodium hypochlorite on extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production, hydrophobicity, cell adhesion and viability of marine bacteria involved in biofilm formation were assessed in laboratory condition. Two bacterial strains, tentatively identified as Alteromonas sp. and Pseudomonas sp. isolated from the surface of seaweeds were used as test organisms for the present study. The bacterial cultures were treated with sodium hypochlorite at 25% of the minimum inhibitory concentration. Results showed considerable variation in the production of EPS, viable counts, hydrophobicity and adhesion ability of bacteria treated with sodium hypochlorite. In general, the present study indicated that chlorination affects some important characteristics involved in the biofilm formation and thereby reduces the adhesion rate on surfaces.