Microbiological problems in the paper industry .2. Detection and analytical methods

Effective countermeasures against microbially induced problems in paper mills require an unequivocal, rapid, simple and inexpensive procedure for the identification of the microbial origin. Physical, chemical, biochemical and microbiological techniques are used for this purpose. A particularly unsatisfactory aspect of the current practice is the exclusive application of the methods to the water phase. However, water samples do not reflect site and extent of biofilm development. Yet the problems are largely caused by microbial deposits on surfaces. Therefore, it is important to take samples from surfaces. This allows to assess the microbial colonization of the system al particular points of interest. A rough estimation on the microbial status of a paper mill can be obtained by simple tests which can be performed in situ. The limitations of these tests have to be considered when interpreting the results. If more precise and reliable data are requested the investigations have to be performed in a microbiological laboratory. Here, the microorganisms can be characterized, identified and quantified.