9729389 Rittmann This is an award to provide support for conduct of a specialized international conference sponsored by the International Association on Water Quality on the ecology of biofilms. Cosponsors include the Societe Lyonnaise des Eaux, the Waterways Experiment Station of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The conference will address the structure and function of biofilms in processes of significance in environmental engineering practice. These include aerobic and anaerobic fixed film and suspended growth reactors, water treatment processes, water distribution systems, wastewater transport conduits, contaminated soil, surfaces fouled by contact with water and corrosion of materials in contact with water. This award will be used to support travel and other costs for participation of three internationally distinguished experts in biofilms in the conduct of this conference. Results of this conference are expected to provide insights into the structure and function of biofilms that will improve the engineering design and operation of processes using biologically active films adhering to solid surfaces or formed in suspended growth bioreactors. Results are also expected to provide knowledge that can be used in dealing with biofouling of water conduction systems, cooling towers and other surfaces that are in contact with water. ***
