Answer to Question #152553 in Microbiology for Nora

Question

What is the importance of biofilms in improving food, water and air quality?

Answer 1

Biofilms have helped shape the biosphere in many different biomes. The healthy bacteria such Lactobacillus produces an enzyme called lactase. Lactase breaks down lactose, a sugar found in milk, into lactic acid which may intern reduce the cholesterol level,balance blood sugar and also prevent and reduce diarrhea in human.

Biofilm of environmental friendly microbes are used to control soil and water pollution. This is possible when the artificial or natural microbes degrade hence removing pollutants from water bodies making water safe and healthy for human use.

The process of bio-remediation employs diverse microbes for degradation or treatment of xenobiotic compounds, aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, radionuclides, crude oil, jet fuels, petroleum products and explosives that are harmful to human health when released to the atmosphere as they are major air pollutants.