Industrial water systems often represent an ideal place for the growth and multiplication of microorganisms, due to e.g. the presence of nutrients, favourable temperatures, high residence time and ratio of surface area to system volume. With these conditions, a high bacterial proliferation can lead to biofilm development and subsequent problems like decrease of system performance and material damage by corrosion. In addition, bacterial biofilms accumulating on the surface can significantly reduce the heat transfer and increase the frictional resistance in tubes. Biofilms on pipe walls may also cause serious sanitary problems in water systems as they provide a habitat for pathogenic microorganisms.