Abstract: Methods for inhibiting the attachment of microbes to surfaces in aqueous systems are disclosed. Copolymers of a tannin and a cationic monomer are added to aqueous systems, such as papermaking and cooling water systems, to inhibit microbial attachment to surfaces which cause slime formation problems.

Abstract: A method for treating the microbial slime that is generated in industrial water systems by adding to the water a combination of enzymes specific to the numerous saccharide units that make up the exopolysaccharide layer. These enzymes comprise galactosidase, galacturonidase, rhamnosidase xylosidase, fucosidase, arabinosidase and .alpha.-glucosidase.

Abstract: Methods are provided for inhibiting the production of acid in acid mine waters by controlling the growth of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans in the mine waters by adding an effective amount of acrolein. This will reduce acid mine drainage to other aqueous systems. The methods comprise adding from about 0.1 to about 10 parts acrolein per million parts of the mine water for which acid production inhibition is sought.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of chemical addition to a microbial population to condition the population to (i) enhance bioconversion or biodegradation of a given substrate, or (ii) survive and perform greater bioconversion of a substrate when the population is exposed to fluctuating and in particular shock loads of the substrate. The method comprises conditioning the population by exposure of such to a non-toxic or non-inhibitory amount of a material which is biochemically or structurally similar to the substrate in question. The method is applicable in systems where the production of useful metabolites is the objective, as well as in waste treatment where degradation of a waste into more acceptable form is to be achieved.