Ability in biofouling by Klebsormidium flaccidum of mortars: Influence of the intrinsic characteristics

The aim of this study was to highlight the influence of the intrinsic properties of mortars (roughness, porosity, and surface pH) on their susceptibility to biodegradation by phototrophic microorganisms. An accelerated fouling test was performed using the green algae Klebsormidium flaccidum . The biofouling was evaluated by means of image analysis. The colonization of samples was not influenced by the porosity because of the specific conditions of testing. However, the increase in roughness and the decreases in surface pH by the means of carbonation, promote algal development significantly. Thus the latency time is shortened and the rate of colonization increases.