The Formation of a "Primary Film" on Materials Submerged in the Sea at Port Hueneme, California

Abstract

The initial stages of fouling, the accumulation of microscopic organisms, and formation of a primary film or slime layer, have received but sparse attention in the literature. To cite an example, the U.S. Naval Institute publication Marine Fording and Its Prevention contains hundreds of references to fouling but only eight pertain to the primary film.