Fouling

Accumulation of unwanted material on solid surfaces

Fouling is the accumulation of unwanted material on solid surfaces. The fouling materials can consist of either living organisms or a non-living substance (inorganic). Fouling is usually distinguished from other surface-growth phenomena in that it occurs on a surface of a component, system, or plant performing a defined and useful function and that the fouling process impedes or interferes with this function.

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