Composition and method for the removal of biofilm

1 . A synergistic composition useful for the removal of biofilm comprising:

i) glutaraldehyde; and

ii) 2-deoxy-D-glucose.

2 . The synergistic composition of claim 1 wherein the weight ratio of glutaraldehyde to 2-deoxy-D-glucose is 2.5:1 to 1:60.

3 . A method to remove biofilm comprising:

i. providing an aqueous system that comprises a biofilm with at least one sulfate-reducing prokaryote; and

ii. contacting the biofilm with the synergistic composition of claim 1 .

4 . The method of claim 3 wherein the sulfate-reducing prokaryote comprises Desulfovibrio vulgaris.

5 . A synergistic composition useful for the removal of biofilm comprising:

i) glutaraldehyde; and

ii) α-methyl-mannoside.

6 . The synergistic composition of claim 5 wherein the weight ratio of glutaraldehyde to α-methyl-mannoside is 2.5:1 to 1:60.

7 . A method to remove biofilm comprising:

i. providing an aqueous system that comprises at least one sulfate-reducing prokaryote; and

ii. contacting the aqueous system with the synergistic composition of claim 5 .

8 . The method of claim 7 wherein the sulfate-reducing prokaryote comprises Desulfovibrio vulgaris.