• Responses to pollution incidents can involve bioremediation combined with physical and chemical procedures.

• Microorganisms are used in bioremediation.

• Some pollutants are metabolized by microorganisms.

• Cooperative aggregates of microorganisms can form biofilms.

• Biofilms possess emergent properties.

• Microorganisms growing in a biofilm are highly resistant to antimicrobial agents.

• Microorganisms in biofilms cooperate through quorum sensing.

• Bacteriophages are used in the disinfection of water systems.

• Degradation of benzene by halophilic bacteria such as Marinobacter.

• Degradation of oil by Pseudomonas.

• Conversion by Pseudomonas of methyl mercury into elemental mercury.

• Use of biofilms in trickle filter beds for sewage treatment.

Evaluation of data or media reports on environmental problems caused by biofilms.