Legionella bacteria embedded in biofilm are ______ resistant to chemical disinfectants and high temperatures compared to free-floating Legionella bacteria.

The resistance of Legionella bacteria embedded in biofilm to chemical disinfectants and high temperatures is significantly higher than that of free-floating Legionella bacteria. Biofilms provide a protective matrix that shields the bacteria from various environmental stresses, including disinfectants and fluctuations in temperature.

When bacteria congregate and form biofilms, they can alter their metabolic states and become less susceptible to disinfectants. The extracellular polymeric substances that make up the biofilm effectively trap antimicrobial agents, preventing them from reaching and killing the bacteria. This encapsulation creates a more resilient community compared to their free-floating counterparts, which are more exposed and can be readily killed by disinfectants or high temperatures.

As a result, this characteristic of biofilm-embedded Legionella makes them harder to control in water systems and increases the risk for potential outbreaks, emphasizing the importance of regular monitoring and targeted management strategies in plumbing systems to prevent Legionella proliferation.