Systems and methods to detect biofilm streamer growth and their uses

A system for measuring biofilm streamers comprising:

• a. at least one channel, wherein the channel comprises an inlet, an outlet, a lumen, and at least one biofilm streamer promotion element, wherein a fluid moves through the lumen in a flow driven by a controlled pressure;
• b measuring element capable of measuring a flow rate of the fluid through the channel, wherein the measuring element:
• (i) receives the fluid in an effluent collecting element after the fluid moves through the lumen;
• (ii) measures the weight of the received fluid as a function of time using an analytical balance;
• and
• (iii) communicates the measured weight to a computer, wherein the computer determines the change in weight of the received fluid as a function of time.