Biofilms: detection, implications and solutions

Keevil, C.W., West, A.A., Walker, J.T., Lee, J.V., Dennis, P.J.L. and Colbourne, J.S. (1989) Biofilms: detection, implications and solutions. Bridges, J.W., Richardson, Mervyn and Wheeler, David (eds.) In Watershed 89: The future of water quality in Europe. Elsevier. pp. 367-374 . (doi:10.1016/b978-1-4832-8379-1.50042-2).

Abstract

Water treated and supplied for drinking and domestic purposes is not sterile and biofilms are normally found on the materials used in distribution and plumbing systems. The growth of low numbers of microorganisms in the planktonic and sessile phases is usually considered only in terms of aesthetic or operational problems. However, biofilms have been linked to a unique corrosion of copper pipework in institutional buildings in Scotland and biofouling of recirculating water systems is believed to contribute to the proliferation of opportunistic pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aeromonas hydrophila and Legionella pneumophila. These organisms are occasionally present in treated water and all have been identified in plumbing system biofilms. Whilst planktonic microorganisms are relatively easily killed by biocides, organisms in the biofilms are more refractory due to poor penetration rates. A continuous culture laboratory model has been developed to investigate the factors responsible for biofilm formation on the surfaces of plumbing materials. It has already proved valuable to assess the implications and design solutions to control copper corrosion and legionellae colonisation. The same approach is now being used to address issues related to potable supplies such as nitrite formation, residual disinfection, degradation of coal tar linings releasing polyaromatic hydrocarbons and the control of indicator organisms.

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Contributors

Author: C.W. Keevil

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