This study investigated the potential for distribution system biofilm bacteria to elevate copper concentrations in drinking water. Biofilms were sampled from household copper reticulation pipes and grown on R2A agar. Laboratory coupon experiments were used to determine the effect of single isolate biofilms on aqueous copper concentrations. The majority of biofilm bacteria did not affect copper concentrations in comparison to sterile controls. However, several bacteria including Acidovorax delafieldii, Cytophaga johnsonae and Micrococcus kristinae were shown to significantly elevate copper concentrations in drinking water. In contrast, the bacteria Rhodococcus sp. and Xanthomonas maltophilia were shown to significantly decrease copper levels in comparison to controls. The significance of biofilm bacteria to increase copper concentrations in drinking water has implications for public health by increasing concentrations to levels toxic to humans.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
Research Article|
June 01 2001
The effect of distribution system bacterial biofilms on copper concentrations in drinking water Available to Purchase
Water Supply (2001) 1 (4): 247–252.
Citation
M.M. Critchley, H.J. Fallowfield; The effect of distribution system bacterial biofilms on copper concentrations in drinking water. Water Supply 1 June 2001; 1 (4): 247–252. doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/ws.2001.0090
Download citation file:
Sign in
Don't already have an account? Register
Client Account
You could not be signed in. Please check your email address / username and password and try again.
Could not validate captcha. Please try again.
eBook
Pay-Per-View Access
$38.00