Biofilms are surface-associated bacterial communities that predominate in natural and pathogenic ecosystems. Their formation in drinking water systems creates potential risks for consumers’ health. Herein we tested biofilm formation on materials commonly used for indoor household drinking water systems (copper, PVC and stainless steel) simulating an average family water usage. Water parameters were determined by standardized methods while biofilm formation was assessed by epifluorescent and laser scanning confocal microscopy, for determining the numbers of attached cells, biofilm thickness, colony size and average colony surface. Results showed a very fast colonization on all materials used, of log 6–7 cm−2 cells disposed on a single layer on copper and PVC. On stainless steel, beginning on the 24th experimental day, there were observed multiple layers of cells and a rapid increase of biofilm thickness. The lowest overall number of attached cells was found on copper. Microorganism colonization and biofilm formation is possible and quite fast on an indoor water system connected to a chlorinated water network. From the tested materials, the greatest risk to consumer health comes from biofilm formation on stainless steel parts which are used in the very large majority of residences.
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Research Article|
April 01 2011
Biofilm formation on materials commonly used in household drinking water systems Available to Purchase
A. A. Morvay;
1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Banat University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
E-mail: [email protected]
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M. Decun;
M. Decun
1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Banat University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
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M. Scurtu;
M. Scurtu
2Interdisciplinary Research Platform, Banat University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
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C. Sala;
C. Sala
1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Banat University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
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A. Morar;
A. Morar
1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Banat University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
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M. Sarandan
M. Sarandan
1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Banat University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
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Water Supply (2011) 11 (2): 252–257.
Article history
Received:
April 04 2011
Accepted:
May 31 2011
Citation
A. A. Morvay, M. Decun, M. Scurtu, C. Sala, A. Morar, M. Sarandan; Biofilm formation on materials commonly used in household drinking water systems. Water Supply 1 April 2011; 11 (2): 252–257. doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/ws.2011.053
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