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Published on: December 1, 2014
Probing young drinking water biofilms with hard and soft particles
Tony Paris1, Salaheddine Skali-Lami, Jean-Claude Block
1Laboratoire d'Energétique et de Mécanique Théorique et Appliquée (LEMTA), UMR 7563, Nancy-University, CNRS, 2 avenue de la Forêt de Haye, BP 160, 54504 Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
Water Research
|November 11, 2008
Summary
This study shows that drinking water biofilms trap more hard particles (polystyrene microspheres) than soft ones (Escherichia coli). Biofilm age and flow rate significantly impact particle accumulation and persistence in water systems.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Water Treatment
- Particle Dynamics
Background:
- Drinking water systems can accumulate particles within biofilms.
- Understanding particle-host interactions in biofilms is crucial for water quality management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution and persistence of soft (Escherichia coli) and hard (polystyrene microspheres) particles in drinking water biofilms.
- To determine factors influencing particle accumulation in biofilms.
Main Methods:
- Inoculation of soft and hard model particles into drinking water flow chambers with established biofilms (7-10 months old).
- Analysis of particle adherence to biofilms versus uncolonized surfaces.
- Evaluation of biofilm age and wall shear rates on particle deposition.
- Measurement of polystyrene particle persistence over two months.
Main Results:
- Particles adhered almost exclusively to biofilms, not bare surfaces.
- Older biofilms and higher flow rates (wall shear rates) increased particle deposition velocity and quantity.
- Hard polystyrene particles accumulated significantly more (0.3-0.8%) than soft E. coli particles (0.03%).
Conclusions:
- Drinking water biofilms act as significant traps for allochthonous particles.
- Biofilm properties and hydraulic conditions are key regulators of particle accumulation.
- Differential accumulation suggests varying risks associated with different particle types in drinking water.
