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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 16, 2026

Harvesting and Disaggregation: An Overlooked Step in Biofilm Methods Research

Harvesting and Disaggregation: An Overlooked Step in Biofilm Methods Research

Published on: April 22, 2022

Biofilms in shower hoses.

Caitlin R Proctor¹, Mauro Reimann², Bas Vriens³

¹Department of Environmental Microbiology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland; Department of Environmental Systems Science, Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.

|January 6, 2018

Summary

Shower hose biofilms harbor bacteria and metals, posing health risks in drinking water systems. Disinfectant use and shower frequency impact biofilm growth, highlighting their importance for plumbing monitoring.

Keywords:

Biofilm Building plumbing Heavy metals Microbiome Shower hose

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Area of Science:

Environmental Microbiology
Public Health
Water Quality

Background:

Shower hoses are understudied environments for bacterial biofilm development.
Biofilms in shower hoses represent a direct exposure route for building occupants.
Understanding shower hose biofilms is crucial for drinking water safety.

Purpose of the Study:

To characterize biofilms in shower hoses globally.
To investigate factors influencing biofilm composition and cell concentration.
To assess the role of biofilms as potential opportunistic pathogen reservoirs.

Main Methods:

Global survey of 78 shower hoses from 11 countries.
Characterization of biofilms for cell concentration, metal accumulation, and microbiome composition.
Controlled study with identical shower hoses to assess age and usage effects.

Main Results:

Biofilms showed significant variation in cell concentration (4.1 × 10⁴–5.8 × 10⁸ cells/cm²) and metal content (Fe, Pb, Cu).
Disinfectant use correlated with lower biofilm cell concentrations and diversity.
Shower hose age related to metal accumulation, while usage frequency influenced cell concentration.

Conclusions:

Shower hose biofilms are significant reservoirs for bacteria and metals within drinking water systems.
Legionella was detected in 21% of hoses, indicating a potential public health concern.
Shower hose biofilms are a critical component of plumbing systems and a viable target for monitoring.