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Linkage of in-refrigerator water dispensing systems to elevated exposure to microbial contamination at the microbiome
Clifford S Swanson1, Qiang He2
1The University of Tennessee, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Knoxville, TN.
Abstract:
In-refrigerator water dispensing systems are ubiquitous in residential homes with tap water as the inflow. Passage through these systems resulted in significant microbial growth in the water, with the abundance of potential opportunistic pathogens Mycobacterium and Pseudomonas increasing by 8,053- and 221-fold, respectively. Elevated exposure to microbial contaminants linked to in-refrigerator water dispensing systems may represent a significant public health concern.
Insights
Tap water dispensers in refrigerators can harbor significant microbial growth. Opportunistic pathogens like Mycobacterium and Pseudomonas increase substantially, posing a potential public health risk.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Environmental Health
- Public Health
Background:
- In-refrigerator water dispensing systems are common in homes.
- These systems use tap water as the source.
- Microbial contamination in water systems is a growing concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate microbial growth in in-refrigerator water dispensing systems.
- To quantify the increase in specific opportunistic pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Analyzing water samples from in-refrigerator dispensing systems.
- Quantifying microbial abundance, focusing on Mycobacterium and Pseudomonas.
Main Results:
- Significant microbial growth was observed in the water after passing through the systems.
- The abundance of Mycobacterium increased by 8,053-fold.
- The abundance of Pseudomonas increased by 221-fold.
Conclusions:
- In-refrigerator water dispensing systems promote substantial growth of opportunistic pathogens.
- Elevated exposure to these microbial contaminants is a potential public health concern.
