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Updated: May 15, 2025

A Whole Cell Bioreporter Approach to Assess Transport and Bioavailability of Organic Contaminants in Water Unsaturated Systems
Published on: December 24, 2014
Study on adsorption and desorption characteristics of lead pollution by biofilm in drinking water pipeline from
Yihao Bian1, Xin Guo1, Xun He1
1State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China.
Abstract:
This study investigates lead adsorption and desorption behaviors in biofilms on drinking water pipeline materials (PVC, 304 stainless steel, copper) under varying flow rate, pH, and residual chlorine. Biofilms on stainless steel exhibited the highest adsorption capacity (450.81 μmol/m2), whereas PVC biofilms had the greatest desorption potential (25.30 μmol/m2). Optimal lead adsorption occurred at neutral pH (7.5), low flow velocity (0.10 m/s), and moderate chlorine concentration (0.3 mg/L). Optimal lead adsorption occurred at neutral pH (7.5), low flow velocity (0.10 m/s), and moderate chlorine concentration (0.3 mg/L). In contrast, higher flow velocities, acidic conditions, and elevated chlorine levels promoted desorption or inhibited interactions. PVC biofilms exhibited the highest biomass (1.58 × 106 CFU/cm2) and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) (348 mg/m2), correlating with increased lead adsorption. Functional analysis revealed a higher abundance of ion-transport-related (functions associated with the movement of ions such as heavy metals across microbial cell membranes) functions in PVC biofilms, contributing to enhanced stability. The study offers valuable insights for optimizing pipe material selection and operational strategies to reduce lead contamination in water systems.
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