Related Experiment Videos
Biofouling of groundwater systems by Thiothrix spp
R L Brigmon1, H W Martin, H C Aldrich
1Environmental Biotechnology Section, Savannah River Technology Center, Westinghouse Savannah River Company, Bldg. 704-8T(TNX), Aiken, SC 29808, USA.
Current Microbiology
|September 1, 1997
Summary
Sulfide-oxidizing bacteria, Thiothrix spp., are a primary cause of persistent aquatic biofouling in Florida water systems. Conventional chlorine treatments failed to prevent its recurrence, highlighting the need for new control strategies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Environmental Science
- Water Treatment
Background:
- Thiothrix spp. are filamentous bacteria that oxidize sulfide.
- These bacteria are a principal component of aquatic biofilms causing biofouling.
- Biofouling affects municipal water storage tanks, private wells, and drip irrigation systems in Florida.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the bacterial component responsible for biofouling in Florida water systems.
- To investigate the efficacy of chlorine treatments against this biofouling.
- To confirm the presence and quantify Thiothrix spp. in affected biofilms.
Main Methods:
- Visual examination of biofilms with a white, filamentous appearance.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for Thiothrix spp. detection.
- Indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and microbiological procedures for confirmation.
- Immunocytochemical procedures to estimate bacterial abundance in biofilms.
Main Results:
- Thiothrix spp. were identified as a principal component of aquatic biofilms causing biofouling.
- Chlorine treatments (up to 200 ppm) were ineffective in preventing the return of biofouling.
- Thiothrix spp. constituted an estimated 18% of the biofilm in municipal water storage tanks.
- Water sources were identified as the upper Floridan aquifer and associated surficial aquifers.
Conclusions:
- Thiothrix spp. are a significant cause of persistent biofouling in Florida's water infrastructure.
- Standard chlorine treatments are insufficient to control Thiothrix spp. biofouling.
- Biological and chemical interactions within biofilms contribute to significant biofouling issues.