Abstract
Careless use conditions of filter jugs were applied to simulate and evaluate the behavior of two ubiquitous aquatic bacterial species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter aerogenes. According to a reference protocol, nine different jugs of popular brands sold in the Italian market were used for the test. Separately, a suspension of the two bacteria was spiked in water used for filling the jugs. The concentration of the test organisms and total aerobic microbial count (TAMC) was measured daily in the filtered water along a period corresponding to the cartridge lifetime. Results showed a different trend of bacterial behavior. E. aerogenes was detectable exclusively on the first day after jug filling, while P. aeruginosa confirmed its persistence over time in all the jugs and its ability to potentially colonize surfaces and cartridges. The TAMC was detected at a concentration range from 102 to 107 CFU/100 mL in all the tests, high values that were not far from those raised in bottled flat natural mineral water weeks after bottling.
Highlights
In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for various household water treatment devices in European markets
Water filter jugs are household water treatment devices not connected to the drinking water (DW)
Results were expressed in most probable number (MPN)/100 mL. Both tests, designed on statistical criteria, are based on a bacterial enzyme detection technology that signals the presence of target bacteria through the hydrolysis of chromogenic or fluorogenic substrates incorporated into culture media
Summary
There has been an increasing demand for various household water treatment devices in European markets. Water filter jugs are household water treatment devices not connected to the drinking water (DW). The improvement of the organoleptic properties of water (chlorine taste in particular) and the removal of limescale, hardness and certain metals such as lead are some of the claims made by manufacturers regarding water filter jugs [2]. Jugs employ spare cartridges that typically contain a granular mixture of ion-exchange resin and activated carbon. The resin determines the partial softening of water, while the activated carbon removes chlorine and some organic compounds. Cartridges have a silver-based compound with bactericidal properties, tending to lose their filtering capacity according to the volume of treated water and contact time with water. The cartridge lifetime is given by the manufacturers, generally corresponding to one month [3]
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