Copper surface acts as good surface for biofilm attachment

Abstract

The drinking water distribution system is a huge network of pipes that travel miles before reaching the household. The age of the pipe and the material affect the water quality. The water monitoring and testing parameters are limited to water quality and not pipe health. The pipe material highly impacts the biofilm formation. Copper is commonly used for its anti-microbial property, but also aids for the attachment of bacteria onto the surface. This study was aimed at analyzing the formation of biofilm on copper in a drinking water. Copper coupons were immersed in a drinking water system for a period of six months and analyzed for biofilm formation. Microbiological enumeration were done by Heterotopic plate count and found an average of 35 CFU/ml in water and 50 CFU/ml on the copper coupon. The average copper content in water was 0.01 mg/ml. SEM analysis revealed the formation of bacterial growth and found that cocci shaped bacteria were predominating on the surface of the coupons. The copper coupon serves as a surface for the attachment of bacteria and aids in the formation of biofilm.