Abstract
Heterotrophic bacteria are able to form biofilms in water processing systems, adhering to pipe materials and colonizing surfaces. The aim of our research was to identify the critical points in the process of bottled water production at which controls can be applied to prevent, reduce, or eliminate water safety hazards. Microbiological monitoring was conducted using the plate count method and luminometry. To identify the bacterial isolates, we used polyphasic identification based on biochemical tests and molecular analysis using ribosomal RNA. The heterotrophic plate counts were higher in the water filtration station, ultrafiltration (UV) disinfection station, and holding tank. At these points of the industrial process, the water is stagnant or there is poor flow. Molecular analysis identified the bacterial isolates as belonging to Acinetobacter, Agrobacterium, Aeromonas, Brevundimonas, Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Pantoea, and Rhizobium genera. Bacterial isolates showed various levels of biofilm formation, and the best adhesion properties were exhibited by the Aeromonas hydrophila and Citrobacter freundii strains.
Highlights
IntroductionThe quality of drinking water is a worldwide concern and has a great impact on human health
The quality of drinking water is a worldwide concern and has a great impact on human health.In Europe, consumer demand for mineral water is increasing, including for bottled waters containing varying amounts of minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, or sodium
A similar tendency has been observed by Wang et al [16], who found that the filtration processes in advanced drinking water treatment systems promote the development of Heterotrophic plate count (HPC) bacteria considerably
Summary
The quality of drinking water is a worldwide concern and has a great impact on human health. In Europe, consumer demand for mineral water is increasing, including for bottled waters containing varying amounts of minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, or sodium. The consumption of bottled water in the European Union increased from 43 L in 2003 to 119 L in 2018 [1]. Mineral waters are recommended for patients with immune-system deficiencies and kidney disorders, as well as for those with urinary and heart diseases. It is important to make sure the water is safe to drink, otherwise bacteria in the water may harm consumers. Bottled water is often shared between persons, and as a consequence microorganisms including opportunistic or true pathogens may be transferred by this route [2,3]
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