Abstract
The quantitative analysis of biofilm can be used not only to assess the microbiological stability of tap water but also on its basis can assess: the degree of colonization of materials by bacterial cells, the rate of biofilm formation on the surfaces of pipes and determine their composition and number. The article presents the results of research on the development of an effective method of biofilm detachment from the surface of the galvanized steel. The number of biofilm cells was determined by methods: (1) luminometric ATP determination, (2) flow cytometry and (3) heterotrophic plate counts (HPC). The presence of the biofilm was confirmed by SEM and fractal analysis. The analysis of the obtained results showed that the most effective method of detaching the biofilm cells from the galvanized steel surface was the mechanical separation with a sterile cotton swab. The variant with the use of a sterile swab enables rapid collection of the biofilm from the surface of the ducts forming internal installations or water supply networks. Due to the simplicity and speed of obtaining results, the luminometric ATP measurement has been established as the best method for the quantification of biofilm cells. The results of this study were intended to provide reliable and useful data on the quantification of biofilm cells.
Highlights
The purpose of the drinking water distribution system (DWDS) is to provide water of appropriate quality to the consumers, preferably of the same composition as when it left the treatment plant
This study showed that R2A agar stimulated the growth of a higher number of microorganisms compared to A agar
In some countries, maximum heterotrophic plate counts (HPC) values are being replaced by the “no abnormal change” (NAC) guideline, while Canada and Australia have excluded their upper limit of HPC in drinking water [46]
Summary
The purpose of the drinking water distribution system (DWDS) is to provide water of appropriate quality to the consumers, preferably of the same composition as when it left the treatment plant. Even with well-functioning drinking water treatment systems, there is concern that aging DWDS (exposed to more frequent network interruptions/repairs and associated pressure losses) may destabilize the pipeline material and stimulate the development of biofilms [1]. The release of sediments, chemicals and microorganisms from the surface of water pipes creates health and aesthetic problems related to discoloration and turbidity of drinking water [2,3,4,5,6]. For the construction of distribution systems, materials are sought that show resistance to corrosion phenomena and do not support the development of biofilms on the internal surfaces of water pipes [14,15,16]
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