Heterotrophic Plate Count Levels Research Articles

Microbial and physicochemical water quality changes within distribution and premise plumbing systems during a chlorine conversion

A strategy for nitrification control within chloraminated drinking water systems (CDWSs) is to temporarily switch from chloramine secondary disinfection to free chlorine, also known as a free chlorine conversion (FCC). However, the long-term and beneficial effects of FCCs are unclear, especially regarding opportunistic pathogen occurrence. In this study, the impacts to microbial and physicochemical parameters were monitored throughout a CDWS implementing a FCC. Water samples were collected weekly for 4–6 weeks before, during, and after a FCC at eight locations: four distribution system and four residential sites. Monochloramine residual (mean±standard deviation) before and after the FCC averaged 1.8±0.9 and 1.6±1.0 parts per million (ppm) for all sites, respectively. Free chlorine levels averaged 2.3±0.9 ppm. There were no significant differences in turbidity and hardness at each location during the three time periods, but some were noted for pH, temperature, and orthophosphate levels across various sites and sampling periods. For all locations, heterotrophic plate count levels were lower during the FCC compared to the periods before and after. All samples from one residence were culture positive for P. aeruginosa which exhibited high levels before the FCC, decreasing levels during, and steadily increasing levels after. Additionally, one week prior to the FCC, sediment samples from two elevated storage tanks, ET-1 and ET-2, were analyzed with ET-1 displaying higher levels of culturable heterotrophic bacteria and molecularly detected total bacteria, Legionella spp., and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), as well as presence of culturable P. aeruginosa and total coliforms compared to ET-2. Fourteen P. aeruginosa and total coliform isolates were whole genome sequenced with genetic differences observed depending on the sampling location and timepoint. Collectively, the observed differences in chemical and microbial parameters advocates for a better understanding of the effects associated with implementing FCCs to determine both their effectiveness and potential risks/rewards to water quality.

상수관망에서 Chlorite-Monochloramine 소독제를 이용한 질산화 세균 및 종속영양세균의 제어

본 연구에서는 암모니아 산화세균과 종속영양세균을 포함한 세균 생물막에 대한 chlorite (<TEX>$0.66{\pm}0.01mg/L$</TEX>)의 영향을 monochloramine (<TEX>$1.77{\pm}0.03mg/L$</TEX>)의 존재 유무에 따른 조건에서 알아보았다. Chlorite 단독 또는 monochloramine과 함께 적용한 경우에서 공히 생물막과 물 시료에 존재하는 암모니아 산화세균은 검출한계(<TEX>$0.6MPN/cm^2$</TEX> and 0.2 MPN/ml)에 근접한 수준으로 감소되는 것으로 나타났지만, chlorite/monochloramine으로 함께 첨가했을 때의 저해효과가 더욱 크게 나타났다. 종속영양세균의 경우 암모니아 산화세균과 달리 chlorite에 의한 저해가 거의 나타나지 않았다. 하지만 chlorite/monochloramine으로 적용한 경우 생물막과 물 시료에서 종속영양세균의 개체 수는 대조군 대비 각각 3.1 log와 3.0 log 감소하는 상당한 저해 효과를 보여주었다. 이러한 결과는 상수관망에 형성된 생물막에 존재하는 질산화 세균과 종속영양세균에 대한 효과적 제어방법중의 하나로 chlorite와 monochloramine 혼합사용의 성공적 가능성을 제시해 준다. In the present work, the reactors that harbor bacterial biofilms including ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and heterotrophic bacteria were treated with a continuous dose of chlorite (<TEX>$0.66{\pm}0.01</TEX><TEX>mg/L$</TEX>) either with or without monochloramine at <TEX>$1.77{\pm}0.03mg/L$</TEX>. Both chlorite alone and combined chlorite-monochloramine applications effectively reduced biofilm and bulk AOB levels to near or below the detection limit (<TEX>$0.6MPN/cm^2$</TEX> and 0.2 MPN/ml). The combined chlorite-monochloramine application exhibited greater AOB inactivation than chlorite alone. Unlike AOB, heterotrophic plate count (HPC) was unaffected by chlorite alone. In contrast to chlorite-only application, a combination of chlorite and monochloramine resulted in a significant reduction in HPC levels with log reductions of 3.1 and 3.0 for biofilm and bulk water, respectively. The results demonstrate that the combined chlorite-monochloramine application can provide an effective treatment for the inhibition of AOB and heterotrophic bacteria in a drinking water distribution system.

Microbial community characterization, activity analysis and purifying efficiency in a biofilter process

The growth and metabolism of microbial communities on biologically activated carbon (BAC) play a crucial role in the purification of drinking water. To gain insight into the growth and metabolic characteristics of microbial communities and the efficiency of drinking water treatment in a BAC filter, we analyzed the heterotrophic plate count (HPC), phospholipid, dehydrogenase, metabolic function and water quality parameters during start-up and steady-state periods. In the start-up process of the filter with natural biofilm colonization, the variation in heterotrophic plate count levels was S-curved. The total phospholipid level was very low during the first 5 days and reached a maximum value after 40 days in the filter. The activity of dehydrogenase gradually increased during the first 30 days and then reached a plateau. The functional diversity of the microbial community in the filter increased, and then reached a relatively stable level by day 40. After an initial decrease, which was followed by an increase, the removal rate of NH4+-N and CODMn became stable and was 80% and 28%, respectively, by day 40. The consumption rate of dissolved oxygen reached a steady level after 29 days, and remained at 18%. At the steady operation state, the levels of HPC, phospholipid, dehydrogenase activity and carbon source utilization had no significant differences after 6 months compared to levels measured on day 40. The filter was shown to be effective in removing NH4+-N, NO2−-N, CODMn, UV254, biodegradable dissolved organic carbon and trace organic pollutants from the influent. Our results suggest that understanding changes in the growth and metabolism of microorganisms in BAC filter could help to improve the efficiency of biological treatment of drinking water.

Modeling of heterotrophic bacteria counts in a water distribution system

Heterotrophic plate count (HPC) constitutes a common indicator for monitoring of microbiological water quality in distribution systems (DS). This paper aims to identify factors explaining the spatiotemporal distribution of heterotrophic bacteria and model their occurrence in the distribution system. The case under study is the DS of Quebec City, Canada. The study is based on a robust database resulting from a sampling campaign carried out in about 50 DS locations, monitored bi-weekly over a three-year period. Models for explaining and predicting HPC levels were based on both one-level and multi-level Poisson regression techniques. The latter take into account the nested structure of data, the possible spatiotemporal correlation among HPC observations and the fact that sampling points, months and/or distribution sub-systems may represent clusters. Models show that the best predictors for spatiotemporal occurrence of HPC in the DS are: free residual chlorine that has an inverse relation with the HPC levels, water temperature and water ultraviolet absorbance, both having a positive impact on HPC levels. A sensitivity analysis based on the best performing model (two-level model) allowed for the identification of seasonal-based strategies to reduce HPC levels.

Control of bacterial contamination in microfiltered water dispensers (MWDs) by disinfection

Three microfiltered water dispensers (MWDs) for domestic use were bacteriologically monitored over a period of 1 year to evaluate their hygienic status and to compare the ability of two disinfectants (peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide) to ensure adequate bacteriological quality of the dispensed water. To this end, two dispensers were purposely contaminated with a strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa of environmental origin. A total of 324 samples of input and output water were analyzed. Heterotrophic plate count (HPC) bacteria at 22 °C and 36 °C, total coliforms (CT), Escherichia coli (EC), enterococci (ENT), P. aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were enumerated. Throughout the study period, the supply water was always of excellent bacteriological quality. All water samples taken from the MWDs complied with the legal requirements for drinking water: CT, EC, ENT and S. aureus were all consistently absent. P. aeruginosa was never isolated from the uncontaminated dispenser. However, an increase in HPCs up to levels of 10 3–10 4 cfu/mL was found in the dispensed water. Under the present operative conditions, hydrogen peroxide was seen to be more effective than peracetic acid in controlling bacterial contamination in the water circuits. Periodic disinfection with hydrogen peroxide made it possible to obtain water with HPC levels conforming to Italian regulations for drinking water (≤ 100 cfu/mL) as well as to the levels recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA) (≤ 200 cfu/mL). Furthermore, in the contaminated circuits, H 2O 2 disinfection led to a reduction in the concentrations of P. aeruginosa to only a few colony forming units/100 mL or to a complete, albeit temporary, disappearance of the microorganism. In conclusion, hydrogen peroxide at 3% can be proposed as a suitable product for periodic disinfection of domestic MWDs, taking into consideration also its low cost and easy availability.

Contamination potential of drinking water distribution network biofilms

Drinking water distribution system biofilms were investigated for the presence of hygienically relevant microorganisms. Early biofilm formation was evaluated in biofilm reactors on stainless steel, copper, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene coupons exposed to unchlorinated drinking water. After 12 to 18 months, a plateau phase of biofilm development was reached. Surface colonization on the materials ranged between 4 x 10(6) and 3 x 10(7) cells/cm2, with heterotrophic plate count (HPC) bacteria between 9 x 10(3) and 7 x 10(5) colony-forming units (cfu)/cm2. Established biofilms were investigated in 18 pipe sections (2 to 99 years old) cut out from distribution pipelines. Materials included cast iron, galvanized steel, cement and PVC. Colonization ranged from 4 x 10(5) to 2 x 10(8) cells/cm2, HPC levels varied between 1 and 2 x 10(5) cfu/cm2. No correlation was found between extent of colonization and age of the pipes. Using cultural detection methods, coliform bacteria were rarely found, while Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Legionella spp. were not detected in the biofilms. In regular operation, distribution system biofilms do not seem to be common habitats for pathogens. However, nutrient-leaching materials like rubber-coated valves were observed with massive biofilms which harboured coliform bacteria contaminating drinking water.

Understanding the distribution system as a bioreactor: a framework for managing heterotrophic plate count levels

It is important to manage the level of heterotrophic plate count (HPC) bacteria in drinking water. Since the vast majority of HPCs measured in the distribution system are normally actually produced there, managing HPC numbers implies managing the distribution system as a bioreactor. This paper proposes a new concept, the HPC Production Index (HPI), which is the ratio of HPC production in a given distribution system to that produced by an essentially biostable water entering that same system. HPI is related to various physical, chemical and water quality factors such as contact time, disinfectant residual and level of biodegradable organic matter, which affect the performance of the distribution system as a bioreactor. HPI therefore provides a conceptual framework for managing distribution system HPC levels.

Implementation of chlorine dioxide disinfection: Effects of the treatment change on drinking water quality in a full-scale distribution system

Drinking water utilities may have to consider changing disinfectant to improve water quality and meet more stringent disinfection regulations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of a full-scale drinking water distribution system to a change in disinfectant from chlorine to chlorine dioxide, in terms of its impact on microbiological stability and disinfection by-product formation. Chlorine dioxide residuals were consistently present above detection limits throughout the distribution system (&gt;0.20 mg/L). Over a study period of 3.5 months, no degradation of bacterial water quality occurred after implementing the new disinfectant. Chlorine dioxide maintained total bacteria (microscopic counts) and heterotrophic plate count levels below 2 x 105 cells/mL and 1000 CFU/mL, respectively. The change in disinfectant from chlorine to chlorine dioxide led to an 85% reduction in trihalomethanes (i.e., from 30 to 5 μμg/L) and a 60% reduction in haloacetic acids (i.e., from 20 to 8 μμg/L). Chlorine dioxide represents a valuable tool to produce high quality water and is a strong alternative to chlorine for certain distribution systems. Key words: distribution system, chlorine dioxide, drinking water quality, disinfection by-products.

Relationships between levels of heterotrophic bacteria and water quality parameters in a drinking water distribution system

Conventional plating methods were used to quantify heterotrophic bacteria from a drinking water distribution system. Three media, plate count agar (PCA), R2A agar and sheep blood agar (TSA-SB) were used to determine heterotrophic plate count (HPC) levels. Grab samples were collected weekly during the summer and autumn of 1997 at four locations in a municipal water distribution system. The four sampling sites included the water treatment plant, a vertical standpipe, a booster pump station and a private residence along a dead-end mainline. The pump station and private residence were also instrumented with water quality probes and on-line bioreactors. Relationships between levels of HPC bacteria and standard physical and chemical parameters were examined. HPC levels from R2A agar were found to be uncorrelated with HPC levels on TSA-SB agar at all four locations. Orange and yellow pigmented bacteria were the dominant expressions in all bulk fluid and biofilm samples. The fraction of pigmented bacteria in bulk fluid samples was greatest at the standpipe. Pigmentation percentages were found to be uncorrelated with standard physical and chemical parameters of water quality in distribution systems.

Effects Of Ozone On Biodegradable Dissolved Organic Carbon And Heterotrophic Plate Counts In The Distribution System

Abstract The impacts of ozone dose in the formation of biodegradable dissolved organic carbon (BDOC) were studied at the North Bay Regional Water Treatment Plant (NBR). Increasing the ozone to total organic carbon ratio to 0.45 (mg/mg) resulted in the formation of BDOC. Sedimentation and filtration/adsorption were effective in removing BDOC to non-measurable levels prior to the water entering the distribution system. Data from an on-going distribution system monitoring program indicate no discernible adverse impacts on microbiological parameters from using ozone during water treatment. Heterotrophic plate count (HPC) levels were similar before and after the use of ozone. Maintaining chlorine residual levels above 0.3 mg/L appears to be important for controlling HPC levels.