Abstract
A new conceptual model to describe and understand the role of assimilable organic carbon (AOC) within drinking water distribution systems is proposed. The impact of AOC on both drinking water biofilm and water quality was studied using bespoke pipe loop experimental facilities installed at three carefully selected operational water treatment works. Integrated physical, chemical and biological monitoring was undertaken that highlights the central role of biofilms in AOC cycling, forming the basis of the new conceptual model. Biofilms formed under high AOC conditions were found to pose the highest discoloration response, generating a turbidity (4.3 NTU) and iron (241.5 µg/l) response sufficient to have caused regulatory failures from only 20 m of pipe in only 12 months of operation. This new knowledge of the role of biofilms in AOC cycling, and ultimately impacts on water quality, can be used to inform management and help ensure the supply of high-quality, biostable drinking water.
References
Jul 1, 1996·Applied and Environmental Microbiology·M W LeChevallierD B Smith
Nov 5, 1999·Applied and Environmental Microbiology·C J Volk, M W LeChevallier
Jun 12, 2001·Methods in Enzymology·P StoodleyH M Lappin-Scott
Sep 21, 2001·Environmental Science & Technology·I C EscobarJ S Taylor
Jan 5, 2002·International Microbiology : the Official Journal of the Spanish Society for Microbiology·S KarthikeyanD E Caldwell
Feb 19, 2002·Water Research·W LiuW J Ng
Apr 5, 2002·Clinical Microbiology Reviews·W Michael Dunne
Jan 6, 2004·Biotechnology and Bioengineering·Satoshi OkabeHisashi Satoh
May 1, 1993·Applied and Environmental Microbiology·M W LechevallierT L Bott
Sep 9, 2008·Water Research·P S HusbandA J Saul
Mar 20, 2010·Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology·Peter DeinesCatherine A Biggs
Jan 12, 2011·Water Research·Maaike K RamseierUrs von Gunten
Apr 25, 2012·Environmental Monitoring and Assessment·Yumiko OhkouchiSadahiko Itoh
Apr 10, 2014·Journal of Applied Microbiology·I DoutereloJ Boxall
May 7, 2014·PloS One·Alina NescereckaFrederik Hammes
Aug 16, 2014·Water Research·Simon GillespieAndreas Nocker
Dec 8, 2015·Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology·Isabel DoutereloJ Boxall
Apr 1, 2017·The Science of the Total Environment·K FishJ B Boxall
May 20, 2018·Water Research·I DoutereloJ B Boxall
Sep 27, 2020·NPJ Biofilms and Microbiomes·Katherine E FishJoby Boxall