Physicochemical and bacteriological characteristics of biofilm in drinking water distribution system at popular houses with plastic pipes and joints

Abstract EN

The objective of this study is to evaluate bacteriological and physicochemical characteristic of biofilm with plastic pipes and joints in popular houses in Helwan area.

The results of this study showed that, the maximum values of turbidity (NTU), EC (Mmho / cm), total dissolved solids (mg / l) and total organic carbon (mg / l) were 33,1746,1046.5,12.1 for pipe biofilm and 25,1362,814.3,7.8 for joint biofilm respectively.

On the other hand the minimum values were 19, 1231, 734, 8.1 for pipe biofilm and 13, 577, 346, 4.7 for joint biofilm in the suspensions respectively.

According to bacteriological results, the total bacterial counts of either pipes or joints biofilm were more than 50 cfu / ml at 37 ºC or at 22 ºC.

The counts of pipe biofilm were higher than the counts of joints biofilm.

The highest bacterial counts were (1.98 x 102), (1.99 x 102) but the lowest counts were (1.43 x 102), (1.44 x 102) both at 37 ºC and at 22 ºC cfu / ml with pipes biofilm respectively.

Eleven samples were positive for coliform detection.

(1-2 MPN-index / 100ml) out of 15 samples with pipes biofilm.

Total bacterial counts of joint biofilm ranged from (53-96) cfu / ml both at 37 ºC and at 22 ºC.

Six samples were positive for coliforms (1.MPN-index / 100ml) out of 15 samples with joints biofilms.

This biofilm of drinking water distribution system is considered as an important part of the operation of drinking water plants and distribution systems.