Bacterial growth in distribution systems: Effect of assimilable organic carbon and biodegradable dissolved organic carbon

    Authors

    I. C. Escobar; A. A. Randall;J. S. Taylor

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Environ. Sci. Technol.

    Keywords

    DRINKING-WATER; OZONE; REGROWTH; MATTER; Engineering, Environmental; Environmental Sciences

    Abstract

    Two distribution systems, one treating water by ozonation and another treating water by nanofiltration in parallel with lime softening, were monitored for bacterial growth. Both systems kept disinfectant residuals such as chlorine and chloramine in their respective distribution systems. Bacterial growth was assessed by heterotrophic plate counts (HPC) on R2A agar. In the distribution systems fed by ozonated water, HPCs were correlated (R-2 = 0.96) using an exponential model with the assimilable organic carbon (AOC) at each sampling site. Also, it was observed that ozonation caused a significant increase in the AOC concentration of the distribution system (over 100% increase) as well as a significant increase in the bacterial counts of the distribution system (average increase over 100%). The HPCs from the distribution systems fed by nanofiltration in parallel with lime-softening water also displayed an exponential correlation (R-2 = 0.73) with an exponential model based on AOC. No significant correlation was found between bacteria growth on R2A agar and BDOC concentrations. Therefore, in agreement with previous work, bacterial growth in the distribution systems was found to correlate with AOC concentrations.

    Journal Title

    Environmental Science & Technology

    Volume

    35

    Issue/Number

    17

    Publication Date

    1-1-2001

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    3442

    Last Page

    3447

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000170824300017

    ISSN

    0013-936X

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