A systematic approach for the assessment of bacterial growth-controlling factors linked to biological stability of drinking water in distribution systems

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 865-880 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. I. Prest ◽  
F. Hammes ◽  
S. Kötzsch ◽  
M. C. M. van Loosdrecht ◽  
J. S. Vrouwenvelder
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Bacterial Growth ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Systematic Approach ◽  
Controlling Factors ◽  
Full Scale ◽  
Growth Potential ◽  
Biological Stability

A systematic approach is presented for the assessment of (i) bacterial growth-controlling factors in drinking water and (ii) the impact of distribution conditions on the extent of bacterial growth in full-scale distribution systems. The approach combines (i) quantification of changes in autochthonous bacterial cell concentrations in full-scale distribution systems with (ii) laboratory-scale batch bacterial growth potential tests of drinking water samples under defined conditions. The growth potential tests were done by direct incubation of water samples, without modification of the original bacterial flora, and with flow cytometric quantification of bacterial growth. This method was shown to be reproducible (ca. 4% relative standard deviation) and sensitive (detection of bacterial growth down to 5 µg L−1 of added assimilable organic carbon). The principle of step-wise assessment of bacterial growth-controlling factors was demonstrated on bottled water, shown to be primarily carbon limited at 133 (±18) × 103 cells mL−1 and secondarily limited by inorganic nutrients at 5,500 (±1,700) × 103 cells mL−1. Analysis of the effluent of a Dutch full-scale drinking water treatment plant showed (1) bacterial growth inhibition as a result of end-point chlorination, (2) organic carbon limitation at 192 (±72) × 103 cells mL−1 and (3) inorganic nutrient limitation at 375 (±31) × 103 cells mL−1. Significantly lower net bacterial growth was measured in the corresponding full-scale distribution system (176 (±25) × 103 cells mL−1) than in the laboratory-scale growth potential test of the same water (294 (±35) × 103 cells mL−1), highlighting the influence of distribution on bacterial growth. The systematic approach described herein provides quantitative information on the effect of drinking water properties and distribution system conditions on biological stability, which can assist water utilities in decision-making on treatment or distribution system improvements to better control bacterial growth during water distribution.

Biological Stability of Drinking Water in an Eastern China City

2011 ◽  
Vol 356-360 ◽  
pp. 2109-2113
Author(s):  
Lu Chen ◽  
Meng Hui Wang ◽  
Rui Bao Jia ◽  
Li Li
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Eastern China ◽  
Great Influence ◽  
Available Phosphorus ◽  
Biological Stability ◽  
Pipe Water ◽  
The Difference

In this study, the indicators assimilable organic carbon (AOC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), heterotrophic plate counts (HPC) and microbially available phosphorus (MAP) were measured to evaluate the biological stability of drinking water in Jinan, an east China city, which uses different water sources in its distribution system. The results were shown that the concentration of AOC below 50μg ac-C•L-1 covered the detection of 58% sampling points in the city distribution systems. The difference of source water exercised a great influence to the concentration of AOC. The lower heterotrophic colony counts were detected when the AOC values were higher, and vice versa. The value of AOC/DOC showed its irregularity. MAP was negatively correlated with the AOC. Higher values of AOC and HPC were detected in pumping water than that in pipe water, while values of MAP were equivalent to each othe

A comparative study of three different assimilable organic carbon (AOC) methods: results of a round-robin test

2013 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1024-1033 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. S. Ross ◽  
F. Hammes ◽  
M. Dignum ◽  
A. Magic-Knezev ◽  
B. Hambsch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Bacterial Growth ◽  
Distribution Networks ◽  
Round Robin ◽  
Biological Stability ◽  
Bacterial Strains ◽  
Round Robin Test ◽  
Assimilable Organic Carbon ◽  
Wide Range

Easily assimilable organic carbon (AOC) is frequently used for the assessment of the biological stability of drinking water, which is an important consideration in the control of bacterial growth in distribution networks. The first AOC bioassay was developed in 1982 and is based on growth of two bacterial strains (Pseudomonas fluorescens P17 and Spirillum spp. NOX) in drinking water relative to their growth on acetate. Much research was subsequently conducted to modify, simplify and increase the speed of the assay which resulted in a number of alternative AOC assays. Application of these assays raises legitimate questions about the comparison of AOC data from different studies. In the present study, a round-robin test was performed to evaluate the correlation between three established AOC methods. A total of 14 water samples, covering a wide range of AOC concentrations, were analyzed with the original ‘van der Kooij’ method, the ‘Werner & Hambsch’ method and ‘Eawag’ method. Good correlations were found between AOC concentrations measured with the various methods. The data suggest an acceptable compatibility between different AOC methods, although deviations between the methods call for careful interpretation and reporting of AOC data.

Improving the biological stability of drinking water by ion exchange

2011 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Grefte ◽  
M. Dignum ◽  
S. A. Baghoth ◽  
E. R. Cornelissen ◽  
L. C. Rietveld
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Ion Exchange ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Formation Rate ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Drinking Water Treatment ◽  
Biological Stability ◽  
Biological Activated Carbon ◽  
Pre Treatment

To guarantee a good water quality at the consumer’s tap, natural organic matter (NOM) should be (partly) removed during drinking water treatment. The objective of this research is to measure the effect of NOM removal by ion exchange on the biological stability of drinking water. Experiments were performed in two lanes of the pilot plant of Weesperkarspel in the Netherlands. The lanes consisted of ozonation, softening, biological activated carbon filtration and slow sand filtration. Ion exchange in fluidized form was used as pre-treatment in one lane and removed 50% of the dissolved organic carbon (DOC); the other lane was used as reference. Compared to the reference lane, the assimilable organic carbon (AOC) concentration of the finished water in the lane pretreated by ion exchange was 61% lower. The biofilm formation rate of the finished water was decreased with 70% to 2.0 pg ATP/cm2.day. The achieved concentration of AOC and the values of the biofilm formation rate with ion exchange pre-treatment showed that the biological stability of drinking water can be improved by extending a treatment plant with ion exchange, especially when ozonation is involved as disinfection and oxidation step.

Minimization of the Disinfection by-Product Precursors in Treated Waters Exposed to Ozone and Chlorine

2014 ◽  
Vol 884-885 ◽  
pp. 91-95
Author(s):  
Shang Chao Yue ◽  
Le Jun Zhao ◽  
Xiu Duo Wang ◽  
Qi Shan Wang ◽  
Feng Hua He
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Dissolved Organic Carbon ◽  
Water Supply ◽  
River Water ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Full Scale ◽  
Ultraviolet Absorbance ◽  
Treatment Processes ◽  
Removal Efficiencies

The objectives of this study were to investigate impact of preoxidation on disinfection by-product (DBP) precursors in drinking water via two different preoxidation methods. The full-scale study was conducted on surface river water in a water supply plant in Tianjin, China. Two treatment trains were performed, with prechlorination and preozonation as preoxidation methods, respectively. The water samples were collected on different stages along the treatment processes and analyzed by following organic parameters: dissolved organic carbon (DOC), UV254 and specific ultraviolet absorbance (SUVA). The results indicated that Train 2 with preozonation was more effective to reduce DBP precursors. Preozonation possessed an excellent ability in the removal of UV254 and SUVA, the removal efficiencies were 25.14% and 18.77%, respectively, comparing to the removal rates of 6.66% and 5.64% during prechlorination, separately.

Occurrences and changes in bacterial growth-promoting nutrients in drinking water from source to tap: A review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiwon Park ◽  
Jin Hyung Noh ◽  
Thi Huyen Duong ◽  
Sang-Yeop Chung ◽  
Heejong Son ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Bacterial Growth ◽  
Assimilable Organic Carbon ◽  
Growth Promoting ◽  
Community Changes

Biostable drinking water, which does not support bacterial growth and community changes, is obtained by removing bacterial growth-promoting nutrients, such as assimilable organic carbon (AOC), through a range of treatment...

Sensory aspects of drinking water in contact with epoxy lined copper pipe

2007 ◽  
Vol 55 (5) ◽  
pp. 161-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
T.H. Heim ◽  
A.M. Dietrich
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Organic Compounds ◽  
Sensory Analysis ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Free Chlorine ◽  
Copper Pipe

Pipe relining via in situ epoxy lining is used to remediate corroded plumbing or distribution systems. This investigation examined the effects on odour, TOC, THM formation and disinfectant demand in water exposed to epoxy-lined copper pipes used for home plumbing. The study was conducted in accordance with the Utility Quick Test, a migration/leaching method for utilities to conduct sensory analysis of materials in contact with drinking water. The test was performed using water with no disinfectant and levels of chlorine and monochloramines representative of those found in the distribution system. Panelists repeatedly and consistently described a “plastic/adhesive/putty” odour in the water from the pipes. The odour intensity remained relatively constant for each of two subsequent flushes. Water samples stored in the epoxy-lined pipes showed a significant increase in the leaching of organic compounds (as TOC), and this TOC was demonstrated to react with free chlorine to form trichloromethane. Water stored in the pipes also showed a marked increase in disinfectant demand relative to the water stored in glass control flasks. A study conducted at a full scale installation at an apartment demonstrated that after installation and regular use, the epoxy lining did not yield detectable differences in water quality.

Suspended particles in the drinking water of two distribution systems

2001 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 237-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Gauthier ◽  
B. Barbeau ◽  
R. Millette ◽  
J.-C. Block ◽  
M. Prévost
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Organic Matter ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Suspended Solids ◽  
Suspended Particles ◽  
Raw Water ◽  
Remote Locations ◽  
Dissolved Matter

The concentrations of suspended particles were measured in the drinking water of two distribution systems, and the nature of these particles documented. The concentrations of particulate matter were invariably found to be small (maximum 350 μg/L). They are globally in the very low range in comparison with dissolved matter concentrations, which are measured in several hundreds of mg/L. Except during special water quality events, such as turnover of the raw water resource, results show that organic matter represents the most important fraction of suspended solids (from 40 to 76%) in treated and distributed water. Examination of the nature of the particles made it possible to develop several hypotheses about the type of particles penetrating Montreal's distribution system during the turnover period (algae skeleton, clays). These particles were found to have been transported throughout the distribution systems quite easily, and this could result in the accumulation of deposits if their surface charge were ever even slightly destabilised, or if the particles were to penetrate the laminar flow areas that are fairly typical of remote locations in distribution systems.

Characterization of NOM in a drinking water treatment process train with no disinfectant residual

2009 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 379-386 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. A. Baghoth ◽  
M. Dignum ◽  
A. Grefte ◽  
J. Kroesbergen ◽  
G. L. Amy
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Water Treatment ◽  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Drinking Water Treatment ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Fluorescence Excitation ◽  
Water Treatment Process ◽  
Water Treatment Plants

For drinking water treatment plants that do not use disinfectant residual in the distribution system, it is important to limit availability of easily biodegradable natural organic matter (NOM) fractions which could enhance bacterial regrowth in the distribution system. This can be achieved by optimising the removal of those fractions of interest during treatment; however, this requires a better understanding of the physical and chemical properties of these NOM components. Fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) and liquid chromatography with online organic carbon detection (LC-OCD) were used to characterize NOM in water samples from one of the two water treatment plants serving Amsterdam, The Netherlands. No disinfectant residual is applied in the distribution system. Fluorescence EEM and LC-OCD were used to track NOM fractions. Whereas fluorescence EEM shows the reduction of humic-like as well as protein-like fluorescence signatures, LC-OCD was able to quantify the changes in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations of five NOM fractions: humic substances, building blocks (hydrolysates of humics), biopolymers, low molecular weight acids and neutrals.

scholarly journals Natural organic matter removal by ion exchange at different positions in the drinking water treatment lane

2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Grefte ◽  
M. Dignum ◽  
E. R. Cornelissen ◽  
L. C. Rietveld
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Organic Matter ◽  
Water Treatment ◽  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Natural Organic Matter ◽  
Drinking Water Treatment ◽  
Biological Stability ◽  
Sand Filtration ◽  
Slow Sand Filtration

Abstract. To guarantee a good water quality at the customers tap, natural organic matter (NOM) should be (partly) removed during drinking water treatment. The objective of this research was to improve the biological stability of the produced water by incorporating anion exchange (IEX) for NOM removal. Different placement positions of IEX in the treatment lane (IEX positioned before coagulation, before ozonation or after slow sand filtration) and two IEX configurations (MIEX® and fluidized IEX (FIX)) were compared on water quality as well as costs. For this purpose the pre-treatment plant at Loenderveen and production plant Weesperkarspel of Waternet were used as a case study. Both, MIEX® and FIX were able to remove NOM (mainly the HS fraction) to a high extent. NOM removal can be done efficiently before ozonation and after slow sand filtration. The biological stability, in terms of assimilable organic carbon, biofilm formation rate and dissolved organic carbon, was improved by incorporating IEX for NOM removal. The operational costs were assumed to be directly dependent of the NOM removal rate and determined the difference between the IEX positions. The total costs for IEX for the three positions were approximately equal (0.0631 € m−3), however the savings on following treatment processes caused a cost reduction for the IEX positions before coagulation and before ozonation compared to IEX positioned after slow sand filtration. IEX positioned before ozonation was most cost effective and improved the biological stability of the treated water.

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