Fungi from Potable Water: Interaction with Chlorine and Engineering Effects

1988 ◽  
Vol 20 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 153-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
William D. Rosenzweig ◽  
Wesley O. Pipes
Keyword(s):  
Water Samples ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Water Distribution ◽  
Potable Water ◽  
Fungal Spores ◽  
Water Distribution Systems ◽  
Water Systems ◽  
Storage Tanks ◽  
Water Interaction ◽  
Low Concentrations

In recent years various types of imperfect fungi have been isolated from water systems. Fungal spores and mycelia can be inactivated by low concentrations of chlorine in the laboratory but survive in some habitats in water distribution systems. This report describes a field study which provides evidence that some types of fungi are able to grow in water distribution systems. Replicate samples from private residences were used to demonstrate that fungal densities are sometimes much greater than the levels which could be explained by adventitious spores. The microbiological content of water samples from fire hydrants was often significantly different from that of water samples from nearby private residences. The treated water input to distribution systems was found to be significantly lower in fungus content than water from private residences. Elevated storage tanks open to the atmosphere appear to be significant sources of fungal input to some systems.

scholarly journals MUWS (Microbiology in Urban Water Systems) – an interdisciplinary approach to study microbial communities in urban water systems

2010 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Deines ◽  
R. Sekar ◽  
H. S. Jensen ◽  
S. Tait ◽  
J. B. Boxall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Ecology ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Water Distribution ◽  
Potable Water ◽  
Water Distribution Systems ◽  
Water Systems ◽  
Urban Water ◽  
Infrastructure Systems ◽  
Urban Water Systems ◽  
Sewer Networks

Abstract. Microbiology in Urban Water Systems (MUWS) is an integrated project, which aims to characterize the microorganisms found in both potable water distribution systems and sewer networks. These large infrastructure systems have a major impact on our quality of life, and despite the importance of these systems as major components of the water cycle, little is known about their microbial ecology. Potable water distribution systems and sewer networks are both large, highly interconnected, dynamic, subject to time and varying inputs and demands, and difficult to control. Their performance also faces increasing loading due to increasing urbanization and longer-term environmental changes. Therefore, understanding the link between microbial ecology and any potential impacts on short or long-term engineering performance within urban water infrastructure systems is important. By combining the strengths and research expertise of civil-, biochemical engineers and molecular microbial ecologists, we ultimately aim to link microbial community abundance, diversity and function to physical and engineering variables so that novel insights into the performance and management of both water distribution systems and sewer networks can be explored. By presenting the details and principals behind the molecular microbiological techniques that we use, this paper demonstrates the potential of an integrated approach to better understand how urban water system function, and so meet future challenges.

scholarly journals MUWS (Microbiology in Urban Water Systems) – an interdisciplinary approach to study microbial communities in urban water systems

2010 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-64
Author(s):  
P. Deines ◽  
R. Sekar ◽  
H. S. Jensen ◽  
S. Tait ◽  
J. B. Boxall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Ecology ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Water Distribution ◽  
Potable Water ◽  
Water Distribution Systems ◽  
Water Systems ◽  
Urban Water ◽  
Microbiological Methods ◽  
Urban Water Systems ◽  
Sewer Networks

Abstract. Microbiology in Urban Water Systems (MUWS) is an integrated project, which aims to characterize the microorganisms found in both potable water distribution systems and sewer networks. These large infrastructure systems have a major impact on our quality of life, and despite the importance of these systems as major components of the water cycle, little is known about their microbial ecology. Potable water distribution systems are large, highly interconnected and dynamic, and difficult to control. Sewer systems are also large and subject to time varying inputs and demands. Their performance also faces increasing loading due to increasing urbanization and longer-term environmental changes. Therefore, understanding the link between microbial ecology and any potential impacts on short or long-term engineering performance is important. By combining the strengths and research expertise of civil-, biochemical engineers and molecular microbial ecologists, we aim to link the abundance and diversity of microorganisms to physical and engineering variables so that novel insights into the ecology of microorganisms within both water distribution systems and sewer networks can be explored. By presenting the details of this multidisciplinary approach, and the principals behind the molecular microbiological methods and techniques that we use, this paper will demonstrate the potential of an integrated approach to better understand urban water system function and so meet future challenges.

scholarly journals Legionella pneumophila and Protozoan Hosts: Implications for the Control of Hospital and Potable Water Systems

Pathogens ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Atif Nisar ◽  
Kirstin E. Ross ◽  
Melissa H. Brown ◽  
Richard Bentham ◽  
Harriet Whiley
Keyword(s):  
Legionella Pneumophila ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Water Distribution ◽  
Potable Water ◽  
Water Systems ◽  
Water Disinfection ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Waterborne Pathogen ◽  
Microbial Biofilms ◽  
Pontiac Fever

Legionella pneumophila is an opportunistic waterborne pathogen of public health concern. It is the causative agent of Legionnaires’ disease (LD) and Pontiac fever and is ubiquitous in manufactured water systems, where protozoan hosts and complex microbial communities provide protection from disinfection procedures. This review collates the literature describing interactions between L. pneumophila and protozoan hosts in hospital and municipal potable water distribution systems. The effectiveness of currently available water disinfection protocols to control L. pneumophila and its protozoan hosts is explored. The studies identified in this systematic literature review demonstrated the failure of common disinfection procedures to achieve long term elimination of L. pneumophila and protozoan hosts from potable water. It has been demonstrated that protozoan hosts facilitate the intracellular replication and packaging of viable L. pneumophila in infectious vesicles; whereas, cyst-forming protozoans provide protection from prolonged environmental stress. Disinfection procedures and protozoan hosts also facilitate biogenesis of viable but non-culturable (VBNC) L. pneumophila which have been shown to be highly resistant to many water disinfection protocols. In conclusion, a better understanding of L. pneumophila-protozoan interactions and the structure of complex microbial biofilms is required for the improved management of L. pneumophila and the prevention of LD.

Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division Experience With Aging of Electric, Gas, and Water Systems

1993 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
pp. 183-186
Author(s):  
Charles Pickel
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Customer Satisfaction ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Water Distribution ◽  
Water Distribution Systems ◽  
The United States ◽  
Water Systems ◽  
Recent Survey ◽  
Effective Manner ◽  
Long Life

Electric, gas and water distribution systems can have an extremely long life when properly designed, installed and maintained. MLGW is proof positive that aging distribution systems can be managed in an effective manner. Customer satisfaction is a high priority with Division management. According to a recent survey, Memphians enjoy the lowest average monthly utility bills among the 25 largest cities in the United States.

Pathogenic molds (including Aspergillus species) in hospital water distribution systems: a 3-year prospective study and clinical implications for patients with hematologic malignancies

Blood ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 101 (7) ◽  
pp. 2542-2546 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elias J. Anaissie ◽  
Shawna L. Stratton ◽  
M. Cecilia Dignani ◽  
Choon-kee Lee ◽  
Richard C. Summerbell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Indoor Air ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Water Distribution ◽  
Fungal Spores ◽  
Water Distribution Systems ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Hematologic Malignancies ◽  
Aspergillus Species ◽  
Clinical Strain ◽  
Air Filtration

The incidence of mold infections in patients with hematologic malignancies continues to increase despite the widespread use of air filtration systems, suggesting the presence of other hospital sources for these molds. Water sources are known to harbor pathogenic molds. We examined samples from water, water surfaces, air, and other environment sources from a bone marrow transplantation unit with optimal air precautions. Molds (Aspergillus species, others) were recovered in 70% of 398 water samples, in 22% of 1311 swabs from plumbing structures and environmental surfaces, and in 83% of 274 indoor air samples. Microscopic examination of the water plumbing lines revealed hyphal forms compatible with molds. Four findings suggest that indoor airborne molds were aerosolized from the water: (1) higher mean airborne concentrations of molds in bathrooms (16.1 colony-forming units [CFU]/m3) than in patient rooms (7 CFU/m3) and hallways (8.6 CFU/m3;P = .00005); (2) a strong type and rank correlation between molds isolated from hospital water and those recovered from indoor hospital; (3) lack of seasonal correlation between the airborne mold concentration in outdoor and indoor air; and (4) molecular relatedness between a clinical strain and a water-related strain (previously reported). Hospital water distribution systems may serve as a potential indoor reservoir of Aspergillus and other molds leading to aerosolization of fungal spores and potential exposure for patients.

scholarly journals Efficacy of copper–silver ionization for controlling fungal colonization in water distribution systems

2013 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 277-280
Author(s):  
Chang-Hua Chen ◽  
Li-Chen Lin ◽  
Yu-Jun Chang ◽  
Chun-Eng Liu ◽  
Maw-Soan Soon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Samples ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Water Distribution ◽  
Fusarium Species ◽  
Water Systems ◽  
Fungal Colonization ◽  
Fungal Culture ◽  
Penicillium Species ◽  
Ionization Method ◽  
Study Hospital

The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of fungal colonization in water systems and to evaluate the effect of decreasing fungal colonization by a copper–silver ionization system. Environmental samples were collected for fungal culture prospectively during a 1-year period (2011–2012) at the study hospital. A total of 392 water samples were examined from five buildings on March 1, 2011 and February 29, 2012. Fungi were isolated in 13 (3.4%) of 392 water samples from five buildings. The prevalence of fungal colonization in buildings was decreased from 4.76% (9/189) to 1.97% (4/203), a reduction of more than 40%, in pre-ionization and post-ionization treatment (p < 0.001). Thirteen (3.4%) of 392 water samples yielded fungi including Fusarium species (n = 7), Penicillium species (n = 2), Scedosporium species (n = 2), Aspergillus species (n = 1), and one unidentifiable mold. The number of isolated Fusarium species in ionized water samples (0.5% (1/203)) was statistically lower than those in nonionized (3.2% (6/189)) (p = 0.003). Our finding may determine if this ionization method can be applied for control of waterborne fungi colonization in hospital water systems.

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