scholarly journals Interactive Effects of Copper Pipe, Stagnation, Corrosion Control, and Disinfectant Residual Influenced Reduction of Legionella pneumophila during Simulations of the Flint Water Crisis

Pathogens ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 730 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebekah L. Martin ◽  
Owen R. Strom ◽  
Amy Pruden ◽  
Marc A. Edwards
Keyword(s):  
Water Chemistry ◽  
Legionella Pneumophila ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Interactive Effects ◽  
Residual Chlorine ◽  
Drinking Water Source ◽  
Corrosion Control ◽  
Copper Pipe ◽  
Chlorine Demand ◽  
Flint River

Flint, MI experienced two outbreaks of Legionnaires’ Disease (LD) during the summers of 2014 and 2015, coinciding with use of Flint River as a drinking water source without corrosion control. Using simulated distribution systems (SDSs) followed by stagnant simulated premise (i.e., building) plumbing reactors (SPPRs) containing cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) or copper pipe, we reproduced trends in water chemistry and Legionella proliferation observed in the field when Flint River versus Detroit water were used before, during, and after the outbreak. Specifically, due to high chlorine demand in the SDSs, SPPRs with treated Flint River water were chlorine deficient and had elevated L. pneumophila numbers in the PEX condition. SPPRs with Detroit water, which had lower chlorine demand and higher residual chlorine, lost all culturable L. pneumophila within two months. L. pneumophila also diminished more rapidly with time in Flint River SPPRs with copper pipe, presumably due to the bacteriostatic properties of elevated copper concentrations caused by lack of corrosion control and stagnation. This study confirms hypothesized mechanisms by which the switch in water chemistry, pipe materials, and different flow patterns in Flint premise plumbing may have contributed to observed LD outbreak patterns.

scholarly journals Legionella Species in Year-Round vs. Seasonal Accommodation Water Supply Systems

2011 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
pp. 335-340 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita Rakić ◽  
Jelena Perić ◽  
Nives Štambuk-Giljanović ◽  
Antonija Mikrut ◽  
Ana-Spomenka Bakavić
Keyword(s):  
Water Supply ◽  
Legionella Pneumophila ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Water Distribution ◽  
Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry ◽  
Summer Season ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Residual Chlorine ◽  
Water Supply Systems ◽  
Supply Systems

LegionellaSpecies in Year-Roundvs.Seasonal Accommodation Water Supply SystemsThe purpose of this study was to compare the quality of hot water between eleven hotels in the Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia that are open year round and 10 summer season hotels and retirement homes with irregular use of water. We took 122 samples between May and December 2009. Water temperature and free residual chlorine were measuredin situ.Physical and chemical analysis included pH, electrical conductivity, and concentrations of iron, manganese, copper, zinc, calcium, and magnesium that were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, while theLegionellaspecies were determined using a cultivation method on buffered charcoal yeast extract agar.Differences in metal concentrations between the seasonal and year-round accommodation facilities were negligible, save for zinc that was higher in year-round (0.341 mg L-1) than in seasonal facilities (0.130 mg L-1).Samples from all year-round and six summer season hotels were negative to theLegionellaspecies, but four seasonal facilities turned up with positive samples toLegionella pneumophila.Our study has demonstrated that water quality differs between year-round and seasonal accommodation facilities. These findings suggest that metal plumbing components and associated corrosion products are important factors in the survival and growth ofLegionellaspecies in water distribution systems.

Interactive Effects of Water Chemistry, Hydrodynamics, and Precipitated Calcium Carbonate Causing Erosion Corrosion of Copper in Hot Water Recirculation Systems: Case Study and Experimental Work

CORROSION ◽  
10.5006/2937 ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 74 (11) ◽  
pp. 1288-1306 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siddhartha Roy ◽  
Marc A. Edwards
Keyword(s):  
Calcium Carbonate ◽  
Water Chemistry ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Interactive Effects ◽  
Corrosion Attack ◽  
Precipitated Calcium Carbonate ◽  
Copper Pipe ◽  
Erosion Corrosion ◽  
Water Recirculation ◽  
High Turbulence

Erosion corrosion, or flow-induced failure, of copper is a complex phenomenon driven by a multitude of water quality, hydrodynamic, and electrochemical factors. This most common form of corrosion attack in hot water is likely to increase with newer Legionella risk-management regulations promulgating increased water recirculation, hotter water temperatures, and higher chlorine disinfectant dose. The current work reports findings from an investigation into widespread copper plumbing failure due to erosion corrosion in a large building complex by systematically exploring the effects of relevant water chemistry and hydrodynamic variables on localized erosion corrosion attack. The results seriously call into question decades of conventional wisdom by demonstrating that hard waters are not inherently less aggressive than soft water; in fact, if calcium carbonate solids form they can become even more aggressive. Entrained particles significantly accelerated attack on copper pipe walls, especially in high-turbulence areas like bends. This is the first research study to reliably reproduce rapid erosion corrosion failures in realistic potable water chemistry in the laboratory.

Application of two approaches to model chlorine residuals in Severn Trent Water Ltd (STW) distribution systems

1997 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 317-324 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.J. Rodriguez ◽  
J.R. West ◽  
J. Powell ◽  
J.B. Sérodes
Keyword(s):  
Distribution System ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Residual Chlorine ◽  
Ann Model ◽  
Order Model ◽  
First Order ◽  
Chlorine Decay ◽  
Artificial Neural Network Ann ◽  
Key Parameter

Increasingly, those who work in the field of drinking water have demonstrated an interest in developing models for evolution of water quality from the treatment plant to the consumer's tap. To date, most of the modelling efforts have been focused on residual chlorine as a key parameter of quality within distribution systems. This paper presents the application of a conventional approach, the first order model, and the application of an emergent modelling approach, an artificial neural network (ANN) model, to simulate residual chlorine in a Severn Trent Water Ltd (U.K.) distribution system. The application of the first order model depends on the adequate estimation of the chlorine decay coefficient and the travel time within the system. The success of an ANN model depends on the use of representative data about factors which affect chlorine evolution in the system. Results demonstrate that ANN has a promising capacity for learning the dynamics of chlorine decay. The development of an ANN appears to be justifiable for disinfection control purposes, in cases when parameter estimation within the first order model is imprecise or difficult to obtain.

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.

Determinants of Legionella pneumophila Contamination of Water Distribution Systems: 15-Hospital Prospective Study

1987 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 357-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard M. Vickers ◽  
Victor L. Yu ◽  
S. Sue Hanna ◽  
Paul Muraca ◽  
Warren Diven ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Legionella Pneumophila ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Water Distribution ◽  
Cold Water ◽  
Physicochemical Characteristics ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Environmental Study ◽  
Water Tank ◽  
One Year

AbstractWe conducted a prospective environmental study for Legionella pneumophila in 15 hospitals in Pennsylvania. Hot water tanks, cold water sites, faucets, and show-erheads were surveyed four times over a one-year period. Sixty percent (9/15) of hospitals surveyed were contaminated with L pneumophila. Although contamination could not be linked to a specific municipal water supplier, most of the contaminated supplies came from rivers. Parameters found to be significantly associated with contamination included elevated hot water temperature, vertical configuration of the hot water tank, older tanks, and elevated calcium and magnesium concentrations of the water (P < 0.05). This study suggests that L pneumophila contamination could be predicted based on design of the distribution system, as well as physicochemical characteristics of the water.

scholarly journals Critical Review: Propensity of Premise Plumbing Pipe Materials to Enhance or Diminish Growth of Legionella and Other Opportunistic Pathogens

Pathogens ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 957
Author(s):  
Abraham C. Cullom ◽  
Rebekah L. Martin ◽  
Yang Song ◽  
Krista Williams ◽  
Amanda Williams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Water Chemistry ◽  
Legionella Pneumophila ◽  
High Surface ◽  
Metallic Copper ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Opportunistic Pathogens ◽  
Premise Plumbing ◽  
Pipe Materials

Growth of Legionella pneumophila and other opportunistic pathogens (OPs) in drinking water premise plumbing poses an increasing public health concern. Premise plumbing is constructed of a variety of materials, creating complex environments that vary chemically, microbiologically, spatially, and temporally in a manner likely to influence survival and growth of OPs. Here we systematically review the literature to critically examine the varied effects of common metallic (copper, iron) and plastic (PVC, cross-linked polyethylene (PEX)) pipe materials on factors influencing OP growth in drinking water, including nutrient availability, disinfectant levels, and the composition of the broader microbiome. Plastic pipes can leach organic carbon, but demonstrate a lower disinfectant demand and fewer water chemistry interactions. Iron pipes may provide OPs with nutrients directly or indirectly, exhibiting a high disinfectant demand and potential to form scales with high surface areas suitable for biofilm colonization. While copper pipes are known for their antimicrobial properties, evidence of their efficacy for OP control is inconsistent. Under some circumstances, copper’s interactions with premise plumbing water chemistry and resident microbes can encourage growth of OPs. Plumbing design, configuration, and operation can be manipulated to control such interactions and health outcomes. Influences of pipe materials on OP physiology should also be considered, including the possibility of influencing virulence and antibiotic resistance. In conclusion, all known pipe materials have a potential to either stimulate or inhibit OP growth, depending on the circumstances. This review delineates some of these circumstances and informs future research and guidance towards effective deployment of pipe materials for control of OPs.

scholarly journals How Molecular Typing Can Support Legionella Environmental Surveillance in Hot Water Distribution Systems: A Hospital Experience

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (22) ◽  
pp. 8662
Author(s):  
Luna Girolamini ◽  
Silvano Salaris ◽  
Jessica Lizzadro ◽  
Marta Mazzotta ◽  
Maria Rosaria Pascale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Legionella Pneumophila ◽  
Molecular Typing ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Water Distribution ◽  
Water Distribution Systems ◽  
Gene Sequencing ◽  
Culture Technique ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Environmental Surveillance ◽  
Risk Map

In this study, we aimed to associate the molecular typing of Legionella isolates with a culture technique during routine Legionella hospital environmental surveillance in hot water distribution systems (HWDSs) to develop a risk map able to be used to prevent nosocomial infections and formulate appropriate preventive measures. Hot water samples were cultured according to ISO 11731:2017. The isolates were serotyped using an agglutination test and genotyped by sequence-based typing (SBT) for Legionella pneumophila or macrophage infectivity potentiator (mip) gene sequencing for non-pneumophila Legionella species. The isolates’ relationship was phylogenetically analyzed. The Legionella distribution and level of contamination were studied in relation to temperature and disinfectant residues. The culture technique detected 62.21% of Legionella positive samples, characterized by L. pneumophila serogroup 1, Legionella non-pneumophila, or both simultaneously. The SBT assigned two sequence types (STs): ST1, the most prevalent in Italy, and ST104, which had never been isolated before. The mip gene sequencing detected L. anisa and L. rubrilucens. The phylogenetic analysis showed distinct clusters for each species. The distribution of Legionella isolates showed significant differences between buildings, with a negative correlation between the measured level of contamination, disinfectant, and temperature. The Legionella molecular approach introduced in HWDSs environmental surveillance permits (i) a risk map to be outlined that can help formulate appropriate disinfection strategies and (ii) rapid epidemiological investigations to quickly identify the source of Legionella infections.

scholarly journals Trihalomethanes formation in Iranian water supply systems: predicting and modeling

2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 859-869 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Akbar Babaei ◽  
Leila Atari ◽  
Mehdi Ahmadi ◽  
Kambiz Ahmadiangali ◽  
Mirzaman Zamanzadeh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Water Temperature ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Water Distribution ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Model ◽  
Residual Chlorine ◽  
Water Supply Systems ◽  
Drinking Water Distribution Systems ◽  
Bromide Ion

Trihalomethanes (THMs) were the first disinfection by-products discovered in drinking water and are classified as probable carcinogens. This study measures and models THMs formation at two drinking water distribution systems (WDS1 and WDS2) in Ahvaz City, Iran. The investigation was based on field-scale investigations and an intensive 36-week sampling program, from January to September 2011. The results showed total THM concentrations in the range 17.4–174.8 μg/L and 18.9–99.5 μg/L in WDS1 and WDS2, respectively. Except in a few cases, the THM concentrations in WDS1 and WDS2 were lower than the maximum contaminant level values. Using two-tailed Pearson correlation test, the water temperature, dissolved organic carbon, UV254, bromide ion (Br−), free residual chlorine, and chlorine dose were identified as the significant parameters for THMs formation in WDS2. Water temperature was the only significant parameter for THMs formation in WDS1. Based on the correlation results, a predictive model for THMs formation was developed using a multiple regression approach. A multiple linear regression model showed the best fit according to the coefficients of determination (R2) obtained for WDS1 (R2 = 0.47) and WDS2 (R2 = 0.54). Further correlation studies and analysis focusing on THMs formation are necessary to assess THMs concentration using the predictive models.

Influence factors of organic compounds leaching from PE pipes and the potential toxic effects on E. coli and rat C6 glioma cell

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 402-409 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jingqing Liu ◽  
Hongxi Peng ◽  
Shengwei Tan ◽  
Jianmin Wu ◽  
Hamid Bastani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Glioma Cell ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Water Distribution ◽  
Influence Factors ◽  
C6 Glioma ◽  
Residual Chlorine ◽  
C6 Glioma Cell ◽  
Rat C6 Glioma

Water quality safety is always a hot topic. Recently there has been a great increase in the use of polyethylene (PE) pipes in drinking water distribution systems in China. Some organics can leach from PE pipes into drinking water, which is undoubtedly harmful for consumers. In this study, potential organics leaching from two Chinese brands of PE pipe were investigated in order to determine the potential risk to both consumers and water quality. Their released amounts are characterized by UV254 instead of total organic carbon (TOC). Organics are identified by means of gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Influencing factors such as types of water, time, pH, residual chlorine are discussed. The cytotoxicity of leaching organics is first put forward in this study, and rat C6 glioma cell is used to assess the effect of leaching organics; the increasing dosage of soaking solution negatively affects morphology and relative viability of rat C6 glioma cell. The results show that residual chlorine, time and temperature have a positive effect on organics release, while pH plays an opposite role.

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