Combatting biofilms in potable water systems: A comprehensive overview to ensuring industrial water safety
Issued Date
2023-01-01
Resource Type
eISSN
17582229
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85173860389
Journal Title
Environmental Microbiology Reports
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Environmental Microbiology Reports (2023)
Suggested Citation
Li Y., Qu Y., Yang H., Zhou X., Xiao P., Shao T. Combatting biofilms in potable water systems: A comprehensive overview to ensuring industrial water safety. Environmental Microbiology Reports (2023). doi:10.1111/1758-2229.13207 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/90635
Title
Combatting biofilms in potable water systems: A comprehensive overview to ensuring industrial water safety
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Biofilm formation in industrial potable water systems, encompassing applications such as drinking, emergency showers, firefighting and sanitary appliances, presents a multifaceted challenge that has significant implications for both equipment efficiency and human health. These microbial communities, comprised of bacteria, fungi and protozoa, adhere to surfaces and are embedded within an extracellular matrix, primarily of polysaccharide origin. The formation and persistence of these biofilms can lead to reduced system efficiency and potential health risks due to microbial-induced corrosion, contamination and waterborne pathogens. This review delves into the physicochemical and microbial factors promoting biofilm growth in these systems and elucidates contemporary strategies for their control and eradication. By harnessing advanced methodologies, including state-of-the-art filtration, disinfection techniques and predictive monitoring, stakeholders can proactively address biofilm-related challenges. The emphasis of this comprehensive overview is on the interdisciplinary nature of biofilm growth, combining insights from microbiology, engineering and water chemistry to pave the way for an integrative approach to ensuring consistent industrial water quality.