The Impacts of Chlorine and Chloramine on Biofilms and Discolouration in Operational Drinking Water Distribution Systems

The Impacts of Chlorine and Chloramine on Biofilms and Discolouration in Operational Drinking Water Distribution Systems

Blog Article

While disinfection residuals in drinking water limit planktonic microorganism regrowth during distribution, their impact on biofilms remains uncertain.This study examined how different water qualities, specifically chlorine versus chloramine disinfection residuals, affect drinking water biofilm growth in controlled, fully representative, pipe loop experimental facilities.For the first time, pipe loops were deployed at distribution system extremities, enabling the assessment of biofilms grown in bulk REC ACCEL waters with higher water ages than previously studied.Biofilms were grown for three months under comparable hydraulic conditions and temperatures in two operational DWDS (chlorine and chloramine).After three months, experiments Collections regarding hydraulic changes (flushing) were performed to mobilise the biofilm and assess the water quality response.

Analysis revealed elevated levels of iron and turbidity, exceeding UK regulatory limits, especially in the chloramine system.Cell count data showed a complex response, with differences likely associated with the residual type.The data provide evidence that chloramine does not restrict biofilm growth and that biofilms grown within chloramine DWDS can present an equal, if not greater, risk to water quality than chlorine counterparts.