1
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Chen X, Xiao L, Niu J, Wang Y, Zhang X, Gong L, Yao F, Xu K. Early succession of biofilm bacterial communities in newly built drinking water pipelines via multi-area analysis. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 107:3817-3828. [PMID: 37074383 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12517-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
Biofilms inhabiting pipeline walls are critical to drinking water quality and safety. With massive pipeline replacement underway, however, biofilm formation process in newly built pipes and its effects on water quality are unclear. Moreover, differences and connections between biofilms in newly built and old pipes are unknown. In this study, early succession (≤ 120 days) of biofilm bacterial communities (abundance and diversity) in upper, middle and bottom areas of a newly built cement-lined ductile iron pipeline were evaluated using improved Propella™ biofilm reactor and multi-area analysis. A comparison with old pipelines (grey cast iron, 10 years) was performed. In the newly built pipeline, the abundance of biofilm bacteria did not change significantly between 40 and 80 days, but increased significantly between 80 and 120 days. The biofilm bacterial abundance (per unit area) in the bottom area was always higher than that in the upper and middle areas. Based on alpha diversity index and PCoA results, biofilm bacterial community richness, diversity and composition did not change significantly during the 120-day operation. Besides, biofilm shedding from the walls of newly built pipeline significantly increased bacterial abundance in the outlet water. Opportunistic pathogen-containing genera, such as Burkholderia, Acinetobacter and Legionella, were identified in both water and biofilm samples from newly built pipelines. The comparison between new and old pipelines suggested a higher bacterial abundance per unit area at the middle and bottom areas in old pipelines. Moreover, the bacterial community composition of biofilms in old pipelines was similar to that of newly built pipelines. These results contribute to accurate prediction and management of biofilm microbial communities in drinking water pipelines, ensuring the biosafety of drinking water. KEY POINTS: • Biofilm bacterial communities in different areas of pipe wall were revealed. • The abundance of biofilm bacteria increased significantly between 80 and 120 days. • Biofilm bacterial community compositions of newly built and old pipes were similar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Chen
- Fujian Provincial Engineering Research Center of Rural Waste Recycling Technology, College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Fuzhou University, No.2 Wulongjiangbei Road, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Liang Xiao
- Fujian Provincial Engineering Research Center of Rural Waste Recycling Technology, College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Fuzhou University, No.2 Wulongjiangbei Road, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Jia Niu
- Center of Safe and Energy-Saving Engineering Technology for Urban Water Supply and Drainage System, School of Ecological Environment and Urban Construction, Fujian University of Technology, No.33 Xuefunan Road, Fuzhou, 350118, China.
| | - Yue Wang
- Fuzhou Water Supply Co, Ltd., No.104 Dongjie, Fuzhou, 350001, China
- Fuzhou Water Quality Monitoring Co., Ltd, No.104 Dongjie, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Xiaomin Zhang
- Fuzhou Water Supply Co, Ltd., No.104 Dongjie, Fuzhou, 350001, China
- Fuzhou Water Quality Monitoring Co., Ltd, No.104 Dongjie, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Longcong Gong
- Fuzhou Water Supply Co, Ltd., No.104 Dongjie, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Fengbing Yao
- Fujian Provincial Engineering Research Center of Rural Waste Recycling Technology, College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Fuzhou University, No.2 Wulongjiangbei Road, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Kaiqin Xu
- College of Civil Engineering, Fuzhou University, No.2 Wulongjiangbei Road, Fuzhou, 350108, China
- National Institute for Environmental Studies, Onogawa 16-2, Tsukuba, 305-8506, Japan
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2
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Extracellular DNA (eDNA). A Major Ubiquitous Element of the Bacterial Biofilm Architecture. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22169100. [PMID: 34445806 PMCID: PMC8396552 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22169100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
After the first ancient studies on microbial slime (the name by which the biofilm matrix was initially indicated), multitudes of studies on the morphology, composition and physiology of biofilms have arisen. The emergence of the role that biofilms play in the pathogenesis of recalcitrant and persistent clinical infections, such as periprosthetic orthopedic infections, has reinforced scientific interest. Extracellular DNA (eDNA) is a recently uncovered component that is proving to be almost omnipresent in the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) of biofilm. This macromolecule is eliciting unprecedented consideration for the critical impact on the pathogenesis of chronic clinical infections. After a systematic review of the literature, an updated description of eDNA in biofilms is presented, with a special focus on the latest findings regarding its fundamental structural role and the contribution it makes to the complex architecture of bacterial biofilms through interactions with a variety of other molecular components of the biofilm matrix.
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3
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Fu Y, Peng H, Liu J, Nguyen TH, Hashmi MZ, Shen C. Occurrence and quantification of culturable and viable but non-culturable (VBNC) pathogens in biofilm on different pipes from a metropolitan drinking water distribution system. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 764:142851. [PMID: 33097267 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Waterborne pathogens have been found in biofilms grown in drinking water distribution system (DWDS). However, there is a lack of quantitative study on the culturability of pathogens in biofilms from metropolitan DWDS. In this study, we quantified culturable and viable but non-culturable (VBNC) Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Vibrio cholerae in biofilms collected from five kinds of pipes (galvanized steel pipe, steel pipe, stainless steel clad pipe, ductile cast iron pipe and polyethylene pipe) and associated drinking water at an actual chlorinated DWDS in use from China. The results of these comprehensive analyses revealed that pipe material is a significant factor influencing the culturability of pathogen and microbial communities. Network analysis of the culturable pathogens and 16S rRNA gene inferred potential interactions between microbiome and culturability of pathogens. Although the water quality met the Chinese national standard of drinking water, however, VBNC pathogens were detected in both biofilms and water from the DWDS. This investigation suggests that stainless steel clad pipe (SSCP) was a better choice for pathogen control compared with other metal pipes. To our knowledge, this is the first study on culturable and VBNC pathogens in biofilms of different pipe materials in metropolitan DWDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulong Fu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hongxi Peng
- Department of Civil Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jingqing Liu
- Department of Civil Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Thanh H Nguyen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States
| | | | - Chaofeng Shen
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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4
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Zhou X, Zhang K, Zhang T, Cen C, Pan R. Biotransformation of halophenols into earthy-musty haloanisoles: Investigation of dominant bacterial contributors in drinking water distribution systems. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 403:123693. [PMID: 33264884 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microorganisms in drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs) can O-methylate toxic halophenols (HPs) into earthy-musty haloanisoles (HAs). However, the dominant HA-producing bacterial species and their O-methylation properties are still unknown. In this study, eight bacterial strains from DWDS were isolated and the community abundances of the related genera in bulk water and biofilms as well as their O-methylation properties were investigated. Among the genera discovered in this study, Sphingomonas and Pseudomonas are dominant and play important roles in DWDSs. All bacteria could simultaneously convert five HPs to the corresponding HAs. Two Sphingomonas ursincola strains mainly produced 2,3,6-trichloroanisole (2,3,6-TCA) (2.48 × 10-9-1.18 × 10-8 ng/CFU), 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (2,4,6-TCA) (8.12 × 10-10-3.11 × 10-9 ng/CFU) and 2,4,6-tribromoanisole (2,4,6-TBA) (2.95 × 10-9-3.21 × 10-9 ng/CFU), while two Pseudomonas moraviensis strains preferred to generate 2-monochloroanisole (2-MCA) (1.19 × 10-9-3.70 × 10-9 ng/CFU) and 2,4-dichloroanisole (2,4-DCA) (3.81 × 10-9-1.20 × 10-8 ng/CFU). Among the chloramphenicol-susceptible strains, four strains contained inducible O-methyltransferases (OMTs), while the O-methylations of the others were expressed constitutively. All bacteria could use S-adenosyl methionine as methyl donor. Potential taste and odor (T & O) risks of five HAs in DWDS followed an order of 2,4,6-TBA > 2,4,6-TCA > 2,3,6-TCA > 2,4-DCA > 2-MCA. The recommended 2,4,6-TCP criteria for T & O control is 0.003-0.07 mg/L.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyan Zhou
- College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kejia Zhang
- College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Tuqiao Zhang
- College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Cheng Cen
- College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Renjie Pan
- College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
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5
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Del Olmo G, Husband S, Sánchez Briones C, Soriano A, Calero Preciado C, Macian J, Douterelo I. The microbial ecology of a Mediterranean chlorinated drinking water distribution systems in the city of Valencia (Spain). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 754:142016. [PMID: 33254950 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Drinking water distribution systems host extensive microbiomes with diverse biofilm communities regardless of treatment, disinfection, or operational practices. In Mediterranean countries higher temperatures can accelerate reactions and microbial growth that may increase aesthetic water quality issues, particularly where material deposits can develop as a result of net zero flows within looped urban networks. This study investigated the use of flow and turbidity monitoring to hydraulically manage mobilisation of pipe wall biofilms and associated material from the Mediterranean city of Valencia (Spain). Pipe sections of different properties were subjected to controlled incremental flushing with monitoring and sample collection for physico-chemical and DNA analysis with Illumina sequencing of bacterial and fungal communities. A core microbial community was detected throughout the network with microorganisms like Pseudomonas, Aspergillus or Alternaria increasing during flushing, indicating greater abundance in underlying and more consolidated material layers. Bacterial and fungal communities were found to be highly correlated, with bacteria more diverse and dynamic during flushing whilst fungi were more dominant and less variable between sampling sites. Results highlight that water quality management can be achieved through hydraulic strategies yet understanding community dynamics, including the fungal component, will be key to maintaining safe and ultimately beneficial microbiomes in drinking water distribution systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Del Olmo
- Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, University of Sheffield, S1 3JD Sheffield, United Kingdom.
| | - Stewart Husband
- Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, University of Sheffield, S1 3JD Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | | | - Adela Soriano
- Emivasa, Aguas de Valencia, Carrer dels Pedrapiquers, 4, 46014 Valencia, Spain
| | - Carolina Calero Preciado
- Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, University of Sheffield, S1 3JD Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Javier Macian
- Emivasa, Aguas de Valencia, Carrer dels Pedrapiquers, 4, 46014 Valencia, Spain
| | - Isabel Douterelo
- Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, University of Sheffield, S1 3JD Sheffield, United Kingdom
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6
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Zerva I, Remmas N, Kagalou I, Melidis P, Ariantsi M, Sylaios G, Ntougias S. Effect of Chlorination on Microbiological Quality of Effluent of a Full-Scale Wastewater Treatment Plant. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:68. [PMID: 33477775 PMCID: PMC7832327 DOI: 10.3390/life11010068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The evaluation of effluent wastewater quality mainly relies on the assessment of conventional bacterial indicators, such as fecal coliforms and enterococci; however, little is known about opportunistic pathogens, which can resist chlorination and may be transmitted in aquatic environments. In contrast to conventional microbiological methods, high-throughput molecular techniques can provide an accurate evaluation of effluent quality, although a limited number of studies have been performed in this direction. In this work, high-throughput amplicon sequencing was employed to assess the effectiveness of chlorination as a disinfection method for secondary effluents. Common inhabitants of the intestinal tract, such as Bacteroides, Arcobacter and Clostridium, and activated sludge denitrifiers capable of forming biofilms, such as Acidovorax, Pseudomonas and Thauera, were identified in the chlorinated effluent. Chloroflexi with dechlorination capability and the bacteria involved in enhanced biological phosphorus removal, i.e., Candidatus Accumulibacter and Candidatus Competibacter, were also found to resist chlorination. No detection of Escherichia indicates the lack of fecal coliform contamination. Mycobacterium spp. were absent in the chlorinated effluent, whereas toxin-producing cyanobacteria of the genera Anabaena and Microcystis were identified in low abundances. Chlorination significantly affected the filamentous bacteria Nocardioides and Gordonia, whereas Zoogloea proliferated in the disinfected effluent. Moreover, perchlorate/chlorate- and organochlorine-reducing bacteria resisted chlorination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Zerva
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Laboratory of Wastewater Management and Treatment Technologies, Democritus University of Thrace, Vas. Sofias 12, 67132 Xanthi, Greece; (I.Z.); (N.R.); (P.M.); (M.A.)
- Department of Civil Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, Vas. Sofias 12, 67132 Xanthi, Greece;
| | - Nikolaos Remmas
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Laboratory of Wastewater Management and Treatment Technologies, Democritus University of Thrace, Vas. Sofias 12, 67132 Xanthi, Greece; (I.Z.); (N.R.); (P.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Ifigeneia Kagalou
- Department of Civil Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, Vas. Sofias 12, 67132 Xanthi, Greece;
| | - Paraschos Melidis
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Laboratory of Wastewater Management and Treatment Technologies, Democritus University of Thrace, Vas. Sofias 12, 67132 Xanthi, Greece; (I.Z.); (N.R.); (P.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Marina Ariantsi
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Laboratory of Wastewater Management and Treatment Technologies, Democritus University of Thrace, Vas. Sofias 12, 67132 Xanthi, Greece; (I.Z.); (N.R.); (P.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Georgios Sylaios
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Laboratory of Ecological Engineering and Technology, Democritus University of Thrace, Vas. Sofias 12, 67132 Xanthi, Greece;
| | - Spyridon Ntougias
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Laboratory of Wastewater Management and Treatment Technologies, Democritus University of Thrace, Vas. Sofias 12, 67132 Xanthi, Greece; (I.Z.); (N.R.); (P.M.); (M.A.)
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7
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A Hemdan B, Azab El-Liethy M, El-Taweel GE. The destruction of Escherichia coli adhered to pipe surfaces in a model drinking water distribution system via various antibiofilm agents. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2020; 92:2155-2167. [PMID: 32621531 DOI: 10.1002/wer.1388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study is to estimate the effectiveness of three antibiofilm agents against Escherichia coli biofilm that formed in six different types of pipelines. A laboratory-scale water system was built for this work to allow for the creation of biofilm in the pipelines studied. The level of the growth rate of E. coli biofilm cells was monitored over 90 days on those tested pipe materials. The results of bacterial cell densities displayed that the highest biofilm growth was observed in the biofilm formed on the iron (Fe) pipe. In contrast, the biofilm formation rate was significantly lower on copper (Cu) pipe compared to other materials. Three antibiofilm agents, including chlorine, silver ions (Ag+ ), and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), were employed to eradicate the biofilm cells. E. coli counts indicated that AgNPs are more efficient in destructing any formed biofilm cells on all tested materials. At the same time, the chlorine was only useful in the case of biofilm developed on plastic and Cu. However, the antibiofilm efficiency of Ag+ performs similarly to chlorine against E. coli biofilm cells. Ultimately, AgNPs are considred the most powerful antibiofilm agent among the other agents toward the biofilm cells in their maturation stage, which offers an encouraging way for the long-term functioning of water systems. PRACTITIONER POINTS: The growth rate of E. coli biofilm cells was investigated on different materials. The count of biofilm cells developed on iron pipes was higher than other materials. The E. coli biofilm on iron pipe could resist chlorine and AgNPs to a large extent. The developed biofilm on copper pipe was more sensitive to chlorine, Ag+ . and AgNPs. The biofilm cells could be easily eradicated from plastic-based materials with all tested disinfectants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahaa A Hemdan
- Water Pollution Research Department, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, India
| | | | - Gamila E El-Taweel
- Water Pollution Research Department, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
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8
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Feeding the Building Plumbing Microbiome: The Importance of Synthetic Polymeric Materials for Biofilm Formation and Management. WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w12061774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The environmental conditions in building plumbing systems differ considerably from the larger distribution system and, as a consequence, uncontrolled changes in the drinking water microbiome through selective growth can occur. In this regard, synthetic polymeric plumbing materials are of particular relevance, since they leach assimilable organic carbon that can be utilized for bacterial growth. Here, we discuss the complexity of building plumbing in relation to microbial ecology, especially in the context of low-quality synthetic polymeric materials (i.e., plastics) and highlight the major knowledge gaps in the field. We furthermore show how knowledge on the interaction between material properties (e.g., carbon migration) and microbiology (e.g., growth rate) allows for the quantification of initial biofilm development in buildings. Hence, research towards a comprehensive understanding of these processes and interactions will enable the implementation of knowledge-based management strategies. We argue that the exclusive use of high-quality materials in new building plumbing systems poses a straightforward strategy towards managing the building plumbing microbiome. This can be achieved through comprehensive material testing and knowledge sharing between all stakeholders including architects, planners, plumbers, material producers, home owners, and scientists.
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9
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Cruz MC, Woo Y, Flemming HC, Wuertz S. Nitrifying niche differentiation in biofilms from full-scale chloraminated drinking water distribution system. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 176:115738. [PMID: 32259683 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.115738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Tropical conditions favour the auto-decomposition of monochloramine (MCA) leading to disinfectant decay and free ammonia in drinking water distribution systems (DWDS); thus, they promote the growth of nitrifiers and the development of biofilms on the inner-pipe surface. Biofilms can adversely impact the provision of safe and biologically stable water. Moreover, there is a general lack of understanding of the role of microbial communities in DWDS in regions with warm temperatures and no distinct seasons. Here, we report a survey on biofilms from full-scale monochloraminated DWDS in a highly urbanised metropolis using next generation sequencing tools. The monitoring campaign consisted of sampling biofilms and bulk waters from 21 in-service pipes. We characterized the microbial community with emphasis on nitrifying bacteria and archaea using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and potential nitrification activity. Samples grouped into two clusters, characterized by their low (Cluster LD) and high (Cluster HD) α-diversity. Both clusters harbour microorganisms related to nitrification: i) Nitrosomonas (24.9-68.8%), an ammonia oxidising bacterium (AOB) that dominated Cluster LD, and ii) a co-aggregation of genus Nitrospira (9.8-32.5%), a nitrite oxidising bacterium (NOB), and Thaumarchaeota (1.4-10.9%), chemolithotrophic ammonia oxidising (AOA) archaea that were among the most abundant OTUs in Cluster HD. Activity tests performed with fresh biofilm samples confirmed that these two clusters represent distinctive biofilm niches performing different stages of the nitrification process. Cluster LD correlated with a high concentration of MCA, which caused dysbiosis and resulted in high unevenness of the cluster. In cluster HD, with more biomass, chemical reactions involving nitrite increased the MCA demand, releasing ammonia and allowing more nitrifiers to grow, like AOA and NOB. From this study, we conclude that an MCA residual gradient along the DWDS drives and shapes the microbial community assembly and should be considered when designing effective disinfection strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Cecilia Cruz
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), 60 Nanyang Drive, Nanyang Technological University, 637551, Singapore
| | - Yissue Woo
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), 60 Nanyang Drive, Nanyang Technological University, 637551, Singapore
| | - Hans-Curt Flemming
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), 60 Nanyang Drive, Nanyang Technological University, 637551, Singapore
| | - Stefan Wuertz
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), 60 Nanyang Drive, Nanyang Technological University, 637551, Singapore; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 50 Nanyang Ave, Nanyang Technological University, 639798, Singapore.
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10
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Liu G, Zhang Y, Liu X, Hammes F, Liu WT, Medema G, Wessels P, van der Meer W. 360-Degree Distribution of Biofilm Quantity and Community in an Operational Unchlorinated Drinking Water Distribution Pipe. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:5619-5628. [PMID: 32259432 PMCID: PMC7203839 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b06603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, triplicate rings of 360° pipe surfaces of an operational drinking water distribution pipe were swabbed. Each ring was equally divided into 16 parts for swabbing. The collected swabs were grouped into 3 sections and compared with the biofilm samples sampled by sonication of specimens from the same pipe. The results showed that the biofilm is unevenly distributed over the 16 parts and the 3 sections of the pipe surface. Both the active biomass and the number of observed OTUs increased as the measurements proceeded from the top to the bottom of the pipe. The bacterial community was dominated in all sections by Proteobacteria. At the genus level, Nitrospira spp., Terrimonas spp., and Hyphomicrobium spp. were dominant in all sections. Gaiella spp. and Vicinamibacter spp. dominated in S-I, Blastopirellula spp. and Pirellula spp. dominated in S-II, while Holophaga spp. and Phaeodactylibacter spp. dominated in S-III. When swabbing and pipe specimen sonication were compared, the results showed that the sampling strategy significantly influences the obtained biofilm bacterial community. A consistent multisectional swabbing strategy is proposed for future biofilm sampling; it involves collecting swabs from all sections and comparing the swabs from the same position/section across locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Liu
- Key
Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre
for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, P. R. China
- Oasen
Drinkwater, P.O. Box
122, 2801SB, Gouda, The Netherlands
- Sanitary
Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of Civil Engineering
and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, P.O. Box 5048, 2600GA Delft, The Netherlands
- Phone: 0086 17600879707; e-mail: ,
| | - Ya Zhang
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, 205 North Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Xinlei Liu
- Catalysis
Engineering, Chemical Engineering Department, Delft University of Technology, van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Frederik Hammes
- Eawag,
Swiss
Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Wen-Tso Liu
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, 205 North Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Gertjan Medema
- Sanitary
Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of Civil Engineering
and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, P.O. Box 5048, 2600GA Delft, The Netherlands
- KWR
Watercycle Research Institute, P.O. Box 1072, 3430 BB Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Wessels
- Oasen
Drinkwater, P.O. Box
122, 2801SB, Gouda, The Netherlands
| | - Walter van der Meer
- Oasen
Drinkwater, P.O. Box
122, 2801SB, Gouda, The Netherlands
- Science
and Technology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500AE Enschede, The Netherlands
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11
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Zhu Z, Shan L, Hu F, Li Z, Zhong D, Yuan Y, Zhang J. Biofilm formation potential and chlorine resistance of typical bacteria isolated from drinking water distribution systems. RSC Adv 2020; 10:31295-31304. [PMID: 35520667 PMCID: PMC9056398 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra04985a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilms are the main carrier of microbial communities throughout drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs), and strongly affect the safety of drinking water. Understanding biofilm formation potential and chlorine resistance is necessary for exploring future disinfection strategies and preventing water-borne diseases. This study investigated biofilm formation of five bacterial strains isolated from a simulated DWDS at different incubation times (24 h, 48 h, and 72 h), then evaluated chlorine resistance of 72 h incubated biofilms under chlorine concentrations of 0.3, 0.6, 1, 2, 4, and 10 mg L−1. All five bacterial strains had biofilm formation potential when incubated for 72 h. The biofilm formation potential of Acinetobacter sp. was stronger than that of Bacillus cereus, Microbacterium sp. and Sphingomonas sp. were moderate, and that of Acidovorax sp. was weak. In contrast, the order of chlorine resistance was Bacillus sp. > Sphingomonas sp. > Microbacterium sp. > Acidovorax sp. > Acinetobacter sp. Thus, the chlorine resistance of a single-species biofilm has little relation with the biofilm formation potential. The biofilm biomass is not a major factor affecting chlorine resistance. Moreover, the chlorine resistance of a single-species biofilm is highly related to the physiological state of bacterial cells, such as their ability to form spores or secrete extracellular polymeric substances, which could reduce the sensitivity of the single-species biofilm to a disinfectant or otherwise protect the biofilm. Biofilms are the main carrier of microbial communities throughout drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs), and strongly affect the safety of drinking water.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Zebing Zhu
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture
- East China Jiao Tong University
- Nanchang
- China
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment
| | - Lili Shan
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture
- East China Jiao Tong University
- Nanchang
- China
| | - Fengping Hu
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture
- East China Jiao Tong University
- Nanchang
- China
| | - Zehua Li
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture
- East China Jiao Tong University
- Nanchang
- China
| | - Dan Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment
- School of Environment
- Harbin Institute of Technology
- Harbin
- China
| | - Yixing Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment
- School of Environment
- Harbin Institute of Technology
- Harbin
- China
| | - Jie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment
- School of Environment
- Harbin Institute of Technology
- Harbin
- China
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Neu L, Proctor CR, Walser JC, Hammes F. Small-Scale Heterogeneity in Drinking Water Biofilms. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2446. [PMID: 31736893 PMCID: PMC6828615 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilm heterogeneity has been characterized on various scales for both natural and engineered ecosystems. This heterogeneity has been attributed to spatial differences in environmental factors. Understanding their impact on localized biofilm heterogeneity in building plumbing systems is important for both management and representative sampling strategies. We assessed heterogeneity within the confined engineered ecosystem of a shower hose by high-resolution sampling (200 individual biofilm sections per hose) on varying scales (μm to m). We postulated that a biofilm grown on a single material under uniform conditions should be homogeneous in its structure, bacterial numbers, and community composition. A biofilm grown for 12 months under controlled laboratory conditions, showed homogeneity on large-scale. However, some small-scale heterogeneity was clearly observed. For example, biofilm thickness of cm-sections varied up to 4-fold, total cell concentrations (TCC) 3-fold, and relative abundance of dominant taxa up to 5-fold. A biofilm grown under real (i.e., uncontrolled) use conditions developed considerably more heterogeneity in all variables which was attributed to more discontinuity in environmental conditions. Interestingly, biofilm communities from both hoses showed comparably low diversity, with <400 taxa each, and only three taxa accounting for 57%, respectively, 73% of the community. This low diversity was attributed to a strong selective pressure, originating in migrating carbon from the flexible hoses as major carbon source. High-resolution sampling strategy enabled detailed analysis of spatial heterogeneity within an individual drinking water biofilm. This study gives insight into biofilm structure and community composition on cm-to m-scale and is useful for decision-making on sampling strategies in biofilm research and monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Neu
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Caitlin R. Proctor
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Schools of Civil, Environmental and Ecological, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | | | - Frederik Hammes
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
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13
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Wang B, Tan X, Du R, Zhao F, Zhang L, Han Y, Zhou Z. Bacterial composition of biofilms formed on dairy-processing equipment. Prep Biochem Biotechnol 2019; 49:477-484. [DOI: 10.1080/10826068.2019.1587623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Binbin Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Xiqian Tan
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Renpeng Du
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Fangkun Zhao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Lixia Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Ye Han
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Zhijiang Zhou
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, PR China
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14
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Zhang J, Li W, Chen J, Wang F, Qi W, Li Y. Impact of disinfectant on bacterial antibiotic resistance transfer between biofilm and tap water in a simulated distribution network. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 246:131-140. [PMID: 30537651 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.11.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Revised: 10/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial antibiotic resistance (BAR) is profoundly important to human health, but the environmental reservoirs of resistance determinants are poorly understood. BAR of biofilm and tap water were analyzed by using a water distribution simulator where different doses of chlorine and chloramine were used in this study. The results revealed that the disinfectants (≥2 mg/L) suppressed antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) in tap water and biofilms, while disinfected water and biofilms had a high relative abundance of ARB. The difference of ARB concentration and ARB percentage between the samples obtained from a disinfected pipeline and a non-disinfected pipeline became smaller over time. Because the water supply system is a unidirectional process, it is unclear how planktonic bacteria in water transfer BAR over time, although biofilm is suspected to play a role in this process. Compared with the biofilm samples without disinfectant, the disinfected biofilm had lower ICC and HPC/ICC percentage, lower AOC and AOC/TOC percentage, indicating that the disinfectant inhibited the bacteria growth in biofilm, and the disinfected biofilm had high proportion of non-culturable bacteria and low biodegradability, which affected BAR in biofilms. High throughput sequencing showed that in biofilms, the relative abundance of genera (uncultured_f_Rhodocyclaceae, Brevundimonas, and Brevibacillus in chlorinated systems, and Brevundimonas, Brevibacillus in chloraminated systems) with multiple antibiotic resistance and high abundance (up to 78.5%), were positively associated with disinfectant concentration and ARB percentage. The major prevalent genera in biofilms were also detected in tap water, suggesting that biofilm growth or biofilm detachment caused by external environmental factors will allow the movement of biofilm clusters with higher ARB concentration and percentage into bulk water, thereby increasing the antibiotic resistance of bacteria in tap water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junpeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Weiying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Jiping Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze Aquatic Environment, Ministry of Education College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Wanqi Qi
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yue Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
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15
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Zhang J, Li W, Chen J, Qi W, Wang F, Zhou Y. Impact of biofilm formation and detachment on the transmission of bacterial antibiotic resistance in drinking water distribution systems. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 203:368-380. [PMID: 29627603 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.03.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2017] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
There is growing awareness of the antibiotic-resistance crisis and its implications for public health among clinicians, researchers, politicians, and the public. We studied bacterial antibiotic resistance transition and the role of biofilms in a drinking water distribution system (DWDS). We tracked several different antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) with resistance to tetracycline, sulfamethoxazole, clindamycin, and norfloxacin for one year in a DWDS. The results indicated that the amount of ARB increased in tap water, presumably due to biofilm detachment. The effect of biofilm detachment on the transmission of antibiotic resistance from biofilms to tap water was explored by using a bacterial annular reactor. The percentage of ARB of inlet water, outlet water, and biofilms ranged from 0.26% to 9.85%, 1.08%-16.29%, and 0.52%-29.97%, respectively in a chlorinated system, and from 0.23% to 9.89%, 0.84%-16.84%, and 0.35%-17.77%, respectively, in a chloraminated system. The relative abundances of antibiotic resistance Acinetobacter, Sphingomonas, and Bradyrhizobium were higher in outlet water than in inlet water, as determined by high throughout sequencing. The amount of ARB percentage varied with the concentration of viable but non-culturable (VBNC) cells (r = 0.21, n = 160, P < 0.05) in biofilm, suggesting a higher antibiotic resistance mutation rate in VBNC cells. Our results suggest that biofilm detachment was promoted by disinfectant and affected the overall bacterial antibiotic resistance of microbes in tap water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junpeng Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Weiying Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Jiping Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Wanqi Qi
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Feng Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yanyan Zhou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
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