Factors Governing Biofilm Formation in Drinking Water Networks: A General Survey

Mourad Elgoulli; Ikhlas Hani Chennoufi; Soukaina Mitro; Hafida Zahir; Mostafa Ellouali; Hassan Latrache

doi:10.63095/NBSEH.26.117702

Authors

Mourad Elgoulli Industrial and Surface Engineering Laboratory, Team Bioprocesses and Biointerfaces, Faculty of Science and Techniques, Sultan Moulay Slimane University (https://ror.org/02m8tb249), BP 523 Beni Mellal, Morocco
Ikhlas Hani Chennoufi Industrial and Surface Engineering Laboratory, Team Bioprocesses and Biointerfaces, Faculty of Science and Techniques, Sultan Moulay Slimane University (https://ror.org/02m8tb249), BP 523 Beni Mellal, Morocco
Soukaina Mitro Industrial and Surface Engineering Laboratory, Team Bioprocesses and Biointerfaces, Faculty of Science and Techniques, Sultan Moulay Slimane University (https://ror.org/02m8tb249), BP 523 Beni Mellal, Morocco
Hafida Zahir Industrial and Surface Engineering Laboratory, Team Bioprocesses and Biointerfaces, Faculty of Science and Techniques, Sultan Moulay Slimane University (https://ror.org/02m8tb249), BP 523 Beni Mellal, Morocco
Mostafa Ellouali Industrial and Surface Engineering Laboratory, Team Bioprocesses and Biointerfaces, Faculty of Science and Techniques, Sultan Moulay Slimane University (https://ror.org/02m8tb249), BP 523 Beni Mellal, Morocco
Hassan Latrache Industrial and Surface Engineering Laboratory, Team Bioprocesses and Biointerfaces, Faculty of Science and Techniques, Sultan Moulay Slimane University (https://ror.org/02m8tb249), BP 523 Beni Mellal, Morocco

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63095/NBSEH.26.117702

Keywords:

Biofilm, Drinking water, Disinfection, Factors

Abstract

The drinking water distribution system (DWDS) is often threatened by the dangerous threat of biofilms as these intricate microbial consortia aggressively colonize pipe surfaces and act as reservoirs for pathogens which accelerate the infrastructure decay and degrade the organoleptic quality. Their resistance to conventional disinfection which includes chlorine, and their powerful regenerative capacity make eradication strategies ineffective. Environmental variables that govern biofilm proliferation include temperature, nutrient availability, water chemistry, and hydrodynamics, as well as the pipe material. The safeguarding of the water quality needs to be transformed by integrated and multi-barrier strategies. This necessitates also the implementation of advanced solutions like novel antibacterial surfaces, next-generation biocides, and stringent nutrient limitation to interrupt the resilience of biofilm and to protect public health.

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