Pick, F.C. orcid.org/0000-0002-4736-7892, Fish, K.E. and Boxall, J.B. orcid.org/0000-0002-4681-6895 (2021) Assimilable organic carbon cycling within drinking water distribution systems. Water Research, 198. 117147. ISSN 0043-1354
Abstract
A new conceptual model to describe and understand the role of assimilable organic carbon (AOC) within drinking water distribution systems is proposed. The impact of AOC on both drinking water biofilm and water quality was studied using bespoke pipe loop experimental facilities installed at three carefully selected operational water treatment works. Integrated physical, chemical and biological monitoring was undertaken that highlights the central role of biofilms in AOC cycling, forming the basis of the new conceptual model. Biofilms formed under high AOC conditions were found to pose the highest discoloration response, generating a turbidity (4.3 NTU) and iron (241.5 µg/l) response sufficient to have caused regulatory failures from only 20 m of pipe in only 12 months of operation. This new knowledge of the role of biofilms in AOC cycling, and ultimately impacts on water quality, can be used to inform management and help ensure the supply of high-quality, biostable drinking water.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) |
Keywords: | Drinking water distribution systems; Assimilable organic carbon; Micorbiology; Biofilms; Discoloration |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Engineering (Sheffield) > Department of Civil and Structural Engineering (Sheffield) |
Funding Information: | Funder Grant number Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council EP/N010124/1 Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council EP/L015412/1 SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE WATER PLC UNSPECIFIED SEVERN TRENT WATER LIMITED None |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 07 May 2021 15:57 |
Last Modified: | 07 May 2021 15:57 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Elsevier |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117147 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:173839 |