Sekar, R., Deines, P., Machell, J. et al. (3 more authors) (2012) Bacterial water quality and network hydraulic characteristics: a field study of a small, looped water distribution system using culture-independent molecular methods. Journal Of Applied Microbiology, 112 (6). 1220 - 1234. ISSN 1364-5072
Abstract
Aims: To determine the spatial and temporal variability in the abundance, structure and composition of planktonic bacterial assemblages sampled from a small, looped water distribution system and to interpret results with respect to hydraulic conditions.
Methods and Results: Water samples were collected from five sampling points, twice a day at 06:00 h and 09:00 h on a Monday (following low weekend demand) and a Wednesday (higher midweek demand). All samples were fully compliant with current regulated parameter standards. This study did not show obvious changes in bacterial abundance (DAPI count) or community structure Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis with respect to sample site and hence to water age; however, the study did show temporal variability with respect to both sampling day and sample times.
Conclusions: Data suggests that variations in the bacterial assemblages may be associated with the local system hydraulics: the bacterial composition and numbers, over short durations, are governed by the interaction of the bulk water and the biofilm influenced by the hydraulic conditions.
Significance and Impact of the Study: This study demonstrates general stability in bacterial abundance, community structure and composition within the system studied. Trends and patterns supporting the transfer of idealized understanding to the real world were evident. Ultimately, such work will help to safeguard potable water quality, fundamental to public health.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2012 The Authors. Journal of Applied Microbiology. This is an author produced version of a paper subsequently published in Journal of Applied Microbiology. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
Keywords: | biofilms; denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis; drinking water; enumeration; water age; water quality |
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) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 08 Apr 2015 10:25 |
Last Modified: | 20 Mar 2018 19:56 |
Published Version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2672.2012.05286.x |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Blackwell Publishing |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2012.05286.x |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:84785 |