Fish, K. orcid.org/0000-0002-3265-2826, Osborn, A.M. and Boxall, J. (2016) Characterising and Understanding the Impact of Microbial Biofilms and the Extracellular Polymeric Substance (EPS) Matrix in Drinking Water Distribution Systems. Environmental science : water research & technology. ISSN 2053-1400
Abstract
Drinking water quality deteriorates during transportation through drinking water distribution systems (DWDS). Microbial activity and ecology, particularly within biofilms that occur on the inner-pipe surface of DWDS, are emerging as important drivers in the degradation process. Yet, we have little real-world applicable understanding of the DWDS biofilms. This paper provides a critical discussion of current drinking water biofilm research, highlighting the importance of biofilms, including the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and their interactions with the physico-chemical environment. Evidence is presented that the tools for biofilm analysis are becoming more accessible and there is now the opportunity to translate microbial research from idealised bench-top settings to practical real-world applications. It is essential that we understand biofilms and manage them within ageing, deteriorating DWDS infrastructure to protect public health and wellbeing.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported Licence. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/ |
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: | 13 Apr 2016 11:01 |
Last Modified: | 13 Apr 2016 11:01 |
Published Version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/C6EW00039H |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Royal Society of Chemistry |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1039/C6EW00039H |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:98371 |