scholarly journals Efficacy of copper–silver ionization for controlling fungal colonization in water distribution systems

2013 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 277-280
Author(s):  
Chang-Hua Chen ◽  
Li-Chen Lin ◽  
Yu-Jun Chang ◽  
Chun-Eng Liu ◽  
Maw-Soan Soon ◽  
...  

The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of fungal colonization in water systems and to evaluate the effect of decreasing fungal colonization by a copper–silver ionization system. Environmental samples were collected for fungal culture prospectively during a 1-year period (2011–2012) at the study hospital. A total of 392 water samples were examined from five buildings on March 1, 2011 and February 29, 2012. Fungi were isolated in 13 (3.4%) of 392 water samples from five buildings. The prevalence of fungal colonization in buildings was decreased from 4.76% (9/189) to 1.97% (4/203), a reduction of more than 40%, in pre-ionization and post-ionization treatment (p < 0.001). Thirteen (3.4%) of 392 water samples yielded fungi including Fusarium species (n = 7), Penicillium species (n = 2), Scedosporium species (n = 2), Aspergillus species (n = 1), and one unidentifiable mold. The number of isolated Fusarium species in ionized water samples (0.5% (1/203)) was statistically lower than those in nonionized (3.2% (6/189)) (p = 0.003). Our finding may determine if this ionization method can be applied for control of waterborne fungi colonization in hospital water systems.

1988 ◽  
Vol 20 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 153-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
William D. Rosenzweig ◽  
Wesley O. Pipes

In recent years various types of imperfect fungi have been isolated from water systems. Fungal spores and mycelia can be inactivated by low concentrations of chlorine in the laboratory but survive in some habitats in water distribution systems. This report describes a field study which provides evidence that some types of fungi are able to grow in water distribution systems. Replicate samples from private residences were used to demonstrate that fungal densities are sometimes much greater than the levels which could be explained by adventitious spores. The microbiological content of water samples from fire hydrants was often significantly different from that of water samples from nearby private residences. The treated water input to distribution systems was found to be significantly lower in fungus content than water from private residences. Elevated storage tanks open to the atmosphere appear to be significant sources of fungal input to some systems.


2019 ◽  
pp. 227-237
Author(s):  
Jacek Żak ◽  
Karolina Orlińska ◽  
Magdalena Koperny ◽  
Jarosław Foremny ◽  
Katarzyna Bandoła ◽  
...  

INTRODUCTION. Bacteria Legionella sp. found in water distribution systems, especially warm, transferred to water spray devices for aerators and showers in the form of aerosols infected with them become a threat to the human inhaler. OBJECTIVE. Assessment of colonization of the water supply network with Legionella bacteria in teaching and education facilities in Małopolska in 2016 year. MATERIAL AND METHODS. The results of water samples taken from plumbing installations were analyzed in teaching and education facilities by employees of the State Sanitary Inspection of the Lesser Poland Voivodeship. RESULTS. The results of 366 testing hot water samples in 111 teaching and education centers in Małopolska have shown that in 123 testing samples (33,6%) in 48 centers (43,2%) the water sample was colonized with Legionella sp. and the water quality did not meet the requirements of the current ordinance of the Minister of Health. CONCLUSIONS. It is justified to periodically monitor the presence of Legionella sp. in water supply installations in teaching and education centers and taking action to reduce the colonization of these bacteria.


2010 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Deines ◽  
R. Sekar ◽  
H. S. Jensen ◽  
S. Tait ◽  
J. B. Boxall ◽  
...  

Abstract. Microbiology in Urban Water Systems (MUWS) is an integrated project, which aims to characterize the microorganisms found in both potable water distribution systems and sewer networks. These large infrastructure systems have a major impact on our quality of life, and despite the importance of these systems as major components of the water cycle, little is known about their microbial ecology. Potable water distribution systems and sewer networks are both large, highly interconnected, dynamic, subject to time and varying inputs and demands, and difficult to control. Their performance also faces increasing loading due to increasing urbanization and longer-term environmental changes. Therefore, understanding the link between microbial ecology and any potential impacts on short or long-term engineering performance within urban water infrastructure systems is important. By combining the strengths and research expertise of civil-, biochemical engineers and molecular microbial ecologists, we ultimately aim to link microbial community abundance, diversity and function to physical and engineering variables so that novel insights into the performance and management of both water distribution systems and sewer networks can be explored. By presenting the details and principals behind the molecular microbiological techniques that we use, this paper demonstrates the potential of an integrated approach to better understand how urban water system function, and so meet future challenges.


Pathogens ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Atif Nisar ◽  
Kirstin E. Ross ◽  
Melissa H. Brown ◽  
Richard Bentham ◽  
Harriet Whiley

Legionella pneumophila is an opportunistic waterborne pathogen of public health concern. It is the causative agent of Legionnaires’ disease (LD) and Pontiac fever and is ubiquitous in manufactured water systems, where protozoan hosts and complex microbial communities provide protection from disinfection procedures. This review collates the literature describing interactions between L. pneumophila and protozoan hosts in hospital and municipal potable water distribution systems. The effectiveness of currently available water disinfection protocols to control L. pneumophila and its protozoan hosts is explored. The studies identified in this systematic literature review demonstrated the failure of common disinfection procedures to achieve long term elimination of L. pneumophila and protozoan hosts from potable water. It has been demonstrated that protozoan hosts facilitate the intracellular replication and packaging of viable L. pneumophila in infectious vesicles; whereas, cyst-forming protozoans provide protection from prolonged environmental stress. Disinfection procedures and protozoan hosts also facilitate biogenesis of viable but non-culturable (VBNC) L. pneumophila which have been shown to be highly resistant to many water disinfection protocols. In conclusion, a better understanding of L. pneumophila-protozoan interactions and the structure of complex microbial biofilms is required for the improved management of L. pneumophila and the prevention of LD.


1993 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
pp. 183-186
Author(s):  
Charles Pickel

Electric, gas and water distribution systems can have an extremely long life when properly designed, installed and maintained. MLGW is proof positive that aging distribution systems can be managed in an effective manner. Customer satisfaction is a high priority with Division management. According to a recent survey, Memphians enjoy the lowest average monthly utility bills among the 25 largest cities in the United States.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 415-420 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruochen Zhu ◽  
David T. Tan ◽  
Danmeng Shuai

This article highlights recent applications of AFM in the characterization of membrane fouling by organic polymers, biofilms in drinking water distribution systems, and nucleation and growth processes of manganese (hydr)oxide nanoparticles.


2010 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-64
Author(s):  
P. Deines ◽  
R. Sekar ◽  
H. S. Jensen ◽  
S. Tait ◽  
J. B. Boxall ◽  
...  

Abstract. Microbiology in Urban Water Systems (MUWS) is an integrated project, which aims to characterize the microorganisms found in both potable water distribution systems and sewer networks. These large infrastructure systems have a major impact on our quality of life, and despite the importance of these systems as major components of the water cycle, little is known about their microbial ecology. Potable water distribution systems are large, highly interconnected and dynamic, and difficult to control. Sewer systems are also large and subject to time varying inputs and demands. Their performance also faces increasing loading due to increasing urbanization and longer-term environmental changes. Therefore, understanding the link between microbial ecology and any potential impacts on short or long-term engineering performance is important. By combining the strengths and research expertise of civil-, biochemical engineers and molecular microbial ecologists, we aim to link the abundance and diversity of microorganisms to physical and engineering variables so that novel insights into the ecology of microorganisms within both water distribution systems and sewer networks can be explored. By presenting the details of this multidisciplinary approach, and the principals behind the molecular microbiological methods and techniques that we use, this paper will demonstrate the potential of an integrated approach to better understand urban water system function and so meet future challenges.


2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 49
Author(s):  
Jason R. Barrett, PhD Candidate ◽  
P. Edward French, PhD

The events of September 11, 2001, increased and intensified domestic preparedness efforts in the United States against terrorism and other threats. The heightened focus on protecting this nation’s critical infrastructure included legislation requiring implementation of extensive new security measures to better defend water supply systems against physical, chemical/ biological, and cyber attacks. In response, municipal officials have implemented numerous safeguards to reduce the vulnerability of these systems to purposeful intrusions including ongoing vulnerability assessments, extensive personnel training, and highly detailed emergency response and communication plans. This study evaluates fiscal year 2010 annual compliance assessments of public water systems with security measures that were implemented by Mississippi’s Department of Health as a response to federal requirements to address these potential terrorist threats to water distribution systems. The results show that 20 percent of the water systems in this state had at least one security violation on their 2010 Capacity Development Assessment, and continued perseverance from local governments is needed to enhance the resiliency and robustness of these systems against physical threats.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Steffelbauer ◽  
Mirjam Blokker ◽  
Arno Knobbe ◽  
Edo Abraham

<p>Worldwide, water utilities face exceptional challenges as communities are running out of water and new resources are ill-equipped to meet rising water demands. Furthermore, in many cities, years of stringent financial constraints on water utilities, unoptimized operations and the unaffordability for utilities to maintain and replace their aging infrastructure has resulted in dramatically growing leakage levels, especially in places already under high water stress. Even in Europe, as a matter of fact, nearly one quarter of treated water is lost in the distribution systems before reaching the customers. As a result, the aging water infrastructure is challenged to become more efficient.</p><p>Nowadays, an increasing number of water utilities use hydraulic simulation software to design and operate water systems in a more efficient way. However, measurements in water distribution are scarce, which results in inaccurate computer models of real systems. Recently, smart meters have become available as a promising remedy. These smart meters measure water usage of households and transmit information to water utilities in real-time. Now is the time to make water distribution simulation software fit for the future, by exploiting this new Big-data source and start a new era in hydraulic modeling, aiming to increase the operational efficiency of our drinking water systems and save our precious water resources.</p><p>This work proposes an innovative new way of combining hydraulic models, data from smart meters and stochastic demand modelling to develop beyond state-of-the-art methods to simulate water distribution systems. It is shown how data science algorithms (e.g. dynamic time warping, clustering, demand disaggregation, household activity identification, …) can be used to extract high-level information from smart meter data (e.g. daily water use routines, work schedules, socio-economic characteristics). Such information is crucial for simulating water demand accurately. Hence, data science algorithms can be used to automatically parametrize stochastic demand models (e.g. SIMDEUM) based on smart meter data, and improve their accuracy. The improved demand models are coupled with hydraulic simulations, leading to a more realistic way of simulating real water systems. Examples on a wide range of real-world applications show how these novel modelling approaches can be used to increase the operational efficiency of drinking water systems. For instance, more accurate models enable faster detection and localization of leaks in water pipes and, thus, minimize distribution losses. This work is part of the project “DASH of Water”, which aims to develop advanced <strong>da</strong>ta-driven <strong>s</strong>tochastic <strong>h</strong>ydraulic (DASH) models of drinking water distribution systems.</p>


Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1521
Author(s):  
Kegong Diao

Multiscale resilience, i.e., coordinating different scales within a system to jointly cope and mitigate risks on any single scale, is identified as the feature of a complex resilient system. However, in water distribution systems (WDSs) and urban drainage systems (UDSs), the inherent resilience is usually not multiscale resilience. By referring to the larger scale to larger pipes serving both local users and some other users at smaller scales, it can be found that smaller scales are not responsible for providing resilience to cope with failures in larger scales. These are because the main function of traditional water systems is to deliver water from upstream to downstream. This study demonstrates that improving multiscale resilience in WDSs and UDSs needs to allow water to travel reversely in the system via providing extra capacities and/or connections at smaller scales. This hypothesis is verified via case studies on a real world WDS and UDS.


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