A comparison of methods and models for the analysis of water distribution pipe biofilms.

Examines the suitability of three experimental devices for the analysis of water distribution pipe biofilms in situ within an urban water distribution system. Stainless steel and unplasticized polyvinyl chloride coupons were conditioned with biofilm in each device. Biofilm removal techniques were evaluated and optimized for this study. A multiparametric quantification of biofilm biomass using total protein and carbohydrate content, total number of bacterial cells and total number of heterotrophic bacteria is proposed. The presence of biofilm-associated faecal indicator organisms was assayed for each biofilm homogenate. Variability both within and between biofilm devices was observed. The biofilm devices were shown to yield reliable and comparable information on biofilm growth within an urban water distribution system. The multiparametric measurement of biofilm biomass was shown to provide a reliable and holistic quantification of distribution pipe biofilms.