Water quality and daily temperature cycle affect biofilm formation in drip irrigation devices revealed by optical coherence tomography. Issue 3 (16th March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Qian, Jueying; Horn, Harald; Tarchitzky, Jorge; Chen, Yona; Katz, Sagi; Wagner, Michael
• Is Part Of: Biofouling. Volume 33:Issue 3(2017)
• Page Start: 211
• Page End: 221
• Publication Date: 2017-03-16
• Subjects: Drip irrigation -- biofilm formation -- optical coherence tomography -- microfluidic devices -- daily temperature cycle; Marine fouling organisms -- Periodicals; Materials -- Biodeterioration -- Periodicals; Fouling -- Periodicals; Biodegradation -- Periodicals; Environmental Microbiology -- Periodicals; Water Microbiology -- Periodicals; 576.165
• DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2017.1285017
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0892-7014

Abstract

Abstract: Drip irrigation is a water-saving technology. To date, little is known about how biofilm forms in drippers of irrigation systems. In this study, the internal dripper geometry was recreated in 3-D printed microfluidic devices (MFDs). To mimic the temperature conditions in (semi-) arid areas, experiments were conducted in a temperature controlled box between 20 and 50°C. MFDs were either fed with two different treated wastewater (TWW) or synthetic wastewater. Biofilm formation was monitored non-invasively and in situ by optical coherence tomography (OCT). 3-D OCT datasets reveal the major fouling position and illustrate that biofilm development was influenced by fluid dynamics. Biofilm volumetric coverage of the labyrinth up to 60% did not reduce the discharge rate, whereas a further increase to 80% reduced the discharge rate by 50%. Moreover, the biofilm formation rate was significantly inhibited in daily temperature cycle independent of the cultivation medium used.