Influence of surface copper content on Stenotrophomonas maltophilia biofilm control using chlorine and mechanical stress. Issue 1 (2nd January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gomes, I. B.; Simões, L. C.; Simões, M.
• Is Part Of: Biofouling. Volume 36:Issue 1(2020)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 13
• Publication Date: 2020-01-02
• Subjects: Biofilm control -- chlorine -- copper alloys -- flushing -- rotating cylinder reactor; Marine fouling organisms -- Periodicals; Materials -- Biodeterioration -- Periodicals; Fouling -- Periodicals; Biodegradation -- Periodicals; Environmental Microbiology -- Periodicals; Water Microbiology -- Periodicals; 576.165
• DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2019.1708334
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0892-7014

Abstract

Abstract: This work aimed to evaluate the action of materials with different copper content (0, 57, 96 and 100%) on biofilm formation and control by chlorination and mechanical stress. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia isolated from drinking water was used as a model microorganism and biofilms were developed in a rotating cylinder reactor using realism-based shear stress conditions. Biofilms were characterized phenotypically and exposed to three control strategies: 10 mg l −1 of free chlorine for 10 min, an increased shear stress (a fluid velocity of 1.5 m s −1 for 30s), and a combination of both treatments. These shock treatments were not effective in biofilm control. The benefits from the use of copper surfaces was found essentially in reducing the numbers of non-damaged cells. Copper materials demonstrated better performance in biofilm prevention than chlorine. In general, copper alloys may have a positive public health impact by reducing the number of non-damaged cells in the water delivered after chlorine exposure.