Characterization and assessment of organic carbon migration and biomass formation potential of polymeric pipes using modified BioMig. Issue 5 (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Duong, Thi Huyen; Park, Ji Won; Noh, Jin Hyung; Maeng, Sung Kyu
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental chemical engineering. Volume 9:Issue 5(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: Assimilable organic carbon -- Biofilm formation -- Inner surface -- Modified BioMig -- Pathogens; Chemical engineering -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Chemical engineering -- Environmental aspects; Environmental engineering; Periodicals; 660.0286
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2021.105958
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2213-2929

Abstract

Abstract: To evaluate and approve the materials that can be in contact with drinking water with respect to biological contamination, organic carbon migration and biomass formation potential assays are widely employed. In previous studies, to conduct the assays, the entire material was exposed to the test water by submerging the material into glass jars. However, these are not realistic conditions since the water contact only the inner surface of the pipe in the distribution system, which may be different from the outer surface with respect to the coating layers. Furthermore, the extra components such as the glass jar containers and stainless steel holders might be the sources of organic carbon contamination. These two factors may result in imprecise conclusions. Here, we introduced a minor but essential modification to the BioMig test, which is the most current test on the migration potential and biomass formation potential. In this modified BioMig method, the outer surface and cutting edges, which are not in contact with water in practical water distribution systems, would not be exposed to the test water. Moreover, the assimilable organic carbon formation potential via chlorination in the leachates was observed and recommended as an additional test in the migration potential assay. The modified test results demonstrated that polyethylene (PE) material is the most unfavorable material, notably when used in chlorinated drinking water. This proposed test provided an alternative approach to the decision-makers with respect to evaluating the pipe material characteristics. Graphical abstract: ga1 Highlights: BioMig was modified for pipe materials in contact with drinking water. PE was the most concerning pipe, notably when used for chlorinated drinking water. A.hydrophila grew comparably with indigenous bacteria in the PVC2 leachate.