Microbial diversities (16 S and 18 S rRNA gene pyrosequencing) and environmental pathogens within drinking water biofilms grown on the common premise plumbing materials unplasticized polyvinylchloride and copper

Drinking water ( DW ) biofilm communities influence the survival of opportunistic pathogens, yet knowledge about the microbial composition of DW biofilms developed on common in‐premise plumbing material is limited. Utilizing 16 S and 18 S rRNA gene pyrosequencing, this study characterized the microbial community structure within DW biofilms established on unplasticized polyvinyl chloride ( uPVC ) and copper (Cu) surfaces and the impact of introducing Legionella pneumophila (Lp) and Acanthamoeba polyphaga . Mature (> 1 year old) biofilms were developed before inoculation with sterilized DW (control, Con), Lp, or Lp and A. polyphaga (LpAp). Comparison of uPVC and Cu biofilms indicated significant differences between bacterial ( P  = 0.001) and eukaryotic ( P  <   0.01) members attributable to the unique presence of several family taxa: B urkholderiaceae , C haraceae , E pistylidae , G oniomonadaceae , P aramoebidae , P lasmodiophoridae , P lectidae , S phenomonadidae , and T oxariaceae within uPVC biofilms; and E nterobacteriaceae , E rythrobacteraceae , M ethylophilaceae , A canthamoebidae , and C hlamydomonadaceae within C u biofilms. Introduction of L p alone or with A. polyphaga had no effect on bacterial community profiles ( P  >   0.05) but did affect eukaryotic members ( uPVC , P  <   0.01; Cu, P  =   0.001). Thus, established DW biofilms host complex communities that may vary based on substratum matrix and maintain consistent bacterial communities despite introduction of Lp , an environmental pathogen.