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Association of Microorganisms With Surfaces in Distribution Systems
Author(s) -
Herson Diane S.,
Marshall Dana R.,
Baker Katherine H.,
Victoreen Hugo T.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
journal ‐ american water works association
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.466
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1551-8833
pISSN - 0003-150X
DOI - 10.1002/j.1551-8833.1991.tb07186.x
Subject(s) - microorganism , bacteria , particle (ecology) , population , environmental science , environmental chemistry , water source , nutrient , water treatment , environmental engineering , chemistry , biology , ecology , environmental health , water resource management , medicine , genetics
Studies were conducted with particles obtained from a drinking water distribution system. Upon nutrient addition, both the indigenous attached population of bacteria and added coliforms accumulated in association with the particles. This dramatic increase in numbers of organisms associated with the particles was not reflected in plate counts of the particle‐containing water. These results indicate the potential role of surfaces in harboring organisms that are not detected by sampling the bulk water—until the bacteria are suddenly released into the water.