Bench – Scale Approach to Understand the Release of Opportunistic Pathogens from Biofilms in Drinking Water Distribution Systems

Legionella pneumophila is an opportunistic pathogen that affects humans that are immunocompromised. It is the most frequently reported drinking water related disease in the United States. In order to investigate its occurrence and release from pipe walls in the drinking water distribution system, a bench – scale method has been designed. Disinfectants (chlorine) and corrosion inhibitors (orthophosphate) will be investigated as methods for suppressing the growth and release of Legionella pneumophila in small flow – through reactors containing coupons of common pipe materials (copper, cast iron, and lead). The expected outcomes of this project include providing recommendations to utilities for disinfectant and corrosion inhibitor combinations and doses based on pipe materials used in their distribution systems. Additionally, the main goal for this project is to develop a bench – scale method for investigating opportunistic pathogen behaviour in the distribution system for future research in this field.

Faculty Supervisor:

Graham Gagnon

Student:

Partner:

The University of Texas at Austin

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Education

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: