Chemical disinfection of Legionella in hot water systems biofilm: a pilot-scale 1 study

Water Sci Technol. 2011;64(3):708-14. doi: 10.2166/wst.2011.696.

Abstract

Legionella bacteria encounter optimum growing conditions in hot water systems and cooling towers. A pilot-scale 1 unit was built in order to study the biofilm disinfection. It consisted of two identical loops, one used as a control and the other as a 'Test Loop'. A combination of a bio-detergent and a biocide (hydrogen peroxide + peracetic acid) was applied in the Test Loop three times under the same conditions at 100 and 1,000 mg/L with a contact time of 24 and 3-6 hours, respectively. Each treatment test was preceded by a three week period of biofilm re-colonization. Initial concentrations of culturable Legionella into biofilm were close to 10(3) CFU/cm2. Results showed that culturable Legionella spp. in biofilm were no longer detectable three days following each treatment. evertheless, initial Legionella spp. concentrations were recovered 7 days after the treatments (in two cases). Before the tests, Legionella spp. and L. pneumophila PCR counts were both about 10(4) GU/cm2 in biofilm and they both decreased by 1 to 2 log units 72 hours after each treatment. The three tests had a good but transient efficiency on Legionella disinfection in biofilm.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biofilms*
  • Disinfectants / pharmacology*
  • Hot Temperature*
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / pharmacology*
  • Legionella / drug effects*
  • Peracetic Acid / pharmacology*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Water Microbiology*

Substances

  • Disinfectants
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Peracetic Acid