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Lookup NU author(s): Professor Catherine BiggsORCiD
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND).
The study of the microbial ecology of drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) has traditionally been based on culturing organisms from bulk water samples. The development and application of molecular methods has supplied new tools for examining the microbial diversity and activity of environmental samples, yielding new insights into the microbial community and its diversity within these engineered ecosystems. In this review, the currently available methods and emerging approaches for characterising microbial communities, including both planktonic and biofilm ways of life, are critically evaluated. The study of biofilms is considered particularly important as it plays a critical role in the processes and interactions occurring at the pipe wall and bulk water interface. The advantages, limitations and usefulness of methods that can be used to detect and assess microbial abundance, community composition and function are discussed in a DWDS context. This review will assist hydraulic engineers and microbial ecologists in choosing the most appropriate tools to assess drinking water microbiology and related aspects.BiofilmsDrinking water distribution systemsMethodological approachesMicrobial diversityMicrobial function
Author(s): Douterelo I, Deines P, Boxall JB, Sekar R, Fish KE, Biggs CA
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Water Research
Year: 2014
Volume: 65
Pages: 134-156
Print publication date: 15/11/2014
Online publication date: 18/07/2014
Acceptance date: 04/07/2014
Date deposited: 19/07/2019
ISSN (print): 0043-1354
ISSN (electronic): 1879-2448
Publisher: IWA Publishing
URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2014.07.008
DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2014.07.008
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