Evaluation of the biocidal potential of hydrogen peroxide and copper sulphate for biofilm removal in drinking water systems
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Date
2013-10-26
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Corporación Universitaria Lasallista
Área Metropolitana del Valle de Aburrá
Área Metropolitana del Valle de Aburrá
Abstract
Introduction. The biofilms are communities of microorganisms which adhere to surfaces,
thus avoiding the rapid and effective biocidal action and causing deterioration of the quality
of the water in the distribution networks. Objective. To evaluate the efficiency of removal
of biofilms in distribution networks of drinking water, as biocides using hydrogen peroxide
and copper sulfate at different concentrations. Materials and methods. Biocides such as
hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 200 mg/L, 1000 mg/L and 12000 mg/L) and copper sulfate (CuSO4,
0.2 mg/L, 0.6 mg/L and 1.0 mg/L) were used. They were applied to a pilot system used for the
formation of biofilm in the distribution system of Medellin, Colombia. The time taken for the
adhesion of microorganisms to the pilot was 20 days. Results. A biofilm removal of 99% was
obtained, using a concentration of 12000 mg/L of H2O2 in a contact time of 60 minutes, consuming
27% of the initial H2O2. On the other hand, the use of CuSO4 reached the maximum
removal, 67%, using a concentration of 1.0 mg/L in a contact time of 60 minutes, consuming 41% of the initial CuSO4 and evidencing the efficiency in the removal of hydrogen peroxide. Conclusion. The
H2O2 has shown to be a biocide which acts strongly on the bacterial cells since in the three concentrations
used it was observed a significant decrease in heterotrophic bacterial counts, compared with the three tested
concentrations of CuSO4.
Description
Keywords
Corporación Universitaria Lasallista, Área Metropolitana del Valle de Aburrá, Peróxido de hidrógeno (H2O2), Biocidas, Sulfato de cobre, Bacterias heterotróficas, Agua potable