| Title |
Characterization of Loose Deposit in Distal Water Distribution Systems |
| Authors |
박지원(Ji Won Park) ; 정세영(Se Young Jeong) ; 정준서(Jun Seo Chung) ; 허준성(Jun Seong Heo) ; 윤선원(Seon Won Yoon) ; 김상엽(Sang Yeob Kim) ; 왕수현(Su Hyeon Wang) ; 탁지현(Ji Hyeon Tak) ; 맹승규(Sung Kyu Maeng) |
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.15681/KSWE.2025.41.1.1 |
| Keywords |
Aging pipes; Biofilm; Drinking water; Distribution systems; Loose deposit |
| Abstract |
In South Korea, the consumption of direct tap water remains low due to public concerns about its safety. Factors contributing to these concerns include aging water pipes, biofilm formation, and the accumulation of particles, such as manganese hydroxide. These issues compromise water quality by releasing impurities and promoting microbial growth, particularly through biofilms that are resistant to chlorine disinfectants. To address these problems, this study investigated the physical and biological characteristics of loose deposits collected from filtration devices in the drinking water distribution systems of three schools (A, B, and C) in S City. We utilized techniques such as inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), particle size analysis, and fluorescence-excitation emission matrix (EEM) to analyze the chemical and biological characteristics of the filtered materials. Microbial activity was assessed through adenosine triphosphate (ATP), total cell count (TCC), and heterotrophic plate count (HPC) analyses. The results revealed varying levels of contamination and microbial activity within the loose deposits, with School B exhibiting the highest turbidity and microbial presence, followed by Schools C and A. Additionally, many bacteria found within the loose deposits were often unculturable. These findings indicate a strong relationship between biofilm formation and loose deposits, highlighting the need for improved physical filtration methods to complement existing disinfection processes. |