Effect of phosphate availability on biofilm formation in cooling towers.
Ingrid S M PinelLan Hee KimVitor R Proença BorgesNadia M FarhatGeert-Jan WitkampMark C M van LoosdrechtJohannes S VrouwenvelderPublished in: Biofouling (2020)
Phosphate limitation has been suggested as a preventive method against biofilms. P-limited feed water was studied as a preventive strategy against biofouling in cooling towers (CTs). Three pilot-scale open recirculating CTs were operated in parallel for five weeks. RO permeate was fed to the CTs (1) without supplementation (reference), (2) with supplementation by biodegradable carbon (P-limited) and (3) with supplementation of all nutrients (non-P-limited). The P-limited water contained ≤10 µg PO4 l-1. Investigating the CT-basins and coupons showed that P-limited water (1) did not prevent biofilm formation and (2) resulted in a higher volume of organic matter per unit of active biomass compared with the other CTs. Exposure to external conditions and cycle of concentration were likely factors that allowed a P concentration sufficient to cause extensive biofouling despite being the limiting compound. In conclusion, phosphate limitation in cooling water is not a suitable strategy for CT biofouling control.
Keyphrases
- biofilm formation
- candida albicans
- pseudomonas aeruginosa
- staphylococcus aureus
- escherichia coli
- computed tomography
- organic matter
- image quality
- cystic fibrosis
- contrast enhanced
- magnetic resonance imaging
- randomized controlled trial
- minimally invasive
- clinical trial
- heavy metals
- positron emission tomography
- study protocol
- anaerobic digestion