Control of Biofilm in Drinking Water Distribution System

How biofilm can be controlled

Biofilm can be control by mechanical and physical processes, by chemical processes and by enzymatic action. In mechanical and physical processes techniques such as filtration, boiling, UV rays, freezing, heating are used. Normally, combinations of two or more methods are used to control biofilm in drinking water distribution system. In chemical processes, biofilm are control by the use of biocides. Two groups of chemical biocides are used: oxidizing biocides – chlorine, chlorine dioxide, ozone and hydrogen peroxide and non–oxidizing biocides – Quaternary ammonium compounds, formaldehyde, anionic and nonionic surface active agents. In enzymatic action different enzymes (proteases, alpha amylases, cellulase) are proposed for use that are capable of destroying EPS anchoring the cells.