Review
Engineering, Chemical
Martina Muskovic, Ivana Gobin, Nela Malatesti
Summary: Research suggests that current water disinfection methods are not effectively controlling opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens (OPPPs). Photodynamic inactivation (PDI), a method that utilizes photosensitizers, light, and oxygen, shows promise in combating these pathogens, but further research and development are needed.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Erin Leslie, Jason Hinds, Faisal Hai
Summary: This review critically analyzes the chemical and physical parameters that influence the occurrence of opportunistic pathogens in the drinking water distribution system, specifically in premise plumbing. Factors such as water age, disinfectant residual, temperature, pH, and pipe materials are found to significantly impact the presence of opportunistic pathogens. The study proposes a focus on common features identified in the literature to reduce or eliminate the incidence of these pathogens.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Claire Hayward, Kirstin E. Ross, Melissa H. Brown, Richard Bentham, Harriet Whiley
Summary: Opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens (OPPP) are microorganisms that pose a health risk to immune-compromised individuals in residential water systems. Current drinking water treatment methods are ineffective against many waterborne pathogens. Further research is needed to understand the prevalence of OPPPs in residential water and the incidence of waterborne homecare-associated infections in order to develop effective controls.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Alshae' R. Logan-Jackson, Marylia Duarte Batista, William Healy, Tania Ullah, Andrew J. Whelton, Timothy A. Bartrand, Caitlin Proctor
Summary: Residential buildings present unique conditions for OPPP exposure. However, comprehensive studies on the topic are lacking, and there are significant knowledge gaps regarding OPPP growth, the impact of residential plumbing design and components, water heater types and temperature settings, and common pipe materials. Furthermore, the effects of plumbing code requirements and guidelines for OPPP risk management in residences have not been assessed.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Tara M. Webster, Alexander McFarland, Matthew J. Gebert, Angela M. Oliverio, Lauren M. Nichols, Robert R. Dunn, Erica M. Hartmann, Noah Fierer
Summary: This study characterized bacterial communities in showerheads across the United States, finding associations between water supply type, source, and chemistry with bacterial community composition. Public water-supplied showerheads had bacteria enriched in antibiotic resistance genes, while private well water-sourced showerheads had higher levels of genes related to oxidative stress and membrane transporters.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Edmore Masaka, Sue Reed, Maggie Davidson, Jacques Oosthuizen
Summary: Water mist systems (WMS) used for evaporative cooling in public areas may be colonized by opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens (OPPPs), with Pseudomonas aeruginosa being the most common. Biofilms in WMS contain higher concentrations of Legionella pneumophila Sg 2-14 compared to water samples. The release of contaminated aerosols from WMS into ambient atmospheres could pose a potential health risk.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaodong Zhang, Siqing Xia, Yinyin Ye, Hong Wang
Summary: The study compared the growth dynamics of bacterial opportunistic pathogens in rainwater and tap water storage systems, finding that bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Legionella thrived in rainwater, while amoebal hosts like Vermamoeba vermiformis proliferated in PVC tanks in both rainwater and tap water systems. Tank materials had a significant impact on the presence of target microorganisms, with species-specific responses observed in both bulk water and biofilm. Overall, the results highlighted the risks of opportunistic pathogen contamination in rainwater storage systems and provided insights for system design and operation to control these pathogens.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Abraham Cullom, Matheu Storme Spencer, Myra D. Williams, Joseph O. Falkinham III, Connor Brown, Marc A. Edwards, Amy Pruden
Summary: In this study, the effects of disinfectants and pipe materials on microbial community composition and enrichment of antibiotic resistance genes were investigated. The results showed that both disinfectants and pipe materials had independent and interactive effects on ARG and microbial community composition, with monochloramine showing a potential risk of enrichment of antibiotic resistance genes.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
David Otto Schwake, Absar Alum, Morteza Abbaszadegan
Summary: Legionella, an environmental pathogen causing respiratory diseases, can be transmitted from various sources due to its ability to survive in different environments. While most research focuses on cooling towers and premise plumbing, less common environments where Legionella occurs are often neglected. By summarizing studies on Legionella in different environments, this review aims to provide a resource for future researchers to investigate these pathogens in relevant sources.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sophia M. Blanc, Dion Pender, Christopher Vinnard, Maria Laura Gennaro, Nicole L. Fahrenfeld
Summary: Household plumbing biofilms can harbor and transmit bacterial pathogens, leading to pulmonary infections by nontuberculous mycobacteria. This study reveals the widespread presence of NTM in private well water systems and explores potential microbial factors that may aid or slow the growth of NTM.
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Iftita Rahmatika, Futoshi Kurisu, Hiroaki Furumai, Ikuro Kasuga
Summary: In premise plumbing, stagnation can lead to an increase in microbial regrowth and a decrease in free chlorine, resulting in potential health risks. This study found that total cell counts significantly increased and free chlorine levels decreased after a 24-hour stagnation period at faucets. The composition of the microbial community varied seasonally. Although certain opportunistic pathogens were not detected, sequences related to other opportunistic pathogens were identified.
MICROBES AND ENVIRONMENTS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mingchen Yao, Yue Zhang, Zihan Dai, Anran Ren, Jiaxing Fang, Xiaoming Li, Walter van der Meer, Gertjan Medema, Joan B. Rose, Gang Liu
Summary: This study investigated the influences of plumbing configuration on water quality changes in premise plumbing, focusing on laboratory and toilet plumbing. Results showed that water quality parameters remained stable under regular water supply except for significantly increased zinc levels in laboratory plumbing. Both plumbing types increased the Chao1 index of bacterial community, while only laboratory plumbing altered the bacterial community. Water supply interruption/restoration caused water quality deterioration in both plumbing types, with different changes in physicochemical and microbiological aspects. This study highlighted the importance of optimizing premise plumbing design to manage building water quality.
Article
Microbiology
Paul W. J. J. van der Wielen, Marco Dignum, Agata Donocik, Emmanuelle I. Prest
Summary: High drinking water temperatures caused by climate change can lead to increased growth of opportunistic pathogens in drinking water systems. Our study found that Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia were able to grow in drinking water biofilms at 15.0°C, while Mycobacterium kansasii and Aspergillus fumigatus could grow at temperatures above 20.0°C and 25.0°C, respectively. The maximum growth yield of P. aeruginosa, M. kansasii, and A. fumigatus increased with higher temperatures up to 30°C, but temperature did not have a significant effect on the yield of S. maltophilia. These findings suggest that high drinking water temperatures can pose a potential risk to public health by increasing the presence of certain pathogens in water systems.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fatemeh Hatam, Mirjam Blokker, Evelyne Dore, Michele Prevost
Summary: Water conservation measures are being increased to address environmental footprint and water shortages. Lowering consumption in households with lead service lines may increase lead release. By using a lead dissolution model and pilot study results, the impact of water conservation strategies on dissolved lead contamination was assessed. The addition of orthophosphate significantly reduced lead concentrations and potential blood lead levels in children.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Sasha Schueck, Sarai Diaz, Kevin Lansey
Summary: Water quality deteriorates as it travels through pipes to users. Water age, as an indicator of quality, not only exists in distribution networks but also continues through residential plumbing systems to the tap. Poorly designed plumbing layouts and intermittent usage patterns can result in long residence times. This study uses a stochastic demand simulator and a hydraulic solver to numerically quantify water age in residential plumbing systems. Plumbing layouts based on real houses are evaluated and modified to identify design practices that reduce water age. The findings suggest that looping the plumbing system or connecting water closets at the end of distribution branches can help ensure periodic flushing. However, these approaches do not address the last section of pipe connecting fixtures to the distribution pipes. The study also assesses the impact of fixture use intensity and water heater types on residence times. The introduction of more efficient fixtures over the years has increased residence times, while on-demand heaters have reduced water ages at fixture outlets and connection points. Installing autoflushers in the hot water system further decreases water age.
JOURNAL OF WATER RESOURCES PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fan Li, Lili Zhang, Chun Hu, Xueci Xing, Bing Yan, Yaowen Gao, Li Zhou
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2019)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Haibo Wang, Chun Hu, Yi Shen, Baoyou Shi, Dan Zhao, Xueci Xing
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Liang Wang, Xuan Huang, Muen Han, Lai Lyu, Tong Li, Yaowen Gao, Qingyi Zeng, Chun Hu
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2019)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lai Lyu, Wenrui Cao, Guangfei Yu, Dengbiao Yan, Kanglan Deng, Chao Lu, Chun Hu
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xueci Xing, Tong Li, Zhihao Bi, Peng Qi, Zesong Li, Haibo Wang, Lai Lyu, Yaowen Gao, Chun Hu
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tong Li, Yaowen Gao, Lili Zhang, Xueci Xing, Xuan Huang, Fan Li, Yang Jin, Chun Hu
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xueci Xing, Tong Li, Zhihao Bi, Peng Qi, Zesong Li, Haibo Wang, Lai Lyu, Yaowen Gao, Chun Hu
Summary: Fe/CAC treatment can effectively inhibit the growth of opportunistic pathogens and reduce the formation of disinfection by-products. The attached biofilms on Fe/CAC surface enhance microbial metabolic activity, improving the removal efficiency of organic matter. Additionally, EPS substances on Fe/CAC exhibit stronger viscosity and stability, reducing the release of microbial biomass and EPS substances.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xueci Xing, Tong Li, Zhihao Bi, Peng Qi, Zesong Li, Youyi Chen, Huishan Zhou, Haibo Wang, Gang Xu, Chaoxiang Chen, Kunyu Ma, Chun Hu
Summary: The increase of trace phosphate in drinking water distribution systems can significantly elevate the total microbial biomass and concentration of opportunistic pathogens, promoting the escape of microbes from corrosion products to bulk water. However, the concentration of disinfection by-products in DWDSs remains relatively stable due to a balance between EPS precursors contribution and biodegradation effect.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhihao Bi, Tong Li, Xueci Xing, Peng Qi, Zesong Li, Chun Hu, Xiaoran Xu, Zhimin Sun, Gang Xu, Chaoxiang Chen, Kunyu Ma
Summary: The use of copper-modified granular activated carbon initially improved the removal efficiency of organic matter in water treatment, but led to a sharp increase in certain indicators in the effluent over time, raising safety concerns.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zesong Li, Tong Li, Xueci Xing, Zhihao Bi, Peng Qi, Chun Hu, Gang Xu, Chaoxiang Chen, Kunyu Ma, Jinrong Chen
Summary: The study found that using Fe2O3-modified granular activated carbon effectively inhibits the increase of antibiotic resistance genes in tap water, achieved by enhancing the microbial interface.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yang Jin, Fan Li, Tong Li, Xueci Xing, Wenhong Fan, Lili Zhang, Chun Hu
Summary: The photocatalyst of layered structural BiOBr doped with sulfur (S-BiOBr) was synthesized using a facile hydrothermal method, showing excellent performance in the photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP). The specific layered structure of S-BiOBr and the enhancement of the internal electric field facilitated lasting electron transfer, leading to the degradation of CIP.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tong Li, Lili Zhang, Yaowen Gao, Xueci Xing, Xiaohan Zhang, Fan Li, Chun Hu
Summary: In this study, the distinct adsorption behaviors of As(III), As(V), and Cr(VI) on the {110} facet of BiOBr were investigated theoretically and experimentally. The results showed that As(III) was adsorbed on the surface of BiOBr, while Cr(VI) and As(V) preferred to intercalate on the {110} facet. The direct electron transfer between surface As(III) and interlayer Cr(VI) under photoexcitation was found to accelerate the synergic removal of Cr(VI) and As(III).
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Peng Qi, Tong Li, Chun Hu, Zesong Li, Zhihao Bi, Youyi Chen, Huishan Zhou, Ziliang Su, Xinjun Li, Xueci Xing, Chaoxiang Chen
Summary: This study investigated the effects of cast iron pipe corrosion on the formation of nitrogenous disinfection by-products (N-DBPs) in drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs). The results showed a significant increase in typical N-DBPs in the effluent of corroded DWDSs, along with higher levels of dissolved organic carbon, adenosine triphosphate, and iron particles. Corroded cast iron pipes altered the microbial community structure and metabolic functions in DWDSs, resulting in enhanced N-DBPs formation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Huabin Zeng, Yue Cheng, Xueci Xing, Tao Zhang, Xu Zhao
Summary: In this study, a coupled process using trace iron was developed to simultaneously activate the HSO3-/O2 system and PDS oxidation system, leading to accelerated generation of sulfate radical and hydroxyl radical for efficient phenol degradation. Density function theory revealed the role of a single electron shuttle in spatially separating the electron-donating activation and electron-accepting activation, avoiding mutual-annihilation of reactants. Furthermore, the in-situ generated electron shuttle was able to effectively inactivate chlorine-resistant pathogens and inhibit biofilm regrowth.
