Detection of Biofilm on Water Supply Technical Materials with the Application of an Impedance Sensor

In favourable environmental conditions microorganisms can adhere to surfaces and reproduce, forming biofilm. Such a structure causes biodeterioration, i.e. biological degradation of technical materials. The issue is of high importance in the case of distribution of treated water to end-point consumers. An important factor determining the formation of biofilm is the type and character of the surface which can stimulate or inhibit its growth. The article presents innovative results of research involving measurement of growth of biofilm on technical materials used for the construction of water supply networks by means of an impedance sensor. The research was conducted at a laboratory scale continuously for 6 months, reflecting actual conditions occurring in water distribution systems. After half a year culture of environmental microorganisms in the bioreactor, an almost 100% increase in the value of relative impedance was recorded by means of a sensor placed inside the bioreactor. A comparison of the surface coverage of technical materials and the sensor with bacteria (fluorescence in situ hybridization) showed that the sensor could be used for technical materials made of polybutylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride. Observations (scanning electron microscopy) of the surface of the plastics used to build the water supply network pipes (new materials, with biofilm present, and after detaching the biofilm) showed significant changes in the structures of the materials due to biofilm formation. The largest changes in the structure were observed on the polyethylene and polypropylene surfaces. The proposed sensor could be applied in the measurements of biofilm adhesion to selected technical materials.