The Influence of Drinking Water-Isolated Bacteria Diversity on Biofilm Resistance to Disinfection

Single and multispecies biofilms formed by six drinking water-isolated were used to assess their susceptibility to sodium hypochlorite (SHC). In general multispecies biofilms were more resistant to inactivation and removal than single biofilms. Total biofilm inactivation was only achieved for A. calcoaceticus single species biofilms and for those multispecies without A. calcoaceticus. Biofilms with all bacteria had the highest resistance to SHC, while those without A. calcoaceticus were the most susceptible. A. calcoaceticus formed single biofilms susceptible to SHC, however, its presence in multispecies biofilms increased their resistance to disinfection. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 6th August 2010. [Epub ahead of print]. Available at: http://aem.asm.org/cgi/reprint/AEM.00872-10v1.pdf. Accessed 8th February 2011.