Thermal and chemical disinfection of water and biofilms: only a temporary effect in regard to the autochthonous bacteria

Thermal and chemical disinfection of technical water systems not only aim at minimizing the level of undesired microorganisms, but also at preventing excessive biofouling, clogging and interference with diverse technical processes. Typically, treatment has to be repeated in certain time intervals, as the duration of the effect is limited. The transient effect of disinfection was demonstrated in this study applying different treatments to water and biofilms including heat, chlorination, a combination of hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid and monochloramine. Despite the diverse treatments, the reduction in live bacteria was followed by regrowth in all cases, underlining the universal validity of this phenomenon. The study shows that autochthonous bacteria can reach the concentrations given prior to treatment. The reason is seen in the nutrient concentration that has not changed and that forms the basis for regrowth. Nutrients are released by disinfection from lysed cells or are still fixed in dead biomass that is subsequently scavenged by necrotrophic growth. Treatment cycles therefore only provide a transient reduction of water microbiology if nutrients are not removed. When aiming at greater sustainability of the effect, biocidal treatment has to be equally concerned about nutrient removal by subsequent cleaning procedures as about killing efficiency. HIGHLIGHTS The reduction in live bacteria by disinfection is followed by renewed growth.; The reason for post-disinfection growth is seen in nutrient availability.; Nutrients may originate from killed biomass, allowing necrotrophic growth.; The sustainability of disinfection relies on the removal of killed biomass.