Effect of PVC installation on quality and stability of tap water

• Published in: Desalination and water treatment Vol. 186; pp. 297 - 308
• Main Authors: Papciak, Dorota, Tchorzewska-Cieslak, Barbara, Domon, Andzelika, Wojtus, Anna, Zywiec, Jakub
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01-05-2020
• Subjects: Biofilm; PVC; Tap water; Water quality; Biofilm; PVC; Tap water; Water quality
• ISSN: 1944-3986
• DOI: 10.5004/dwt.2020.25346

The article presents the research into the effect of an experimental installation made of PVC, on the quality and chemical and biological stability of drinking water. Physicochemical and microbiological parameters of water remaining in the installation for 24 and 72 h were analyzed. Water leaving the experimental installation was characterized by changed parameters in relation to the water flowing into the installation. As a result of the contact with the PVC material, an increase in turbidity, content of organic compounds (TOC, oxidizability, UV absorbance) and nitrites. At the same time, a reduction in the content of chlorine occurred. The bacteriological quality of water also deteriorated, an increase in the number of mesophilic and psychrophilic bacteria occurred, and the presence of Escherichia coli was found. The obtained research results indicate that PVC materials release nutrients (C, P, N) that stimulate the growth of microorganisms in the experimental installation. Biological processes took place on the pipe surfaces.