Water Distribution System Biofilms – Challenges in Detection and Treatment

Dear Colleagues,

In drinking water distribution systems, microorganisms survive in biofilm communities. Biofilm formation is a significant problem to the drinking water industry as a potential source of bacterial contamination, including pathogens, and, in many cases, also affecting the taste and odor of drinking water and promoting the corrosion of pipes. The microorganisms embedded in the biofilm matrix show a high survival rate and persistence. Today's standard detection methods of water quality are not adequate for biofilm detection and analysis. In addition, their treatment is a big challenge, where re-growth occurs very often after classic treatments. Therefore, new research in the field of biofilm detection as well as biofilm treatment is necessary.

This Special issue aims to gather a collection of papers focused on new strategies to of biofilm detection and treatmant. We hope that this Special issue may contribute to disclose new promising approaches that could help as to prevent or eradicate bacterial biofilms in water distribution system.

The topics of interest for this Special Issue include (but are not limited to):

• New approach in biofilm detection;
• Anti-biofilm materials in water system;
• Models for research biofilm in water systems;
• Nanoparticles and biofilm formation;
• Photodynamic treatment of biofilm;
• Bacterial enzymes in biofilm treatment;
• Opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens - microbial residents of drinking water distribution systems.

Dr. Ivana Gobin
Dr. Dolores Peruč
Dr. Martina Oder
Guest Editors

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