Monitoring of biofilm-associated Legionella pneumophila on different substrata in model cooling tower system

Abstract

Cooling towers have the potential to develop infectious concentrations of Legionella pneumophila. Legionella counts increases where biofilm and warm water temperatures are present. In this study, biofilm associated L. pneumophila and heterotrophic bacteria were compared in terms of material dependence. Model cooling tower system was experimentally infected by L. pneumophila standard strain and monthly monitored. Different materials were tested for a period of 180 days. The lowest L. pneumophila and heterotrophic plate counts were measured on plastic polymers, whereas L. pneumophila and heterotrophic bacteria were accumulated rapidly on galvanized steel surfaces. It can be concluded that selection of plastic polymers, as a manufacturing material, are suitable for recirculating water systems.