Drinking Water Distribution Systems Characteristics on Biofilm Development: A Kernel based Approach

Abstract

[EN] Biofilm develops in drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs) as layers of microorganisms bound by an organic matrix and attached to pipe walls. The presence of substantial and active attached biomass can lead to a decrease in water quality by generating bad tastes and odours, operational problems, biocorrosion, and residual chlorine consume, among others problems. Recently, it has also become evident that biofilm can serve as an environmental reservoir for pathogenic microorganisms, resulting in a potential health risk for humans if left unnoticed. Various studies have been performed in relation to the influence that a number of characteristics of the DWDSs have in biofilm development. Nevertheless, their joint influence, apart from few exceptions, has been scarcely studied, due to the complexity of the community and the environment under study. This research aims to study the effect that the interaction of the physical and hydraulic conditions of the DWDSs has on biofilm development. To achieve this goal we apply Kernel methods for the study of biofilm behaviour. They give a systematic and principled approach to training learning machines. Their accuracy and simplicity to approach complex problems has been a decisive factor when choosing this form of addressing the study of biofilm behaviour in DWDSs. As a result, we claim that deeper understanding of the consequences that the interaction of the relevant hydraulic and physical factors of DWDSs have on biofilm development may be obtained. Thus, the effectiveness of the DWDSs management and the quality of the distributed water would increase.