Effect of phosphate availability on biofilm formation in cooling towers

Journal article (2020)

Authors

I.S.M. Pinel BT/Environmental Biotechnology -

L. H. Kim King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

Vitor R. Proença Borges King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

N. M. Farhat King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

Geert J. Witkamp King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

Mark C.M. van Loosdrecht BT/Environmental Biotechnology -

J.S. Vrouwenvelder King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, BT/Environmental Biotechnology -

Research Group

BT/Environmental Biotechnology () (TU Delft)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08927014.2020.1815011

Biofouling Principal component analysis Water quality Biofilm composition Microbial community analyses Nutrient limitations

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Published Date

2020

Language

English

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Faculty

Applied Sciences

Department

BT/Biotechnologie

Research Group

BT/Environmental Biotechnology

Abstract

Phosphate limitation has been suggested as a preventive method against biofilms. P-limited feed water was studied as a preventive strategy against biofouling in cooling towers (CTs). Three pilot-scale open recirculating CTs were operated in parallel for five weeks. RO permeate was fed to the CTs (1) without supplementation (reference), (2) with supplementation by biodegradable carbon (P-limited) and (3) with supplementation of all nutrients (non-P-limited). The P-limited water contained ≤10 µg PO₄ l⁻¹. Investigating the CT-basins and coupons showed that P-limited water (1) did not prevent biofilm formation and (2) resulted in a higher volume of organic matter per unit of active biomass compared with the other CTs. Exposure to external conditions and cycle of concentration were likely factors that allowed a P concentration sufficient to cause extensive biofouling despite being the limiting compound. In conclusion, phosphate limitation in cooling water is not a suitable strategy for CT biofouling control.

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