Behavior of Particulate Elements and Bacteria in a Water Distribution System

Abstract

 Particulate elements and bacteria in a water distribution system have so far been investigated individually. Therefore, comprehensive behavior of particulate elements and bacteria is still unknown. In this study, the behavior of particulate elements and bacteria and the relationship between them were examined by taking water samples from hydrants in a water distribution system. Particulate elements concentration varied spatially. In addition, the composition of particulate elements differed between sampling sites at a distance of 270 m. These results indicated that most particulate elements accumulated near the pipe in which they were generated. On the other hand, quinone concentration varied. The change in quinone concentration had a trend similar to that in particulate elements. Therefore, bacteria behave in the same manner as particulate elements.