Biofilm Formation on the Inner Wall of Residential Drainage Pipes and Its Evaluation

Abstract

For this study, a piping system was constructed to simulate the kitchen drainage system of a typical apartment building. Vinyl chloride pipe and hot-dip galvanized carbon steel were selected as piping materials. Several materials with antimicrobial coatings were used. For several months, a simulated wastewater solution was poured into the system. The pipe inner walls were sampled periodically to observe internal contamination and scale formation with several frequently used pipe materials. Amounts of biofilm formation were evaluated quantitatively using crystal violet to evaluate the degree of staining. The study results are discussed, particularly addressing the biofilm inhibition capabilities of epoxy composite coatings with silver-loaded zeolite dispersions.