title: Biofilms from a Brazilian water distribution system include filamentous fungi.
abstract: Filamentous fungi in drinking water can block water pipes, can cause organoleptic biodeterioration, and are a source of pathogens. There are increasing reports of the involvement of the organisms in biofilms. This present study describes a sampling device that can be inserted directly into pipes within water distribution systems, allowing biofilm formation in situ. Calcofluor White M2R staining and fluorescent in situ hybridization with morphological analyses using epifluorescent microscopy were used to analyse biofilms for filamentous fungi, permitting direct observation of the fungi. DAPI (4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) was applied to detect bacteria. Filamentous fungi were detected in biofilms after 6 months on coupons exposed to raw water, decanted water and at the entrance of the water distribution system. Algae, yeast, and bacteria were also observed. The role of filamentous fungi requires further investigations.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (IBB), Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
authors.forename: V M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Siqueira
authors.forename: H M B
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Oliveira
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Santos
authors.forename: R R M
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Paterson
authors.forename: N B
authors.initials: NB
authors.lastname: Gusmão
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Lima
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification; D001557:Benzenesulfonates; D018441:Biofilms; D001938:Brazil; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D005658:Fungi / Q000502:physiology*; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D007211:Indoles; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D014871:Water Microbiology; D014881:Water Supply / Q000032:analysis / Q000592:standards
chemical_list: D001557:Benzenesulfonates; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D007211:Indoles; C007293:DAPI; C007061:C.I. Fluorescent Brightening Agent 28