title: Evaluation of susceptibility of polymer and rubber materials intended into contact with drinking water on biofilm formation
abstract: Plumbing materials in water distribution networks and indoor installations are constantly evolving. The application of new, more economical solutions with plastic materials eliminates the corrosion problems, however, do not fully protect the consumer against secondary microbial contamination of water intended for human consumption caused by the presence of a biofilm on the inner surface of materials applied. National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene conducts research aimed at a comprehensive assessment of this type of materials, resulting their further marketing authorization in Poland.
  
  
  
  Evaluation and comparison of polymer and rubber materials intended to contact with water for the susceptibility to biofilm formation.
  
  
  
  Plastic materials (polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride) and rubber compounds (EPDM, NBR), from different manufacturers were evaluated. The study was carried out on 37 samples, which were divided into groups according to the material of which they were made. The testing was conducted according to the method based on conditions of dynamic flow of tap water. The level of bioluminescence in swabs taken from the surface of the tested materials was investigated with a luminometer.
  
  
  
  Evaluation of plastic materials does not show major objections in terms of hygienic assessment. All materials met the evaluation criteria established for methodology used. In case of rubber compounds, a substantial part clearly exceeded the limit values, which resulted in their negative assessment and elimination of these materials from domestic market.
  
  
  
  High susceptibility to the formation of biofilm in the group of products made of rubber compounds has been demonstrated. Examined plastic materials, except for several cases, do not revealed susceptibility to biofilm formation, but application of plastics for distribution of water intended for human consumption does not fully protect water from secondary, microbiological contamination. Complete verification of plumbing materials including biofilm formation test before their introduction into the domestic market should be continued.
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Public Health – National Institute of Hygiene, Department of Environmental Hygiene, Warsaw, Poland
authors.forename: Maciej
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Szczotko
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Public Health – National Institute of Hygiene, Department of Environmental Hygiene, Warsaw, Poland
authors.forename: Agnieszka
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Stankiewicz
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Public Health – National Institute of Hygiene, Department of Environmental Hygiene, Warsaw, Poland
authors.forename: Małgorzata
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jamsheer-Bratkowska
mesh_terms: D018441:Biofilms / Q000254:growth & development*; D060766:Drinking Water / Q000032:analysis* / Q000382:microbiology*; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D011044:Poland; D011108:Polymers / Q000032:analysis*; D012408:Rubber / Q000032:analysis*; D012498:Sanitary Engineering; D014871:Water Microbiology
chemical_list: D060766:Drinking Water; D011108:Polymers; D012408:Rubber