Seasonal Variation in Bacterial Community Structure in Water Treatment Plants

Session: 01. - Disease, Parasites, and Pathogens of the Great Lakes and Freshwater Ecosystems

Meaghan Balaban, Kent State University, [email protected]
Xiaozhen Mou, Kent State University, Dept. Biology, [email protected]

Abstract

The relationship between the source water used by water treatment plants (WTPs) and the microbial communities found in the different parts of the water treatment process is complex and understudied. Four WTPs differing in source water and plant capacity were sampled at various points in the treatment process to examine possible seasonal differences in bacterial communities. These WTPs and their sources include: Lake Rockwell for Akron WTP, Deercreek and Walborne Reservoirs for Alliance WTP, Lake Hodgson for Ravenna WTP, and Lake Erie for Sandusky WTP. The plants were sampled monthly at their source water intake, sludge, and filters for at least 1 year between 2016 and 2017. The sludge consists of particles removed from the water using chemical additions. The filters remove smaller particles that remain after the sludge is removed and are made of granular activated carbon (GAC) or anthracite and are backwashed approximately every 72 hours depending on the plant to remove biofilm buildup. Each sample was filtered to obtain DNA to analyze the community structure using 16s rRNA gene based terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (TRFLP) and sequencing. Additionally, environmental variables were measured and their correlation with bacterial community structure was examined.  

1. Keyword
water distribution

2. Keyword
microbiological studies

3. Keyword
Lake Erie