Evidence for the role of copper in the injury process of coliform bacteria in drinking water. [Escherichia coli]
Low levels of copper in chlorine-free distribution water caused injury of coliform populations. Monitoring of 44 drinking water samples indicated that 64% of the coliform population was injured. Physical and chemical parameters were measured, including three heavy metals (Cu, Cd, and Pb). Copper concentrations were important, ranging from 0.007 to 0.54 mg/liter. Statistical analyses of these factors were used to develop a model to predict coliform injury. The model predicted almost 90% injury with a copper concentration near the mean observed value (0.158 mg/liter) in distribution waters. Laboratory studies with copper concentrations of 0.025 and 0.050 mg/liter in an inorganic carbon buffer under controlled conditions of temperature and pH caused over 90% injury within 6 and 2 days, respectively. Studies of the metabolism of injured Escherichia coli cells indicated that the respiratory chain is at least one site of damage in injured cells.
- Research Organization:
- Montana State Univ., Bozeman
- OSTI ID:
- 6264192
- Journal Information:
- Appl. Environ. Microbiol.; (United States), Vol. 48:2
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
CADMIUM
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
COPPER
DRINKING WATER
MONITORING
ESCHERICHIA COLI
INJURIES
LEAD
BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS
DOSE-RESPONSE RELATIONSHIPS
METABOLISM
PURIFICATION
STATISTICAL DATA
STATISTICAL MODELS
BACTERIA
DATA
ELEMENTS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
INFORMATION
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
METALS
MICROORGANISMS
NUMERICAL DATA
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
WATER
560302* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology- Microorganisms- (-1987)
520200 - Environment
Aquatic- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)