Effect of phosphate availability on biofilm formation in cooling towers
I.S.M. Pinel (TU Delft - BT/Environmental Biotechnology)
Lan Hee Kim (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology)
Vitor R. Proença Borges (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology)
Nadia Farhat (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology)
Geert J. Witkamp (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology)
Mark M.C. van Loosdrecht (TU Delft - BT/Environmental Biotechnology)
J. S. Vrouwenvelder (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, TU Delft - BT/Environmental Biotechnology)
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Abstract
Phosphate limitation has been suggested as a preventive method against biofilms. P-limited feed water was studied as a preventive strategy against biofouling in cooling towers (CTs). Three pilot-scale open recirculating CTs were operated in parallel for five weeks. RO permeate was fed to the CTs (1) without supplementation (reference), (2) with supplementation by biodegradable carbon (P-limited) and (3) with supplementation of all nutrients (non-P-limited). The P-limited water contained ≤10 µg PO4 l−1. Investigating the CT-basins and coupons showed that P-limited water (1) did not prevent biofilm formation and (2) resulted in a higher volume of organic matter per unit of active biomass compared with the other CTs. Exposure to external conditions and cycle of concentration were likely factors that allowed a P concentration sufficient to cause extensive biofouling despite being the limiting compound. In conclusion, phosphate limitation in cooling water is not a suitable strategy for CT biofouling control.