Land and Water Division, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Highett, Australia.
Biofouling. 2013;29(3):283-94. doi: 10.1080/08927014.2013.772140.
Biofilms formed in pipes are known to contribute to waterborne diseases, accelerate corrosion and cause aesthetic taste and odour issues within the potable water supply network. This paper describes a pilot study, undertaken to assess the potential of using metabolomics to monitor bacterial activity in biofilms of an urban water network. Using samples from a water mains flushing programme, it was found that a profile of intracellular and extracellular metabolites associated with microbial activity could be obtained by analysing samples using gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Chemometric analysis of the chromatograms in conjunction with data from the mass spectrometer showed that it is possible to differentiate between biofilms from different pipe materials and planktonic bacteria. This research demonstrates that metabolomics has the potential for investigating biofilms and other microbial activity within water networks, and could provide a means for enhancing monitoring programmes, understanding the source of water quality complaints, and optimising water network management strategies.
生物膜在管道中形成，已知会导致水传播疾病，加速腐蚀，并在饮用水供应网络中引起感官问题。本文描述了一项试点研究，旨在评估代谢组学用于监测城市供水管网中生物膜细菌活性的潜力。该研究使用来自水管冲洗计划的样本，通过气相色谱-质谱联用分析发现，可以获得与微生物活性相关的细胞内和细胞外代谢物的特征图谱。结合质谱仪数据的化学计量分析表明，区分不同管材的生物膜和浮游细菌是可能的。这项研究表明，代谢组学有可能用于研究水网络中的生物膜和其他微生物活性，并为增强监测计划、了解水质投诉的来源以及优化水网络管理策略提供了一种手段。
