Enhanced inactivation of Aspergillus niger biofilms by the combination of UV-LEDs with chlorine-based disinfectants.

The presence of pathogenic fungal biofilms in drinking water distribution systems poses significant challenges in maintaining the safety of drinking water. This research delved into the formation of Aspergillus niger (A. niger) biofilms and evaluated their susceptibility to inactivation using combinations of ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UV-LEDs) with chlorine-based disinfectants, including UV-LEDs/chlorine (Cl), UV-LEDs/chlorine dioxide (ClO), and UV-LEDs/chloramine (NHCl) at 265 nm, 280 nm and 265/280 nm. Results indicated that A. niger biofilms reached initial maturity within 24 h, with matured three-dimensional filamentous structures and conidiospores by 96 h. UV-LEDs combined with chlorine-based disinfectants enhanced A. niger biofilm inactivation compared to UV-LEDs alone and low-pressure UV combined with chlorine-based disinfectants. At an UV fluence of 400 mJ/cm, log reductions of UV, UV, and UV combined with chlorine-based disinfectants were 2.95-fold, 3.20-fold, and 2.38-fold higher than that of UV, UV, and UV, respectively. During the inactivation, A. niger biofilm cells experienced increased membrane permeability and intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, resulting in cellular apoptosis. Extracellular polymeric substances contributed to the higher resistance of biofilms. Regarding electrical energy consumption, the order was: UV-LEDs/ClO > UV-LEDs/NHCl > UV-LEDs/Cl. These findings provide insights into the effective utilization of UV-LEDs for fungal biofilm disinfection.