Effects of a Combined Disinfection Method on <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> Biofilm in Freshwater Swimming Pool

Abstract

Pool water must meet certain chemical and microbiological conditions to ensure high water quality and a safe environment for users. A recreational swimming pool treated with a combined disinfection method (chlorination and UV radiation) was monitored for 18 months. Selected chemical and microbiological parameters of the indoor freshwater pool were analyzed, and the in vivo presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm was assessed and further correlated to the type of disinfection. P. aeruginosa isolated from biofilm was further examined to determine the effects of combined disinfection methods on the formation and destruction of mature biofilm in vitro. The in vitro application of the combined disinfection methods led to the inhibition of planktonic P. aeruginosa biofilm formation (68.9% compared to the control group) and were more effective in the partial destruction of mature biofilm than individual disinfection methods (from 25.4 to 26.3%). The obtained results indicate the better microbiological and chemical quality of pool water when combined disinfection was applied. Our results contribute to developing the optimization of pool water disinfection methods and biofilm control.

Keywords

• biofilm
• chlorination
• <i>P. aeruginosa</i>
• swimming pool
• UV radiation