Biofilm Formation Potential of Pipe Materials in Plumbing Systems

To limit environmental pollution with copper, the Sustainable Construction Package recommends using plastic pipes instead of copper ones in plumbing installations. Plastics can release biodegradable compounds which promote the growth of micro-organisms. Thirteen different pipe materials used in drinking water installations were therefore tested for their promotion of the growth of micro-organisms in water. These materials include metals and plastics, whereby the choice of plastics was determined by the market share of the product concerned. The objective of the study was to :
– investigate the degree to which the various materials were growth-promoting in two different tests;
– make a start with the evaluation of materials on the basis of the degree of growth promotion.