Examining the impact of small-amplitude hydraulic transients on biofilm development and adhesion in a full-scale, controlled water distribution environment

Key Points

• This research aims to investigate how small-amplitude hydraulic transients affect biofilm development and adhesion in water distribution systems.
• Examined hydraulic transients in a full-scale water distribution environment.
• Measured biofilm growth and adhesion under varying transient conditions.
• Analyzed the distribution and detachment patterns of biofilms in response to flow changes.
• Moderate hydraulic transients enhanced biofilm growth and adhesion.
• Stronger hydraulic transients led to biofilm detachment but resulted in more resilient films.
• Small transients influenced biofilm distribution, highlighting the role of flow variability.