Title

Biofilms impact on water quality and the presence of pathogenic free-living amoebae

Speaker

Dr. Geoffrey Puzon, Director of Research, Puzon Pty Ltd and Adjunct faculty, University of Western Australia

Abstract

Maintaining water quality in the Western Australian (WA) drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs) is challenging. Factors such as long above ground DWDS in rural WA lead to elevated water temperatures, enhanced biofilm formation and microbial activity which undermine water quality by contributing to the loss of disinfectant residuals (chlorine and monochloramine). These environmental factors, coupled with the loss of disinfectant residual, ensure that pathogenic free-living amoebae (FLA), such as Naegleria fowleri, detections remain an operational issue of great concern. This talk presents our research on the presence of N. fowleri in the DWDS, the microbial ecology supporting N. fowleri persistence, potential N. fowleri control methods based on microbiological interactions and approaches to improve the predicative power of biological tools for management of N. fowleri in the DWDS. Data from the current and previous projects as well as data from international collaborators were used to develop an understanding of ecological factors that predict N. fowleri establishment. This understanding is aimed at further developing predictive tools which will better aid and inform N. fowleri management strategies

Bio

Dr. Puzon has extensive experience in drinking water distribution microbiology, biofilm, pathogens, microbial ecology and bioremediation. Dr. Puzon's research develops solutions targeting the role of microorganisms in complex systems such as drinking water distribution networks and contaminated aquifers.

Virtual meeting details will be shared upon registration via email.