Identification of bacterial contaminants from calcium carbonate filler production lines and an evaluation of biocide based decontamination procedures

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the bacterial community in the production line of a calcium carbonate filler production company and to investigate possible causes for bacterial presence. Throughout 2012, 24 carbonate slurry and six groundwater samples were analyzed. Pseudomonas and Microbacterium were the most frequent contaminants in the slurry, whereas Pseudomonas and Brevundimonas dominated the groundwater samples. Of the 43 different bacterial strains isolated, only five were found both in the slurry and the groundwater, indicating that the latter was not a major source of contamination. The efficacy of 54 commercial biocidal formulations was tested against an artificial bacterial consortium composed of selected slurry isolates. A formulation containing 7.5-15% (v v) bronopol and 1.0-2.5% (v v) [chloroisothiazolinone (CIT) + methylisothiazolinone (MIT)] exhibited the highest efficacy. Of the possible causes for bacterial presence, sporogenesis and biocide adsorption to carbonate particles were found to be less probable compared to bacterial adsorption to particles, and the acquisition of resistance to biocides.

Aesthetic Alteration of Marble Surfaces Caused by Biofilm Formation: Effects of Chemical Cleaning

“…granulorum is a bacterium first isolated in aerobic granules, a recent innovation in biological wastewater treatment, with the ability to be exposed to high organic loading rates [45]. The analysis of the bacterial community in the production line of a calcium carbonate filler company showed that Pseudomonas and Microbacterium were the most frequent contaminants in the slurry [52]. After biocidal treatment, resistance development was highlighted [52].…”

“…The analysis of the bacterial community in the production line of a calcium carbonate filler company showed that Pseudomonas and Microbacterium were the most frequent contaminants in the slurry [52]. After biocidal treatment, resistance development was highlighted [52]. Studying the interactions among four bacterial species, including M. saperdae, capable of degrading an industrial coolant and lubricant also containing biocides, Piccardi et al [53] found only positive or neutral interactions among the taxa.…”