Temperature-dependent microbial dynamics in touchless sensor faucets during short-term stagnation.

ABSTRACT: Microbial contamination in building plumbing systems poses significant risks to public health at the point of use. Stagnation and warm temperatures are well-known drivers of microbial regrowth, but the effects of common short-term stagnation in touchless sensor faucets-widely used for hygiene and comfort-remain poorly understood. Here we show that microbial water quality in touchless sensor faucets changes during short-term stagnation (0.25-10 h) at varying temperatures (10, 30, and 40 °C). We identify two pivotal time points-2 and 4 h-where microbial diversity decreases and Legionella pneumophila concentrations increase significantly, driven by accelerated chlorine decay and biofilm contributions. Heating to 30 °C maximizes microbial biomass (measured as ATP) but minimizes L. pn

SUBMITTER: Ren A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12513313 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature