“Iron bacteria” is a broad term used for a group of bacteria that collect and oxidize iron in their environment. This group includes various species of bacteria, including, but not limited to, the genus of Gallionella, Siderocapsa, and Leptothrix.
Naturally forming biofilm and its role in shaping water quality has become increasingly accepted in the drinking water industry. ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers) Guideline 12-2023, the premiere Guideline for managing the risk of Legionellosis associated with building water systems, mentions biofilm 34 times.
Bacteria create biofilms as a habitat to live in a location which challenges their survival. Biofilms allow bacteria to take in and store nutrients from their surroundings, be protected, and continue reproducing. You may wonder, “Are biofilms a health hazard because...
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