Title: The Power of DNA Diagnostics in Cooling Water
Learner Objectives:
Learn how to use next generation DNA sequencing to gain superior knowledge of microbial fouling and control in cooling water systems.
Content/Topic Outline:
BENCHMARKING STUDY: Key findings in open recirculating cooling water systems using next generation DNA sequencing.
• Legionella Control
• Biofilm Control
• Microbial Influenced Corrosion (MIC) Control
Presenter:
John Tillotson, M.S.C.E. – Lead presenter
Alison Ling, PhD, PE – DNA analysis methods
Presentation Description:
Environmental conditions in open recirculating cooling water systems are optimal for biological fouling which cause corrosion damage, losses in heat transfer efficiency, Legionnaires’ Disease, and other problems. Standard industry tests identify less than 4% of the types of microbes found in cooling water systems. The remaining 96% is “microbial dark matter.” Microbial dark matter comprises the vast majority of microbes (usually bacteria and archaea) that biologists are unable to culture in lab due to lack of knowledge or ability to supply the required growth conditions. It is hard to estimate its relative magnitude, but the accepted gross estimate is that less than one percent of microbial species in a given ecological niche is culturable.
Therefore, knowledge about the true microbiological conditions of a cooling water system may commonly be limited. A few of the key limitations may include:
1) Knowledge of microorganisms present in cooling water systems when biocides and biocontrol strategies are selected.
2) Knowledge of the presence and quantity of Legionella protozoan and amoebae hosts and how this can be used as a predictive indicator of Legionella growth.
3) Knowledge of the biological diversity of cooling water and how this can be used to identify and locate the presence of biofilms.
4) Knowledge of the presence and quantity of all known MIC microbes.
The Power of DNA
Modern DNA analysis methods illuminate nearly 100% of microorganisms, opening a new window to the microbial world of cooling water.
In this presentation, we summarize key findings of a recently concluded benchmarking study of microbial control in cooling water systems using next generation DNA sequencing. Data is grouped in four biocontrol performance categories, including:
a) Legionella Control
b) Biofilm Control
c) Microbial Influenced Corrosion (MIC) Control
d) Total Microbial Control
Opportunities
Key opportunities to improve cooling water biocontrol services and success may include:
• Selecting optimal biocides, disinfectants, and control strategies to achieve superior results and ROI.
• Achieving a more comprehensive and accurate diagnosis of cooling water biocontrol, including notoriously challenging and mysterious microbial fouling conditions.
• Using biodiversity quantification to detect, locate, and validate the removal of biofilms.
• Identifying and quantifying Legionella amoebae and protozoan host organisms as a predictive indicator for improved Legionella control and prevention.
• Identifying and quantifying biofilm slime forming organisms, MIC organisms, algae, and any other problematic microbes, in a single test.
• Benchmarking biocontrol performance against other cooling water systems.
Using the power of modern DNA analysis methods, superior knowledge about true biological conditions, challenges and opportunities can be created. Water treatment service companies can use these advantages to improve customer satisfaction, differentiation, and profitability.
Presenter Bio:
John Tillotson
John is Managing Partner of WaterTrust and Microbe Detectives. He began his career as sales rep for Nalco over 30 years ago. During 15 years at Nalco, he was also product manager for the first major launch of TRASAR, product manager for STABREX, a one-drum liquid bromine biocide, market development manager for middle markets, and other. John left Nalco to co-launch nPhase as the VP of sales and marketing, a market disruptor connecting large volumes of widely dispersed electronic assets, wirelessly, to cloud IT infrastructure. nPhase was acquired by Qualcomm and Verizon during his 10 years of service. He returned to water in 2012 as Chief Marketing Officer for Phigenics where he was responsible for sales and technical training, product management, and brand strategy. In 2015 John became co-owner and CEO of Microbe Detectives, a pioneer applying next gen DNA sequencing in water, and coach for the Milwaukee Water Council Accelerator where he had the privilege to work with founders of 22 water tech start-ups. He holds an M.S. in Civil Engineering from Tufts University, a B.S. in Geochemistry from West Chester University, and was formerly a certified Toxics Use Reduction Planner in Massachusetts.
Alison Ling, Ph.D., P.E.
Dr. Ling is an Environmental Engineer with Barr Engineering Company in Minneapolis, MN. At Barr, she is engaged in front-end design and troubleshooting for water and wastewater treatment projects and holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering and Molecular Biology from The University of Colorado at Boulder. Her work includes process modeling, bench testing, and technical advising for clients in the power, mining, manufacturing, and municipal sectors. Dr. Ling has been working with Microbe Detectives for the past five years as the Principal Investigator for Microbe Detectives research and client projects. She was the Principal Investigator of Microbe Detectives’ Benchmarking Study “Performance Comparison of Anaerobic Digestors Using Next Generation DNA Sequencing” (2017) and Co-Investigator of “Biocontrol Performance Assessment of Open Recirculating Cooling Water Systems using Next Generation DNA Sequencing” (2021).