Multiscale Modeling of Biofilm Dynamics in Drinking Water Distribution Systems: Towards predictive modeling of pathogen outbreaks.

Ahmed Elbanna, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Usage Details

Biofilms, aggregates of cells and extracellular polymeric substances, are found ubiquitously in both natural and engineered systems, such as on a pipe surface in Drinking Water Distribution Systems (DWDS). Biofilms in DWDS were reported to be capable of attracting and harboring pathogens. In addition, biofilm matrix may prevent disinfectants from reaching the cells located deep inside the biofilm. As a result, pathogenic microorganisms have been found in DWDS biofilms and linked to outbreaks and severe health problems. Understanding the mechanisms of pathogen attachment to biofilms developed in DWDS is of crucial interest to ensure the quality of drinking water as a critical public health issue. This study aims at establishing a comprehensive multiscale framework for studying the dynamics of growth and detachment of biofilms in DWDS under different operating conditions by integrating fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, fracture analysis and chemistry. Access to the Blue Waters platform will help overcome the computational challenges and will opens new opportunities towards predicting pathogens outbreaks and public health hazards.