Influence of phosphate on bacterial release from activated carbon point-of-use filters and on biofilm characteristics.

Point-of-use (POU) filters certified to remove lead are often composed of activated carbon and have been shown to release high concentrations of bacteria, including opportunistic pathogens. In this study, we examine the impacts of the common corrosion inhibitor phosphate on biofilm characteristics and the relationship between biofilm structure and bacterial release from POU filters. This knowledge is essential for understanding how best to use the filters and where these filters fit in a system where other lead contamination prevention measures may be in place.