Distribution of free-living amoebae (FLA) during preparation and supply of drinking water

Abstract

Free-living amoebae (FLA) are widely distributed in aquatic environments with increasing importance in hygienic, medical and ecological relationship to man. Only few data are available about abundances of these protozoa in the treatment of drinking water and standards in the management of water quality are not suitable for detection of FLA. Prevalence of FLA were investigated within six selected German drinking water treatment plants in the course of the purification-process of surface water and in a subsequent drinking water supply. The data give a short survey about the prevalence and reduction of FLA in processing and supply of drinking water.