Microorganisms and Bacteria

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What are Microorganisms and Bacteria?

Microorganisms are living biological contaminants that may be present in water systems. Bacteria are the most common concern in laboratory water purification. Once bacteria enter a water system, they can multiply, attach to surfaces and form biofilm.

Purified water can be more vulnerable to microbial growth than ordinary chlorinated tap water because disinfectants are removed during purification.

Where do Microorganisms come from?

Microorganisms may come from:

  • Feed water
  • Storage tanks
  • Tank vents
  • Distribution loops
  • Stagnant water
  • Dead legs in piping
  • Biofilm
  • Poor sanitization
  • Final dispensing points
  • Contaminated replacement cartridges
  • Airborne contamination during dispensing


Poor system design and lack of recirculation increase the risk of microbial growth.

How do Microorganisms affect laboratory water?

Bacteria can directly contaminate water and produce by-products such as organic compounds, endotoxins and particles. They can also form biofilm inside tanks, tubing and distribution loops. Once biofilm forms, it can be difficult to remove completely.

Microbial contamination can cause:

  • Increased bacterial count
  • Biofilm formation
  • Increased TOC
  • Endotoxin contamination
  • Clogging of filters
  • Poor water quality stability
  • Contamination of biological samples
  • Reduced confidence in test results


Microbial contamination is especially important in biological and clinical applications.

How are Microorganisms controlled?

Microorganisms are controlled using:

  • Good sanitary system design
  • UV disinfection
  • Recirculation
  • Ultrafiltration
  • Final 0.2 µm filters
  • Tank vent filters
  • Periodic sanitization
  • Avoiding dead legs
  • Proper maintenance
  • Regular filter and cartridge replacement


Microbial control is not achieved by one component alone. It requires proper system design and maintenance discipline.

Applications affected

Microorganisms may affect:

  • Cell culture
  • Tissue culture
  • Molecular biology
  • IVF
  • Clinical diagnostics
  • Microbiology
  • Reagent preparation
  • General laboratory water storage
  • Centralized distribution systems

TKA Ultrapure Water Technologies India Pvt. Ltd.
Unit 311, Globe Business Park,
Kalyan – Badlapur Road, Laxmi Nagar, Ambarnath (W) 421501
Thane, Maharashtra, India
Phone: +91-9987174888 / +91-9867964888
Email: info@tkaindia.com

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TKA Ultrapure Water Technologies India Pvt. Ltd. is an Indian company focused on the design, manufacture and support of laboratory water purification systems… Read More

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