Microbiology and molecular biology

The basis for avoiding the transmission of diseases through drinking water is to ensure it is microbiologically safe. We therefore work to detect and establish the activity of microorganisms, looking at all aspects from water catchment and treatment to distribution. The issues range from developing and applying reliable and sensitive detection methods, to evaluating disinfection and treatment measures, to risk management.

Besides traditional cultural methods, modern molecular biological methods are a crucial part of biological research. The use of these methods also offers possible solutions in the water sector. By thinking outside the box, TZW endeavours to identify key developments early on. As part of research projects, findings are obtained using new technologies and their application for water analysis are tested and relayed.

Hygienically relevant and pathogenic microorganisms

Reliable and sensitive detection methods for indicator organisms and pathogens are critical to reliably monitor drinking water quality. Besides traditional detection methods, molecular biological methods are becoming increasingly important to detect bacteria, viruses and parasites. Findings on the presence, propagation and removal of hygienically relevant microorganisms in the water cycle are needed to be able to offer solutions to microbiological problems.

Molecular biological tools for root cause analysis and identifying contamination sources

Microbiological problems in drinking water can have a variety of causes. Modern and innovative methods to identify bacteria (MALDI-TOF-MS, sequencing and PCR-based methods) have the potential to help with causal research. These include microbial source tracking tools. These help to determine possible sources of origin in the catchment area for faecal contamination.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes

The long-term and extensive use of antibiotics has not only encouraged the development and dispersion of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes in the clinical realm but also in the aquatic environment. For this reason, antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes are the subject of increasing discussion as new parameters in the evaluation of hygienic water quality. A series of completed and ongoing research projects has given TZW long-standing experience on the detection of antibiotic resistance in the environment.

Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA)

Holistic risk management is a pre-requisite for safe drinking water supply and includes both risk analysis and risk minimisation. TZW therefore works on practical and research projects on the effectiveness of treatment methods in the context of the quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) concept.

Materials in contact with drinking water

Materials that come into contact with drinking water can have a negative impact on the microbiological water quality. We have addressed these aspects in a series of practical research projects.