COMPARISON OF CHEMICAL DEHYDRATION AND CRITICAL-POINT DRYING FOR THE STABILIZATION AND VISUALIZATION OF AGING BIOFILM PRESENT ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF PVC DISTRIBUTION PIPE

In this study, fixation of attached glycocalyx on the interior surface s of polyvinyl chloride distribution pipe remnants was compared with a nd without ruthenium red/osmium tetroxide and, in the final preparator y phase, with chemical dehydration and critical point drying. SEM exam ination of interior surface of the polyvinyl chloride pipe showed vary ing concentrations of adherent bacteria, depending on the preparatory technique used. It was concluded that using a combination of ruthenium red/osmium tetroxide and critical point drying is the optimum method for visually demonstrating aging biofilm on the interior surface of co ntaminated polyvinyl chloride pipe.