Role of pipe material and organic suspended solids on biofilms, emitter performance, and plant growth

This dataset supports a study investigating how pipe material and organic suspended solids (TSS) influence biofilm formation, microbial community composition, and emitter performance in greenhouse drip irrigation systems equipped with anti-drain mechanisms. The research hypothesis posited that pipe material and organic load would significantly affect biofilm development and microbial diversity, thereby impacting irrigation uniformity and emitter function.
The experiment used polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene (PE) pipes with nutrient solutions containing 0, 30, 60, and 120 mg/L of peat-derived suspended solids (<150 µm). Systems operated twice daily for eight weeks across two independent runs. Biofilm accumulation was quantified via dry mass and heterotrophic plate counts (HPC), while microbial communities were characterized using 16S rRNA and ITS2 amplicon sequencing. Pipe surface properties were assessed for hydrophobicity and roughness before and after biofilm exposure.
Key findings include:

PVC pipes accumulated more biofilm than PE pipes, with significant changes in surface hydrophobicity and roughness post-exposure.
Pipe material had a stronger influence on microbial community structure than organic load, with distinct bacterial and fungal profiles observed between PVC and PE.
Organic TSS concentrations ≥60 mg/L increased emitter discharge, leading to reduced irrigation uniformity, though no emitters were fully clogged.
Biofilms in PVC pipes did not affect downstream PE pipes, suggesting limited microbial transfer between materials.
Microbial taxa capable of polymer degradation and EPS production were prevalent, indicating potential feedback mechanisms where biofilms alter pipe surfaces to promote further colonization.

Data interpretation suggests that pipe material selection is critical for managing biofilm-related clogging risks. PE pipes may offer advantages in biofilm resistance and ease of replacement. Additionally, maintaining organic TSS below 60 mg/L is recommended to prevent overirrigation and associated agronomic and economic impacts.
The dataset includes emitter performance metrics, biofilm biomass, microbial OTU tables, and pipe surface characterization. Sequencing data are available in the NCBI SRA (PRJNA1355485).