An Investigation on the Bacterial Contents of Natural Springs in a Rural Area of the Middle Blacksea Region in Turkey

Abstract

Bacterial contamination levels of representative 4 natural springs were detected seasonally through indicator bacterial contents in a rural area of Ordu, Turkiye. Total coliform bacteria, enterococi, Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens spores were used as the indicator organisms. According to the bacterial parameters, none of the detected springs comply with the standards implemented by the state health authorities. Contamination level of the springs increases with human and domestic animal activities in spring and summer. Using PCR and duplex PCR, samples collected from the most densely contaminated spring, Soguksu, were analyzed for three pathogenic bacterial groups. After eight-hour enrichment of the samples, positive results were found only for Salmonella spp. In conclusion, this investigation revealed that the natural springs used for drinking water supply in the research area are exposed to bacterial contaminations and the level of contamination increased with settlement density.