Comprehensive assessment of drinking water quality in the highland region of Kotli Sattian, Pakistan

A study of the comparative analysis of house-hold drinking water quality in Uli, Anambra State was carried out in the Microbiology Laboratory of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli to evaluate the water, with a view to assessing the public health implication of water from these sources. Trips were made to living homes to obtain samples of their drinking water. Twenty Samples were used for the study. Ten samples were collected from homes that drank straight from the boreholes. Five samples were collected from those that drank sachet water and five from those that drank bottled water. Microbiological and physicochemical parameters were utilized using standard methods. Most probable number (MPN) technique was employed in the bacteriological analysis of the water samples. Biochemical tests were utilized in the identification of the microorganisms. Results based on the cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics, revealed the samples to contain three isolates identified as <i>Escherichiacoli, Staphylococcus aureus</i> and <i>Klebsiella</i> sp. The pH of all the treated water samples were neutral, pH of the borehole water samples was neutral. The temperature of the sachet water samples ranged between 22.5 – 23.5 whereas that the borehole water samples were 22°C – 22.2°C respectively. The total dissolved solid of the treated water samples ranged between 0.82mg/1 and 1.60mg/1, whereas that of the borehole water samples ranged between 7.07 – 20mg/l. The total suspended solids of the treated water samples were not detected whereas that of the borehole water samples ranged between 31 – 55mg/l. Results from total coliform counts for the samples were highest in the boreholes with a total coliform count of 2.4MPN per ml. Faecal coliform count was highest in the borehole samples. The presence of high faecal coliform count in the borehole samples could be attributed to the proximity of the boreholes to pit latrines at distances less than the 30m. This does not conform with WHO recommendations for safe drinking water. From the results, all the untreated drinking water sampled from Uli were unfit for human consumption. This could be responsible for the incessant gastroenteritis, staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome, dysentery and <i>Klebsiella pneumonia</i> observed in Uli and environs. This study suggests that all the drinking water from various sources used by the inhabitants of Uli and environs should be treated before drinking.

The present study illustrates the dynamics of surface bacteria during post-harvest desiccation of Ulva reticulata Forsskal. Algal fronds were subjected to desiccation for 31 days. The total surface bacteria and bacterial species counts were monitored for moisture content and water activity index (aw). There was an 86% decrease in total algal moisture content. However, aw showed a more gradual decrease. The total bacterial count increased in the first week, reaching a maximum on day 7. After this, there was a drastic drop in the total bacterial count until day 14, and then a more gradual decline towards the end of the process. Six species of bacteria were isolated throughout this process: Azomonas sp., Aeromonas hydrophila, Vibrio alginolyti-cus, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris and Vibrio para-haemolyticus. The dynamics of each of these bacterial species exhibited trends similar to the total bacterial count. Based on these findings, the drastic decrease in the total bacterial count after seventh day of desiccation could not be attributed to the aw or salinity. Therefore, the possible exposure of these bacteria to the algal internal fluid upon the rupture of the thallus cells was seen as the most likely reason for the drop in the bacterial population. Scanning electron microscope micrographs taken after the tenth day of desiccation showed the presence of cracks and areas where the bacteria were exposed to the algal internal fluid. In vitro antibacterial tests of three different solvent extracts of Ulva reticulata were also carried out against these surface bacteria to verify the antibacterial potential of its internal fluid. It was apparent that all these surface bacteria were inhibited by at least one of the three extracts, and there were indications of the possible presence of multicompound antibacterial potential, since extracts of different polarity showed bacteria-specific activity. Hence, it is possible that Ulva reticulata has the potential to protect itself against the opportunistic bacteria present on its surface and in its environment.

Seasonal variation in microbiological and physicochemical characteristics of municipal wastewater in Al-Sharqiya province, Egypt (case study)

This study was realized to evaluate the monthly production, composition and quality of milk (total and defatted dry extract, lactose, fat and protein) and their relation to somatic cell count (SCC) and total bacterial count (TBC) using multivariate statistical analyses. The data are from a dairy farm for the period of two years (from January 2015 to December 2016). The SCC and TBC variables were transformed to somatic cell score (SCS) and log10 (LogTBC). Factor analysis, discriminant analysis and cluster analysis were used. Through factor analysis, it was found two factors that together explained 69.5% of the total data variation. The first factor represented the inverse relationship between lactose versus fat and protein content, while the second factor represented the inverse relationship among monthly milk yield versus SCS and LogTBC. The discriminant analysis identified that lactose and protein contents and SCS were the variables that had the greatest participation in the separation of the groups formed by the cluster analysis. The groups differed mainly by the monthly production of milk, composition and SCS. Finally, there are important multivariate relations between the variables milk production, composition and quality.

In Malaysia, carpets are commonly used as finishing flooring material in the main prayer hall of mosques. In cleaning carpets, hoovering has been the most popular method, but it directly triggers the uplifting of dust that may contain bacteria and fungi. Hoovering activities and ventilation strategies (air conditioning split units (ACSUs) or by active ventilation (non-ACSUs)) can affect the prevalence of bacterial and fungal growth. This study aimed to establish the total bacterial counts, total fungal counts and also PM10 concentrations under different ventilation strategies (ACSUs and non-ACSUs) in the main prayer halls of mosques. Identification of bacterial and fungal species also took place in this study. Sampling was performed in 25 mosque buildings (17 ACSUs and 8 non-ACSUs) with carpeted flooring on Zohor-Asar and Friday-Asar prayer sessions at Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. Results revealed that the total bacterial counts, total fungal counts and mean PM10 concentrations were higher in mosques with ACSUs than in mosques with non-ACSUs at concentrations ranging from 166cfu/m3 to 660 cfu/m3, from 118 cfu/m3 to 660 cfu/m3 and from 11.15 ± 9.32 µg/m3 to 49.30 ± 13.13 µg/m3, respectively. The total bacterial counts exceeded the acceptable guideline limit by the Industrial Code of Practice on Indoor Air Quality (ICOP), but the total fungal counts and PM10 concentrations did not. In some mosques, the total bacterial and fungal counts did not decrease even after hoovering activities were completed. The dominant types of bacteria found in the mosque buildings were Staphylococcus spp., Bacillus spp. and Micrococci spp., whilst the dominant fungal species was Aspergillus niger. Although the findings were not alarming, care should be taken by mosques authorities especially while and after hoovering, to ensure that, the indoor air quality in mosques are being maintained within the permissible limit to protect worshippers from being exposed to bacterial and fungal.

Aims: To determine the bacteriological quality and geophysical abiotic components including mineral elements of public drinking water sources in Akungba-Akoko community located in South West Nigeria. Study Design: Water and soil samples were collected from selected ground water (e.g., well, borehole) and surface water (e.g., streams) in 20 various locations of Akungba-Akoko community. Similarly, Geographical positioning system (GPS) of the sampling site was determined. Methodology: Total bacteria and coliform content of water samples were enumerated using the pour plate technique. The physico-chemical parameters such as pH, turbidity and temperature and mineral elements constituents were determined. Total bacterial count, phosphorus (P) and copper (Cu) were also determined in the soil samples. Results: The total bacterial count ranged from as low as 1.0 x 10 cfu/mL in GLAS site to 1.22 x 10 cfu/mL in sample site GLA9, while the coliforms count ranged from 5.0 x 10 cfu/mL in well water of sample site GLG1 to 36 x 10 cfu/mL and 3.8 x 10 cfu/mL in sample site GL9 and GL7 respectively. As for soil sources, the total heterotrophic bacterial count range was from 1.8 x10 cfu/g to 8.7 x10 cfu/g. Total hardness of the water sources ranged from 4.46 ppm in sample site GLA2 to 216.86 ppm in well water (GLWS 6) in Akungba. High levels of lead in some areas as in Araromi pond zone (GLCW16) and Well water 2 Market (GLBWS 6) among others, exceeded the maximum permissible level of 0.10 mg/L. The pH Research Article British Microbiology Research Journal, 3(1): 58-72, 2013 59 of water sources range from pH 5.52 to pH 7.91 while temperature ranges from 23oC to 28oC. Conclusion: This study shows that many sources of public drinking water supply in Akungba-Akoko are microbiologically substandard with possible infiltration of some chemical contaminants. Hence, routine monitoring and protection of the water resources is necessary in this community to improve the quality of drinking water and avoid possible associated health risks.

The bacteriological qualities of samples of some sachet water, tap water and well water were examined. Some physicochemical parameters (pH and suspended solids) indicative of water quality as well as the total bacterial and total coliform counts were examined. The pH of the samples range between 6.5 and 7.2. Suspended solids content ranged between 3.3 and 18.5 x 10-2 g/ml. The total bacterial counts ranged between 7.0 to 12.0 x 101 CFU/ml for sachet water, 0 to 20 CFU/ml for tap water and 2.0 to 20 x 103 CFU/ml for well water. The coliform count (MPN) ranged between 0 to 1 coliform/100ml for sachet water, 0 to150 coliform/100 ml for tap water and 1200 to 1800 coliform/100ml for well water. A total of six bacterial species: Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Proteus vulgaris, Streptococcus faecalis, Enterobacter aerogenes and Staphylococcus aureus were isolated. Their distribution among the samples and the public health implication are discussed. The well water samples examined were found to fall short of the WHO recommendation for drinking water, while the tap water was adjudged fit for consumption. African Journal of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology Vol. 6 (3) 2005: 219-222

The study investigated the impact of effective microorganisms on the microbiological and physicochemical parameters of produced water. Produced water was obtained from Ebocha oil field within Rivers state. The spread plate method was used to determine the total heterotrophic bacterial counts, and pure isolates were subjected to biochemical characterization. Pure bacterial suspension of Lactobacillus plantarum, Aspergillus sp. and Penicillium italicum were obtained and subsequently inoculated into wastewater sample in consortium. Treated (with the consortium) wastewater sample was analyzed at interval for their physicochemical and microbiological parameters during the appropriate period of incubation (14 days) at room temperature. The bacterial load of produced water decreased from 1.3 x 108 cfu/ml to 3.6 x 107 cfu/ml, coliform counts increased from 2.0 x 105 cfu/ml to 1.4 x 106 cfu/ml, Staphylococcal counts decreased from 3.4 x 105 cfu/ml to 0 cfu/ml and Vibrio counts decreased from 8.0 x 105 cfu/ml to 2.0 x 105 cfu/ml. Biochemical characterization of bacterial isolates from the wastewater revealed the presence of Enterobacter sp, Bacillus sp, Klebsiella sp, Proteus sp, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus sp. The pH and temperature ranges of water sample during the period of treatment varied. The BOD values decreased from 240 mg/L to 21 mg/L while the COD values decreased from 400 mg/L to 160 mg/L. The results of the heavy metal assessment revealed an appreciable reduction in the heavy metal concentrations of the sample. The concentration of zinc in produced water decreased from 0.113 mg/L to an undetectable level (&lt; 0.01 mg/L), iron concentration decreased from 1.071 mg/L to 0.139 mg/L, Nickel decreased from 2.110 mg/L to 1.081 mg/L while copper and cadmium were undetected. The use of effective microorganisms in the treatment of produced water was effective in the reduction of microbial load, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and removal of heavy metals.

Aims: This study aims to assess the bacterial load of air samples collected from Kwara State University poultry, Malete on the 24th of May 2022. Study Design: The study utilized a cross-sectional design to assess microbial contamination in a poultry environment. It exposed nutrient and MacConkey agar plates for one minute at different times (8 am, 2 pm, 4 pm) and distances (2ft, 4ft, 8ft). Total bacterial and coliform counts were measured, and isolates were identified through morphological and biochemical tests. Methodology: The plates of solidifying nutrient agar and MacConkey agar were exposed in a poultry environment for 1 minute. Total bacterial counts and total coliform counts were evaluated. The isolates were identified through morphological observation and biochemical characteristics. The total coliform counts (CFU/M3) / Distance (feet) range from 34 ± 14.1 – 5 ± 14.8 whereas; total bacterial counts (CFU/M3) / Distance (feet) range from 79 ± 8.4 – 39 ± 9.1 on nutrient agar and MacConkey agar respectively. Results: The result showed a total of five bacterial genera were isolated which include: Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella species, Streptococcus species, Bacillus, and Escherichia coli. Since microorganisms found in the atmosphere are non-indigenous and usually introduced through human activities, the presence of these potential pathogens could constitute a health hazard not only to the workers but to the people around the poultry environment, thereby endangering the lives of community members through the spread of infectious diseases. Conclusion: Using the natural sedimentation technique, four genera of the organisms have been isolated Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus spp, E. coli, Salmonella species, and Bacillus. These organisms can cause several infections to the workers as well as inhabitants of this environment. To develop the quality of the poultry air in these farms, a good ventilation system has to be designed and good hygiene practices must be observed by the workers.

Total bacterial counts and the number of the fish pathogenic bacterium Vibrio salmonicida have been studied in water samples collected twice a month in 12 Norwegian fish farms from October 1988 to June 1989. Total counts were determined by staining with 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole followed by epifluorescence microscopy. Cells of V. salmonicida were enumerated with a fluorescent antibody technique using highly specific monoclonal antibodies. Despite the fact that no outbreak of cold-water vibriosis was reported, V. salmonicida was detected in all 12 farms, in numbers ranging from 12 to 43 bacteria/mL. The number of farms where V. salmonicida was detected was generally highest during the winter. Total bacterial counts in the water samples varied between 4 X 10(4) and 9 X 10(5) bacteria/mL and the lowest numbers occurred during the winter period. The total bacterial counts were comparable with counts in water uninfluenced by fish farming. On the basis of our results, and additional information available about cold-water vibriosis caused by the bacterium V. salmonicida, an asymptomatic carrier state of the disease is proposed.

This study has been conducted to study the effect of feed withdrawal and adding dried bakery yeast on pH and some microbial indicators which includes Total Bacterial Count (TBC) ,Coliform Count (CC) , Fungi Count (FC) and Lactobacilli Count (LC) in the gastro -intestinal tract of 45 marketed broiler chickens at 8 weeks of age .The birds randomly distributed into three treatments and each treatment to three replicates (15 birds per replicate ) which were: un -treated control (T1) , broiler chickens subjected to feed withdrawal 8 hrs. before slautered (T2) , broiler chickens fed a diet contained 1% of dried bakery yeast three days before subjected to feed withdrawal 8 hrs. before slautered (T3 ) . The data obtained revealed the&#x0D; following :-No statically differences in the pH of gastro -intestinal tract were appeared due to feed withdrawal and adding dried bakery yeast . Feed withdrawal (T2) caused a significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in TBC ,TC and FC in the intestine content compaired with T1 and T3 . Adding 1% of dried bakery yeast three days before subjected to feed withdrawal 8 hrs. before slautered (T3) caused a significant (p&lt;0.05) decreased in TBC,CC and FC , in the&#x0D; mean time LC significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased .

Background and Aim: The camel is an important livestock in the semi-arid, arid and desert regions. The study was carried out to determine the level of bacterial contamination and factors associated with total bacterial count and coliform contamination along the camel milk chain in Isiolo County, Kenya. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out between February and March 2024 and milk samples were collected along the milk value chain. Milk samples were collected from farmers, transporters, milk bulkers, and retailers. The samples were assessed for total viable bacterial counts (TVBC) and total coliform counts (TCC), on the plate count agar and violet lactose bile agar. Results: A total of 191 samples were collected, 42.93% from producers, 24.08% from traders, 19.9% from bulkers, and 13.09% from transporters. Total Viable Count (TVC) showed that 34.55% of samples had moderate contamination (between 10³ CFU/ml and 10⁵ CFU/ml), while 23.04% exhibited severe contamination levels (above 10⁶ CFU/ml). For Violet Red Bile Agar (VRBA) testing, 46.60% of the samples exceeded the threshold of 1000 CFU/ml of milk, indicating significant bacterial contamination, while 29.84% showed no bacterial growth. Logistic regression identified factors associated with increased contamination as female respondents, urban location, and use of disinfectants. Conclusion: The study showed that there was moderate to heavy bacterial milk contamination on about 50% of the milk samples tested along the camel milk value chain. Key words: Camel, milk, total viable bacterial counts, total coliform counts, value chain, hygiene practices, contamination risk factors, Kenya

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of methylene blue dye with 660-nm diode laser in cavity disinfection and to compare the total bacterial count in dentinal samples preexcavation, postexcavation, and postdisinfection. The study design was experimental in vivo. Fifteen children aged 5-12 years with 15 primary molars requiring atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) were selected. Dentinal samples were collected from the carious tooth with a sterile spoon excavator three times, i.e., before caries excavation (preexcavation), after hand excavation of caries (postexcavation), and after doing laser photodynamic therapy with methylene blue dye and 660-nm diode laser (postdisinfection) and sent for microbiological analysis. The samples were transported in reduced transport fluid. The total bacterial count was carried out by an experienced microbiologist immediately after reporting. A significant number of bacteria was present after hand excavation of caries using ART. The bacterial count significantly reduced postlaser disinfection. The total viable bacterial count was reduced to 87.17% with hand excavation of caries, whereas it was reduced to 98.59% postlaser disinfection using methylene blue dye with 660-nm diode laser. It was seen that ART cannot eliminate all the microorganisms. Methylene blue dye with a 660-nm diode laser was able to reduce the total bacterial count and can be effectively used as an antimicrobial cavity disinfectant.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of bracket type (conventional and self-ligating) on the levels of Streptococcus mutans and total bacterial counts in whole saliva of orthodontic patients. Thirty-two male and female patients were selected using the following inclusion criteria: adolescents (mean age 13.6 years, range 11-17 years), fixed appliances in both arches, non-smoker, and no reported oral habits. Demographic and oral hygiene characteristics were determined for each subject. The patients were subdivided into two groups with random allocation of bracket type (conventional or self-ligating). An initial saliva sample was obtained before the initiation of treatment (T1) and a second sample 2-3 months following appliance bonding (T2). Salivary S. mutans and total bacteria were enumerated and analysed after growth in culture. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the samples were analysed with a t- or chi-square test, where applicable, to assess the random allocation of bracket group to participants. The results of S. mutans and total facultative bacterial counts were log transformed and statistically analysed with analysis of covariance with bracket (conventional versus self-ligating) as the categorical variable and initial total bacterial counts or initial S. mutans levels serving as the covariate. No difference was found in the demographics and oral hygiene indices between the two groups, verifying the random assignment of brackets to the population sample. The levels of S. mutans in whole saliva of orthodontically treated patients do not seem to be significantly different between conventional and self-ligating brackets. The pre-treatment levels of S. mutans are significant predictors of the levels of S. mutans after placement of orthodontic appliances, while this was not the case for total bacterial counts.

Simple SummaryThis study focuses on the Wuchang bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) as the research subject, aiming to investigate the effects of emodin on the total bacterial count of Aeromonas hydrophila and the immune response in various tissues of Wuchang bream following infection. The experimental diets were made by supplementing emodin at 0, 30, 100, and 150 mg kg−1 to a basal (control) diet, respectively, and fed to fish with an initial weight of 50.4 ± 2.35 g. All fish were divided into five experimental groups: uninfected fish fed with basal control diet (negative control, NC), infected fish fed with the diet supplemented with 0 (positive control group, PC), 30 (30), 100 (100), and 150 mg/kg (150) of emodin. Except for the negative control group, all other groups were injected with A. hydrophila at a concentration of 1 × 106 CFU/mL. The experiment was conducted over a period of 14 days, with sampling at various time points. The results of the experiment demonstrated that the total bacterial count of Aeromonas in the kidney, blood, and liver tissues of infected Wuchang bream was significantly affected by the dosage of added emodin and the feeding duration. Additionally, the immune response of Wuchang bream following intraperitoneal infection with A. hydrophila was also significantly influenced by emodin (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the addition of 100 mg/kg of emodin to the diet could enhance the Wuchang bream’s resistance to A. hydrophila infection by reducing the total bacterial count of pathogenic bacteria in tissues, increasing the activity of relevant immune enzymes and promoting the secretion of cytokines. This study provides a theoretical basis for practical production.This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of emodin on the total bacterial count and immune response in various tissues of Wuchang bream infected with A. hydrophila. The experimental diets were made by supplementing emodin at 0, 30, 100, and 150 mg kg−1 to basal (control) diet, respectively, and fed to fish with an initial weight of 50.4 ± 2.35 g. All fish were divided into five experimental groups: uninfected fish fed with basal control diet (negative control, NC), infected fish fed with the diet supplemented with 0 (positive control group, PC), 30 (30), 100 (100), and 150 mg/kg (150) of emodin. The fish were reared for 14 days and sampled at different time points. The results showed that the total bacterial count in the kidney, blood, and liver tissues of Wuchang bream infected with A. hydrophila was significantly affected by the supplementation and feeding time of emodin. At the beginning of the experiment, the difference in total bacterial count among the groups was not significant. On day 1, the total bacterial count in all groups was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that in the negative control group. On day 4, the total bacterial count in all the emodin groups was significantly reduced, and the best bactericidal effect was observed in the 100 mg kg−1 group. In addition, emodin had a significant effect on the immune response of Wuchang bream after infection with A. hydrophila (p < 0.05). Compared with the other groups, the respiratory burst activity, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1) content, and white blood cell count (WBC) in the 100 and 150 mg kg−1 groups could be restored to normal levels in the shortest time (p < 0.05). Furthermore, this study also measured the complement alternative pathway activity (ACH50), plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content of the fish. The results showed that supplying 100 mg kg−1 emodin to the diet could significantly (p < 0.05) increase the ACH50 activity of the fish. Compared with the positive control (PC) group, the addition of emodin to the diet can inhibit the decrease in SOD activity and the increase in MDA content in the plasma of infected Wuchang bream. In conclusion, supplying 100 mg kg−1 emodin to the diet can enhance the ability of Wuchang bream to resist A. hydrophila infection by reducing the total bacterial count in tissues, increasing the activity of related immune enzymes, and promoting the secretion of cytokines. This provides a theoretical basis for production practice.