The occurrence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in the Lake Baroon catchment, Queensland, Australia

Abstract

Research Article| August 01 2006 The occurrence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in the Lake Baroon catchment, Queensland, Australia T. Wohlsen; T. Wohlsen 1Public Health Microbiology, Queensland Health Scientific Services, P.O. Box 594, Archerfield, Queensland 4108, Australia Tel.: (+61) 7 3274 9075 Fax: (+61) 7 3274 9175; E-mail: Tracey_Wohlsen@health.qld.gov.au Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar J. Bates; J. Bates 2Public Health Microbiology, Queensland Health Scientific Services, Coopers Plains, Australia Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar B. Gray; B. Gray 2Public Health Microbiology, Queensland Health Scientific Services, Coopers Plains, Australia Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar P. Aldridge; P. Aldridge 3Aquagen, Water and Renewable Energy, Palmwoods, Queensland, Australia Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar S. Stewart; S. Stewart 3Aquagen, Water and Renewable Energy, Palmwoods, Queensland, Australia Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar M. Williams; M. Williams 3Aquagen, Water and Renewable Energy, Palmwoods, Queensland, Australia Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar M. Katouli M. Katouli 4Faculty of Science, Health and EducationUniversity of the Sunshine CoastMaroochydore, QueenslandAustralia Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology-Aqua (2006) 55 (5): 357–366. https://doi.org/10.2166/aqua.2006.044 Article history Received: July 21 2005 Accepted: April 11 2006 Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Cite Icon Cite Permissions Search Site Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentAll JournalsThis Journal Search Advanced Search Citation T. Wohlsen, J. Bates, B. Gray, P. Aldridge, S. Stewart, M. Williams, M. Katouli; The occurrence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in the Lake Baroon catchment, Queensland, Australia. Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology-Aqua 1 August 2006; 55 (5): 357–366. doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/aqua.2006.044 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex We evaluated the occurrence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in the Lake Baroon catchment, Queensland, Australia. A total of 132 water samples were collected from 6 sites as well as from raw influent and treated effluent from a local sewage treatment plant (STP), over a 12-month period. Three new sites close to the entrance of the lake were added following initial assessment. The prevalence of faecal indicator organisms, E. coli and enterococci was also examined. There was no clear relationship between the level of indicator organisms, rainfall or the detection of Cryptosporidium and Giardia for most sites. Of the five sites showing levels of contamination with Cryptosporidium, only three coincided with elevated rainfall. The highest level of Cryptosporidium oocysts detected in the raw influent from the STP, coincided with the occurrence of an outbreak of cryptosporidiosis in the local area but no Cryptosporidium was detected in surface water samples during that period. Our results indicate that while the human contribution of Cryptosporidium is minimal, the high level of faecal indicator bacteria in surface water was not always associated with the presence Cryptosporidium in this catchment. catchment, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, health risk This content is only available as a PDF. © IWA Publishing 2006 You do not currently have access to this content.