Bacterial Indicators Of Faecal Pollution Research Articles

Comparison of modern and 40-year-old drinking water pipeline in northern Sinai region, Egypt: Characteristics and health risk assessment

BackgroundDrinking water quality is crucial for human health and well-being. This study evaluated the impact of replacing old asbestos pipelines with modern Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) ones on drinking water quality in the North Sinai governorate of Egypt. Ninety-two water samples were collected from nine locations along the pipeline from Qantara water station to El-Arish city, and their microbiological and chemical characteristics were assessed. MethodsThis investigation was carried out during June and July 2019 to evaluate the drinking water in two distribution nets; old asbestos distribution pipes and new Polyvinyl Chloride water tubes (PVC). Microbiological analyses such as most probable number (MPN), total bacterial count (TBC), chemical assessments (water pH, electrical conductivity; EC, dissolved organic carbon; DOC), and health risk index (HRI) for multi-element concentrations were conducted. Standard analyses were followed to assess the water quality index (WQI) and Metal index (MI) and study the improvement percentage in the element's concentrations. ResultsThe highest values of TBC were in the city center district (219 CFUs mL−1), followed by Abu Saqual (184 CFUs mL−1), Resa (174 CFUs mL−1), and recently constructed pipes (80 CFUs mL−1). The pH (7.52 - 7.50) and EC (320 to 958 dSm−1) were within permissible limits. No bacterial indicators of fecal pollution were found in all drinking water samples. Results showed that the modern pipeline network significantly improved the concentrations of 23 elements, with the most significant improvements observed in cadmium (66.2%) and potassium (40.7%). HRI results for multi-element concentrations showed an impact on human health in Abu Saqual. WQI showed a decrease of 30% in toxic element concentration in the current pipelines, and MI assessment showed safe concentrations. ConclusionDrinking water's biological and chemical properties significantly improved, which matched global guideline standards. Our findings highlight the importance of regularly monitoring and updating drinking water infrastructure to ensure safe and high-quality drinking water.

Use of Somatic Coliphages in Biosensoring of Hygiene Safety of Recycled Wastewater

Outflows from secondary stages of conventional mechanical-biological wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) still contain significant concentrations of faecal pollution indicators suggesting the potential presence of pathogenic organisms. The decrease in the concentration of somatic coliphages and bacterial indicators of faecal pollution during the technological stages (coagulation, sand filtration, membrane ultrafiltration, sorption on granular activated carbon, disinfection, accumulation) of a semi-operational plant designed for multi-stage tertiary treatment or rather recycling of treated wastewater was monitored and discussed. During the tertiary treatment, faecal bacteria indicators were better removed than somatic coliphages, hence the inclusion of somatic indicators among faecal pollution indicators in water quality control for reuse is entirely appropriate. Subsequent tertiary treatment, including disinfection, is essential for safe reuse of treated water.

Antibiogram of faecal Streptococci isolates for pollution source determination in the Ikpoba river, Benin City

Water samples from various sites of the Ikpoba River, Benin City, were bacteriologically analysed to determine bacterial indicators of faecal pollution and heterotrophic bacterial concentration. Sampling points 1 was the point of drainage discharge from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, 2 was at the Bridge at Upper Mission Road, 3 was the point of effluent discharge from Oredo Local Government Area Abbatoir, 4 was at the Bridge along Benin-Agbor Road and 5 was the point of effluent discharge from Guinness Nigeria PLC. Faecal coliform count was generally high in all sample sites with the point of discharge of effluent from the Abbatoir showing the highest mean count of 1.51 × 107 cfu/ml; and the Bridge at Upper Mission Road had the lowest mean count of 1.20 × 107 cfu/ml. Faecal streptococci count was highest at the point of discharge of effluent from Guinness Nigeria PLC at 8.21 × 107 cfu/ml. while the Bridge at Upper Mission Road had the lowest faecal streptococcus count of 5.83 × 106 cfu/ml. Antibiotic Resistance Patterns of faecal streptococci isolates on day 1 were observed to be more susceptible to the battery of antibiotics than faecal streptococci isolates on days 2 and 3. The results of the ratio of faecal coliform to faecal streptococci and the antibiotic resistance pattern on faecal streptococci showed that faecal pollution of the Ikpoba River has both human and animal origin. There are undoubted risks to human health from surface water polluted with animal faeces, nevertheless, it is human faeces that represent a much greater risk and thus constant investigations should be carried out by environment monitoring agencies to evaluate the pollution status of the river and residents around the river should administer filtration techniques before domestic use.
 Keywords: faecal pollution, faecal streptococci, antibiotic resistance patterns

E. coli and Coliform Bacteria as Indicators for Drinking Water Quality and Handling of Drinking Water in the Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal

During the 2016 pre-monsoon dry season, we undertook a systematic study of water quality, specifically fecal contamination of drinking water, in the Khumbu Valley, Sagarmatha National Park (SNP, Mt. Everest region) and SNP buffer zone, Nepal. Our goal was to quantify physical parameters (temperature, pH, conductivity and total dissolved solids), and the presence of fecal coliforms (E. coli and total coliforms) in drinking water and drinking water sources (predominately groundwater-fed springs). This data set will function as a baseline for access to potable water and further monitoring. Sample sites were selected based on primary use as a drinking water and/or drinking water source for each community. In general, there is little correlation between and physical parameters however, there are very weak correlations between total coliform data and increasing temperature, and decreasing elevation and pH. There does, however, appear to be a correlation between population (including tourist numbers) and both E. coli and total coliforms. Our study clearly indicates that the presence of bacterial indicators of fecal pollution during the dry season. Samples from the more populated, lower altitude areas had higher levels of E. coli and coliform bacteria. Importantly, drinking water that was stored in tanks or transported long distances had a much higher incidence of E. coli and total coliforms suggesting that a change in water handling practices might have an important impact on drinking water quality and population health.

Temporal Evolution of the Microbiological Conditions of a Sicilian Area Designed for Aquaculture (Castellammare Gulf, Southern Tyrrhenian Sea)

Microbiological controls of coastal seawaters are a common practice to verify their safety for human recreational and productive uses. The aim of the present study is to describe the microbiological conditions of the Castellammare Gulf (Trapani, Sicily), an area traditionally used for aquaculture purposes. Particularly, the results obtained from three surveys (1993-1995, 2000-2001 and 2007) are compared in order to depict how the hygienic-sanitary conditions of this marine ecosystem have evolved over time. Attention has been given to the abundance and distribution of the bacterial indicators of faecal pollution (faecal coliforms, enterococci and Salmonella spp.) as well as halophilic vibrios, using the culture methods conventionally indicated by current legislation in force for the sanitary control of waters designed for aquaculture productions. The obtained results shows that the sanitary conditions of seawater samples met the criteria recommended by current legislations for shellfish farming approved areas. The low concentrations of faecal pollution indicators and of halophilic vibrios confirm the general suitability of the Gulf of Castellammare for seafood production. Nevertheless, the detection of low percentages of potentially pathogenic species of halophilic vibrios stresses the importance of extending microbiological controls also to these emerging pathogens.

A study of the bacteriological quality of roof-harvested rainwater and an evaluation of SODIS as a suitable treatment technology in rural Sub-Saharan Africa

Harvested rainwater (HRW) is of great socio-economic importance particularly in areas where water sources are scarce or polluted. This case study was carried out in a rural area of Southern Uganda where the community has limited access to safe drinking water. The aims of the project were to investigate the quality of harvested rainwater over a year long period covering wet and dry seasons and to investigate the use of solar waterdisinfection (SODIS) as a water treatment technology. Fifty households using roof HRW were selected. The systems used included catchment ponds, metallic, concrete and plastic tanks. All households used the HRW for drinking. The raw HRW was analysed for temperature, pH and total dissolved solids (TDS) and for the presence of the bacterial indicators of faecal pollution – Escherichia coli, faecal enterococci and Clostridium perfringens. Results indicated that while the HRW met the required physiochemical drinking water standards, the majority of samples from all types of system showed levels of microbiological contamination indicating that the water was unsafe for drinking without treatment. The use of SODIS to treat the water was investigated using 2Liter PET bottles and was shown to be an effective treatment technology.

SP4-27 High prevalence of Escherichia coli and human adenovirus in water, mussels and young children with acute gastroenteritis living in mangrove region

IntroductionSeveral studies have shown that many aquatic ecosystems are often contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms through the discharge of untreated or partially treated sewage. The maintenance of water quality is a...

Presence of Arcobacter spp. in environmental waters correlates with high levels of fecal pollution

We investigated the presence of Arcobacter spp. in 205 water samples of freshwater, seawater and sewage in Spain. These bacteria were present in 55.1% of the samples (113/205) and were significantly associated for the first time with bacterial indicators of fecal pollution. The dominant species in the positive samples was Arcobacter butzleri (94%) followed by Arcobacter cryaerophilus (30%) and Arcobacter skirrowii (1.8%).

Influence of filtration and glucose amendment on bacterial growth rate at different tidal conditions in the Minho Estuary River (NW Portugal)

Bacterioplankton abundance, biomass and growth rates were studied in the Minho Estuary River (NW Portugal). The influence of tidal conditions, glucose amendment, and the filtration process on total bacterial abundance, total and faecal coliforms, as well as faecal streptococci, were evaluated in laboratory incubation experiments. Physical and chemical conditions, as well as bacterial abundance in this estuary were found to be typical for oligo-mesotrophic coastal ecosystems. Bacterial abundance was higher at high tide, probably due to hydrodynamics and resuspension of bacteria from sediments. In contrast, a significant decrease of bacterial indicators of faecal pollution at high tide was probably the result of various causes, such as the decrease of continental and agriculturalland mn-off effect by dilution, aml/or increase in the abundance of potential specific predators. Thus, drastic changes were induced at high tide that led to a lack of bacterial growth and the net disappearance of most of the bacterial populations. Glucose amendment, at used concentration, was not found to stimulate bacterial growth, which instead could be limited by inorganic nutrients.

Community-Based Environmental Protection in Low-Income African-American Communities in North Carolina

TM5-O-04 Introduction: The purpose of this paper is to highlight the efforts of a local organization in Mebane, NC that has used community-based research and environmental surveillance to address negative public health risks, environmental injustice, and health disparities in low-income black neighborhoods. These neighborhoods are burdened by disproportionate impacts of the built environment including the systematic denial of basic amenities (sewer and water services); overburdened by locally unwanted land uses; abused by inequities in land-use planning and zoning; and problems with non-compliance with civil rights and environmental justice regulations by local, state, and federal officials. Introduction: The community-driven research approach was used to document and mitigate the differential burden of environmental health hazards on these communities. Community advocates partnered with university researchers to develop acommunity-driven environmental surveillance program. Community members used their knowledge of local land uses to map environmental health risks. Community members helped develop a household hazards survey. Community monitors were trained to collect household hazards survey data and water samples that were analyzed to assess the levels of fecal pollution from septic systems in residential water supplies. Community-driven public health education and leadership workshops were held to increase environmental knowledge and leadership abilities of affected residents. Results: Community hazards mapping showed that the neighborhoods had an inequitable impact of the built environment including planned highway, a landfill, sewage treatment plant, and brownfields. Survey data showed that many households were dilapidated, had a high prevalence of septic system failure, and had structural problems that led to mold and mildew issues. High concentrations of bacterial indicators of fecal pollution were detected at residential control and study sites exceeding Environmental Agency single sample maximum allowable densities. The community environmental protection, research and activism efforts led to a moratorium on the building of the transportation bypass, upgrades in sewer, water, and transportation infrastructure in some neighborhoods, and more stakeholder involvement in community planning and revitalization. Conclusion: The community-based research partnerships have led to an increased capacity of the community organization to document and redress local environmental health issues. The study provides evidence of inequity of sewer services and drinking and surface water vulnerability to sources of fecal contamination impacting residents in these communities. This work also confirms that community-based environmental protection is a model approach that other communities burdened by environmental health disparities should use to empower themselves to affect environmental and social change at the local level.

Bacterial indicators of faecal pollution in the waters of the El‐Kabir River and Akkar watershed in Syria and Lebanon

AbstractWater samples for bacterial analyses were taken, when possible, at 41 sites in Lebanon and Syria in the El‐Kabir River watershed. Samples were analysed for total coliform (TC), faecal coliform (FC) and faecal streptococcus. The Lebanese samples also were analysed for the presence of sulphate‐reducing bacteria. The TC and FC concentrations were extremely high throughout the watershed, rendering the water unfit for any human uses. The origin of the bacteria is the untreated sewage waste from the numerous settlements situated throughout the watershed. This primary origin is supported by high ratios of FC/faecal streptococcus, although impacts from animal wastes also were observed. The bacterial levels were higher in summer than in winter, indicating a high winter river flow that dilutes a relatively constant source of human sewage discharged to the system. Spring waters also exhibited elevated levels of bacteria, implicating surface land use and waste disposal practices upstream of the springs. The data clearly shows that human health is at a high risk and that strategies for improving water quality and protecting spring water must be expeditiously implemented.

Bacterial indicators of faecal pollution of water supplies and public health: a review

Bacterial indicators of faecal pollution of water supplies and their significance to public health are reviewed in this paper, to highlight their levels of general acceptability and suitability as safeguards against health hazards associated with water supplies. Regular bacteriological analysis with the sole aim of detecting faecal coliform as a confirmation of faecal pollution, is shown to constitute a safeguard against health hazards arising from the consumption of faecally-polluted water. It is also shown that available indicators cannot be fully relied upon for total safeguard espericially as Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts have been implicated in some water-borne outbreaks of gastroenteritis. Furthermore, there are still problems of confusing ecology, characterization and taxonomy, growth temperature in both temperate and hot climates, coupled with the fact that several non-classical indicators, e.g., Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides, Eubacterium , etc., have been found to be equally attractive as apparently reliable indicators. This confusing situation appears to have created considerable doubt on the general acceptability of classical indicators (e.g. coliforms, Streptococcus faecalis and Clostridum perfringens ), as safeguards against water-related infection. In perspective, further research on methods of detecting reliable indicators in addition to maintaining hygienic principles in homes, are recommended. KEY WORDS: Water Pollution, Bacterial indicators, General acceptability, Public Health. Global Jnl Medical Sciences Vol.2(2) 2003: 81-90

Virus inactivation during disinfection of wastewater by chlorination and UV irradiation and the efficacy of F+ bacteriophage as a ‘viral indicator’

Wastewater disinfection has grown in popularity in recent years in the UK particularly for reducing faecal coliform levels in effluents impacting on bathing waters not compliant with EC Directive standards. Although disinfectants appear effective against bacterial indicators of faecal pollution, their efficiency against human viruses is still unclear. This has significance both for attainment of compliance with viral standards in the EC Bathing Waters Directive and, potentially, for protection against viruses likely to cause gastroenteritis. This study reports on bench scale disinfection of primary effluent treated with chlorination and secondary effluent treated with UV. Disinfection experiments comprised of wastewater, sterilised by gamma irradiation, seeded with monodispersed laboratory grown bacterial indicators (Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis), human enterovirus (poliovirus) and F+ bacteriophage (MS2) – a potential ‘viral indicator’. Under the experimental conditions used, the inactivation of bacterial indicators was rapid in comparison to the inactivation of F+ bacteriophage which was very poor. Seeded poliovirus was significantly more susceptible to inactivation by chlorine and UV irradiation than F+ bacteriophage but was more resistant than bacterial indicators in both cases. These results indicate that the use of bacterial indicators alone to determine the effect of wastewater disinfection when using chlorination or UV irradiation underestimates human enteric virus inactivation, whereas the use of F+ bacteriophage is likely to give a conservative estimate of virus inactivation.

Virus inactivation during disinfection of wastewater by chlorination and UV irradiation and the efficacy of F+ bacteriophage as a ‘viral indicator’

Wastewater disinfection has grown in popularity in recent years in the UK particularly for reducing faecal coliform levels in effluents impacting on bathing waters not compliant with EC Directive standards. Although disinfectants appear effective against bacterial indicators of faecal pollution, their efficiency against human viruses is still unclear. This has significance both for attainment of compliance with viral standards in the EC Bathing Waters Directive and, potentially, for protection against viruses likely to cause gastroenteritis. This study reports on bench scale disinfection of primary effluent treated with chlorination and secondary effluent treated with UV. Disinfection experiments comprised of wastewater, sterilised by gamma irradiation, seeded with monodispersed laboratory grown bacterial indicators (Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis), human enterovirus (poliovirus) and F+ bacteriophage (MS2) — a potential ‘viral indicator’. Under the experimental conditions used, the inactivation of bacterial indicators was rapid in comparison to the inactivation of F+ bacteriophage which was very poor. Seeded poliovirus was significantly more susceptible to inactivation by chlorine and UV irradiation than F+ bacteriophage but was more resistant than bacterial indicators in both cases. These results indicate that the use of bacterial indicators alone to determine the effect of wastewater disinfection when using chlorination or UV irradiation underestimates human enteric virus inactivation, whereas the use of F+ bacteriophage is likely to give a conservative estimate of virus inactivation.

Bacterial survey of well water—Tehran, Iran

One hundred twenty-one wells throughout the city of Tehran were monitored during the four seasons of the year for the presence of bacterial indicators of fecal pollution. None of the sites monitored was connected to Tehran's main water distribution system but represented drinking water sources for small communities, individual factories, hospitals, etc. Only 17 samples showed no indication of fecal bacterial contamination throughout the study. The remaining sites were positive for at least one of the following at some season of the year: Escherichia coli, Shigella sp., Citrobacter sp., Klebsiella-Enterobacter group, Clostridium perfringens, or Streptococcus faecalis.

Viruses and Bacteria in a Chalk Well

Human enteroviruses have been found in water from a chalk well with history of excellent bacteriological and organoleptic quality. A proportion of these viruses survived disinfection treatment which consisted of a nominal 1 mg/ℓ of free chlorine maintained for a minimum contact period of 15 minutes at a pH value of 7.2. It is concluded that viruses may occur in underground sources which have consistently proved to be satisfactory in routine monitoring tests for bacterial indicators of faecal pollution. Possible mechanisms which these circumstances may arise are discussed.

Studies on bacterial indicators of faecal pollution in drinking water

The Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka publishes the results of research in all aspects of Science and Technology. The journal also has a website at http://www.nsf.gov.lk/. 2021 Impact Factor: 0.682The JNSF provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge.

Seasonal study of a freshwater lake and migratory waterfowl for Campylobacter jejuni.

In the summer and fall of 1981, water and sediment samples from Lake Onalaska, a Mississippi River navigation pool near La Crosse, Wisconsin, were quantitatively examined for Campylobacter jejuni and for standard bacterial indicators of fecal pollution. Fifty cecal content samples, representing seven species of transient waterfowl captured during fall migration, were also assayed for C. jejuni. Fecal coliform and fecal streptococcus counts from the water and sediment samples agreed with previously established values for the pool and accurately reflected the influx of approximately 619 000 ducks and geese during fall migration. Campylobacter jejuni was not recovered from water, sediment, or cecal samples. This conflicts with previous reports which implied a cosmopolitan distribution of C. jejuni among waterfowl. Reasons for the absence of C. jejuni from the pool and from waterfowl in and around that pool were discussed, with special reference to method of recovery and sporadic distribution of other pathogenic microorganisms among migratory waterfowl.

Selection of Practical Indicator Systems for Monitoring the Virological Quality of Potable Water, Wastewater, Solid Waste, Shellfish, Fish and Crops

The actual detection of viruses or the use of an indicator system or systems to assess the presence of pathogenic viruses in contaminated environments is essential for the protection of human health. Herein are considered the possible surrogate relationships between pathogenic viruses and bacterial indicators of fecal pollution in the diverse enviroments of potable water, wastewater, solid waste, shellfish, fish and crops. Assessments are made concerning the reliability of the indicator to identify in these diverse environments viral presence. It is concluded that thus far no one has demonstrated a convincing relationship between the numbers and/or types of different indicator bacteria and the pathogenic viruses themselves, and that the best indicator of viral presence is the actual detection of the virus itself. Nevertheless, the search should continue for more acceptable alternatives which would eliminate the need for the more difficult and time consuming direct testing of pathogenic virus presence.

Coprostanol and bacterial indicators of faecal pollution in the Scheldt estuary

Coprostanol and bacterial indicators of faecal pollution in the Scheldt estuary