Number Of Fecal Coliforms Research Articles

Isolation and identification of Helicobacter pylori from drinking water in Basra governorate, Iraq

The mode of the transmission of Helicobacterpylori infection remains poorly understood. A total of 198 samples of drinking water from 22 districts of Basra governorate were collected during the period October 2006 to July 2007. The concentration of residual chlorine was measured and the numbers of total and faecal coliforms were counted. On modified Columbia urea agar, 469 bacterial cultures were obtained, of which 173 isolates were identified. Only 14 isolates were Helicobacter spp., of which 10 were H. pylori (2.0% of the total isolates). These isolates were tested for antibiotic susceptibility as well as ability to tolerate chlorine at 0.5 mg/L. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the occurrence of H. pylori in treated municipal drinking water.

Maturity and hygiene quality of composts and hygiene indicators in agricultural soil fertilised with municipal waste or manure compost

Composts produced from municipal source separated biowaste (Biowaste), a mixture of biowaste and anaerobically digested sewage sludge (Biosludge) and cattle manure (Manure) were examined for their maturity and hygiene quality. The composts were applied to a potato crop in 2004 and to a barley nurse crop of forage ley in 2005 in a field experiment. Numbers of faecal coliforms, enterococci, clostridia and Salmonella in field soil were determined 2 weeks and 16 weeks after compost applications. Municipal compost batches chosen based on successful processing showed variable maturity during field application, and the need to evaluate compost maturity with multiple variables was confirmed. The numbers of faecal coliform were similar in all compost types, averaging 4.7 and 2.3 log( 10) CFU g(-1) in the first and second years, respectively. The highest number of enterococci was 5.2 log(10) CFU g(-1), found in Manure compost in the first year, while the highest clostridia numbers were found in Biosludge compost, averaging 4.0 log(10) CFU g(-1) over both years. Except for one case, less than 2.4 log(10) CFU g(-1) of faecal coliforms or clostridia were found in compost-fertilised soil, while the numbers of enterococci were mostly higher than in unfertilised soil (<4.2 or <3.2 log(10) CFU g(-1), respectively). No hygiene indicator bacteria were present in compost-fertilised potato at harvest. Overall, compost fertilisations caused rather small changes in the counts of hygiene indicators in the field environment.

Diversity of fecal coliforms and their antimicrobial resistance patterns in wastewater treatment model plant

The occurrence of resistance patterns among wastewater fecal coliforms was determined in the study. Susceptibility of the isolates was tested against 19 antimicrobial agents: aminoglycosides, aztreonam, carbapenems, cephalosporines, beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitors, penicillines, tetracycline, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and fluoroquinolones. Additionally the removal of resistant isolates was evaluated in the laboratory-scale wastewater treatment model plant (M-WWTP), continuously supplied with the wastewater obtained from the full-scale WWTP. Number of fecal coliforms in raw (after mechanical treatment) and treated wastewater, as well as in aerobic chamber effluent was determined using selective medium. The selected strains were identified and examined for antibiotic resistance using Phoenix Automated Microbiology System (BD Biosciences, USA). The strains were identified as Escherichia coli (n=222), Klebsiella pneumoniae ssp. ozaenae (n=9), and Pantoea agglomerans (n=1). The isolate of P. agglomerans as well as 48% of E. coli isolates were sensitive to all antimicrobials tested. The most frequent resistance patterns were found for ampicillin: 100% of K. pneumoniae ssp. ozaenae and 41% of E. coli isolates. Among E. coli isolates 12% was regarded as multiple antimicrobial resistant (MAR). In the studied M-WWTP, the applied activated sludge processes reduced considerably the number of fecal coliforms, but increased the ratio of antimicrobial-resistant E. coli isolates to sensitive ones, especially among strains with MAR patterns.

Pathogen reduction effects of solar drying and soil application in sewage sludge

The responses of sludge faecal coliforms, Salmonella, and Ascaris lumbricoides to heat drying, solar dehydration, and inactivation in soil are examined in this study. The presence of Salmonella in raw sludge cake after treatment was low, and absent for most of the cases. Likewise, the viable Ascaris eggs were not determined because of absent or low prevalence. Faecal coliforms, on the other hand, drastically decreased from 4.2 × 10^7 MPN g^{-1} Dry Solid (DS) to absence by heat drying. Faecal coliform numbers in solar and non-solar drying treatments were not declined below 1.0 × 10^3 MPN g^{-1} after drying to 90% DS and also during the storage of 12 weeks. After 6 weeks, faecal coliform and Salmonella levels in the soil surface application fell below undetectable limits. The coliform numbers below soil surface fell gradually over 12 weeks and numbers were below undetectable limits at end of the experiment. These results showed that although the solar drying has significant effects on removing pathogenic microorganisms during hot and dry periods, the soil treatment was still necessary for the final complete inactivation. Solar exposure on the soil surface was found to be effective on the elimination of pathogens.

CARACTERÍSTICAS BACTERIOLÓGICAS DE OVOS LAVADOS E NÃO LAVADOS DE GRANJAS DE PRODUÇÃO COMERCIAL

To assess the bacteriological quality of washed and unwashed eggs obtained in four commercial poultry farms located in the metropolitan area of Goiânia, Goias, Brazil was the purpose of this study. Farms 1 and 2 were considered as medium and small production capacity, respectively, and washed mechanically the eggs with heated water containing sanitizing while farms 3 and 4 produced unwashed eggs. The sample universe was made up of 576 eggs from farms 1 and 2, 288 obtained from the poultry facilities and other 288 collected in the classification hall, and 132 obtained in farms 3 and 4, half of this collected in the facilities and the other half in the classification hall. It was considered commercial eggs classified as large eggs from 30 to 40 weeks of age Dekalb White hens. The experimental design was a completely randomized design in a factorial arrangement 2 x 2 (washing procedure x collection place) with three replicates and the experimental unit consisted of pool of six eggs. Counts of mesophilic and positive Staphylococcus coagulase and Most Probable Number (MPN) of total and fecal coliforms in shells and internal content of eggs and Salmonella spp. research in eggshells were made. Results of the counts were expressed as log CFU/g and “t” Student test (5%) adopted. Descriptive and frequency analysis was used to analyse MPN of total and faecal coliforms. Counts of mesophilic and positive Staphylococcus coagulase in eggshells of washed eggs in the classification hall of the farm 1 were lower (p KEY WORDS: Commercial eggs, egg washing, food safety, microbiological contamination.

Analysis of bacteria, parasites, and heavy metals in lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and rocket salad (Eruca sativa L.) irrigated with treated effluent from a biological wastewater treatment plant.

This study aimed to evaluate the viability of using treated residuary water from the Biological Wastewater Treatment Plant of Ribeirão Preto to grow vegetables, through the characterization and quantification of parasites, coliforms, and heavy metals. Three equal cultivation areas were prepared. The first was irrigated with treated/chlorinated (0.2 mg L(-1)) wastewater, the second one with treated wastewater without chlorination, and the third site with potable water, which was the control group. The presence of Hymenolepis nana, Enterobius vermicularis, nematode larvae, and Entamoeba coli was verified in lettuce (Lactuca sativa) samples. Although nematode larvae were observed in rocket salad (Eruca sativa L.), no significant differences were found between the number of parasites and type of irrigation water used. No significant differences were found between the number of fecal coliforms in vegetables and the different types of irrigation. However, the vegetables irrigated with treated effluent without chlorination showed higher levels of fecal coliforms. The risk of pathogens is reduced with bleach addition to the treated effluent at 0.2 mg/L. Concentration of heavy metals in vegetables does not mean significant risks to human health, according with the parameters recommended by the World Health Organization.

Bacterial pollution of the riverine surface microlayer and subsurface water

The density and distribution of bacteria indicative of pollution in the surface microlayer and subsurface water of the River Słupia were estimated. The number of heterotrophic bacteria, total coliforms, fecal coliforms and fecal streptococci were higher in the surface microlayer than in the underlying water. The average bacterial enrichment factor (EF) of the parameters studied in the bacterioneuston was 1.7 to 1.8 times higher than in bacterioplankton. During the annual study cycle, bacterial pollution indicators inhabiting the surface microlayer and subsurface water showed considerable monthly changes.

Evaluation of microbiological and chemical parameters during wastewater Sludge and Sawdust Co-composting

Environmental specialists classified sewage sludge as a hazardous waste because of high organic compounds and pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore sewage sludge should be stabilized before disposal. Composting is an effective and economical method to stabilize sewage sludge. The object of this study is determining the optimum conditions of co- composting of dewatered sewage sludge and sawdust. Pilot scale studywas performed in Isfahan municipal wastewater treatment plant. To perform this study, the dewatered sewage sludge with humidity between 78-82 percent was mixed with sawdust. Turning over did once a week for aeration. Temperature was monitored at different depths daily. Other parameters such as N, C, organic matters, pH, heavy metals, total and fecal Coliform and Salmonella were determined three times a week. The results of this study showed that after about 15th days, temperature of the mixture reached up to 55 oC, and was stabled for fifteen days. Humidity, organic matter, organic carbon and C/N ratio of the mixture decreased during of the study, due to increasing the temperature. Also organic matter and humidity mainly decreased in thermophilic phase. The number of total and fecal coliforms and also Salmonella decreased to A class standards of U.S. EPA at the end of the operation. The result indicated that co-composting of sewage sludge with sawdust is a reliable and simple method to schedule, with high flexibility and low odor production. Organic compounds and pathogenic microorganisms reduced and EPA standards were met during this method. @ JASEM

Hematological parameters of &lt;em&gt;Pimelodus maculates&lt;/em&gt; (Osteichthyes: Pimelodidae) from polluted and non-polluted sites in the Itajaí-Açu river, Santa Catarina State, Brazil

This study evaluated the hematological response of Pimelodus maculates captured in two environments with different levels of pollution in the Itajaí-Açu river, Santa Catarina State, southern Brazil. One of them, hereby named reference site, is a water captation site that supplies the city of Blumenau, in which the riparian forest is preserved and there is no sewage discharge. The other, denominated polluted site, is characterized by discharge of domestic sewage. After water quality analysis, fish were captured, transported to the laboratory and anesthetized for the hematological exam. In the polluted site, the most probable number of fecal coliforms and water transparency were respectively higher and lower than that observed at the reference site. The main results were an increased percentage of hematocrit and reduced numbers of lymphocytes and monocytes in the differential counting in fish from the polluted site. Red blood cells, total white blood cells and total counting of thrombocytes did not vary between environments. The number of neutrophils remained at high levels in fish from both environments. This study demonstrated that water quality might affect the hematological parameters in free-living fish.

Intestinal Bacteria in the University of Basrah fish ponds, Iraq

Total bacterial load, total coliforms and faecal coliforms in ponds water and sediments, intestine of common carp Cyprinus carpio and birds faeces were investigated monthly over a period of one year from May 2007 to April 2008. Fish were collected randomly by a cast net from ponds of University of Basra. Total viable bacterial counts were ranging from 2.8،ہ1.9 x 101 to 7.0،ہ2.2 x 103 cfu ml -1 in ponds water, 4.2،ہ2.2 x 104 to 3.8،ہ2.5 x 106 cfu g -1 in ponds sediments, 9.2،ہ2.6 x 104 to 10.9،ہ2.5 x 106 cfu g -1 fish intestine and 2.0،ہ1.4x 106 to 10.7،ہ1.2 x 108 cfu g-l in birds faeces. The most probable number (MPN) of faecal coliforms ranged from 94،ہ5 to ،ـ920،ہ0 100 ml-1 in ponds water; while MPN ranges in sediment, common carp intestine and birds faeces were 63،ہ18 to ،ـ540،ہ0 g-l, 43،ہ5 to ،ـ540،ہ0 g-l and 240،ہ22 to ،ـ540،ہ0 g-l respectively. The abundance of normal bacteria coliforms was greater in the warm months than in the cold months. There were no sources of human faecal matter in the ponds. So, it is clear that faecal coliforms from water birds faeces significantly contaminated (P< 0.05) the ponds and common carp intestines.

Airborne enteric coliphages and bacteria in sewage treatment plants

The concentrations of airborne culturable microorganisms were determined in wastewater and sludge treatment processes of seven sewage treatment plants. Two types of coliphages, Salmonella and total viable bacteria were sampled by the BioSampler and the numbers of faecal coliforms and enterococci were obtained from the Andersen 6-stage impactor. The BioSampler recovered higher numbers of airborne coliphage viruses than has been measured with other liquid samplers in previous studies, suggesting that this sampler has improved efficiency for sampling airborne coliphages. Airborne coliphages were detected in many stages of the wastewater or sludge treatment process. The highest microbiological air contaminations were found in pre-treatment and aerated grit separation stages of the operation. This was attributed to aerosolisation of microorganisms by mechanical handling or forced aeration. Aeration and settling processes located outdoors caused low microbial concentrations, but the brush aerator released more microorganisms into the air. Our results emphasize the necessity for controlling the exposure of sewage workers to airborne microorganisms, especially in process areas that involve mechanical agitation or forced aeration of wastewater.

Reatores anaeróbios operados em batelada sequencial seguidos de lagoas de polimento para o tratamento de águas residuárias de suinocultura. Parte II: remoção de nutrientes e coliformes

Neste trabalho, avaliou-se o desempenho de dois reatores anaeróbios operados em batelada sequencial (ASBR), instalados em série, em escala-piloto (volumes de 280 L e 140 L, respectivamente), no tratamento de águas residuárias de suinocultura, com concentrações de sólidos suspensos totais (SST) em torno de 10.000 mg L-1. Para o pós-tratamento do efluente do sistema de tratamento com os ASBR, utilizou-se de duas lagoas de polimento (volume de 1.000 L, cada) em série. As cargas orgânicas volumétricas (COV) aplicadas no primeiro ASBR variaram de 4,43 a 12,75 g DQOtotal (L d)-1. As eficiências médias de remoção de nitrogênio total Kjeldahl (NTK) e fósforo total (P-total) variaram de 30 a 82% e de 42 a 100%, respectivamente, no sistema de tratamento anaeróbio composto pelos ASBR seguidos das lagoas de polimento. A utilização das lagoas de polimento em série permitiu manter eficiências médias de remoção acima de 80% para o Fe, Mn e Zn e de 76% para o Cu. O número de coliformes termotolerantes foi reduzido a 8x10³ NMP/100 mL.

Comparison of fecal coliform bacteria before and after wastewater treatment plant in the Izmir Bay (Eastern Aegean Sea)

The distribution of fecal coliforms was investigated and determined in Izmir Bay from 1996 to 2005. Izmir Bay severely was polluted from industrial and domestic discharges during decades. In early 2000, a wastewater treatment plant began to treat domestic and industrial wastes. This plant treats the wastes about 80% capacity after 2001. The sampling periods cover before and after treatment plant. Assessment method for determining the number of fecal coliform has evolved membrane filtrations. Maximum surface fecal coliform concentration was 4.9 x 10(5) cfu 100 ml(-1) in 1996-2000 period. Following the opening treatment system, fecal coliform density decreased 2.1 x 10(4) cfu 100 ml(-1) during 2001-2005. A continuous improvement can be sustained in the water quality if direct inflow of untreated wastewater is prevented.

Bacteriological assessment of urban water sources in Khamis Mushait Governorate, southwestern Saudi Arabia

BackgroundUrban water sources of Khamis Mushait Governorate, southwestern Saudi Arabia, were studied to assess their bacteriological characteristics and suitability for potable purposes. A cross-sectional epidemiological method was adopted to investigate the four main urban water sources (i.e. bottled, desalinated, surface, and well water). These were sampled and examined between February and June 2007.ResultsA total of 95 water samples from bottled, desalinated, surface, and well water were collected randomly from the study area using different gathering and analysing techniques. The bacteriological examination of water samples included the most probable number of presumptive coliforms, faecal coliforms, and faecal streptococci (MPN/100 ml). The results showed that the total coliform count (MPN/100 ml) was not detected in any samples taken from bottled water, while it was detected in those taken from desalinated, surface, and well water: percentages were 12.9, 80.0, and 100.0, respectively. Faecal coliforms were detected in desalinated, surface, and well water, with percentages of 3.23, 60.0 and 87.88, respectively. About 6.45% of desalinated water, 53.33% of surface water, and 57.58% of well water was found positive for faecal streptococci. Colonies of coliforms were identified in different micro-organisms with various percentages.ConclusionWater derived from traditional sources (wells) showed increases in most of the investigated bacteriological parameters, followed by surface water as compared to bottled or desalinated water. This may be attributed to the fact that well and surface water are at risk of contamination as indicated by the higher levels of most bacteriological parameters. Moreover, well water is exposed to point sources of pollution such as septic wells and domestic and farming effluents, as well as to soil with a high humus content. The lower bacteriological characteristics in samples from bottled water indicate that it is satisfactory for human drinking purposes. Contamination of desalinated water that is the main urban water source may occur during transportation from the desalination plant or in the house reservoir of the consumer. Improving and expanding the existing water treatment and sanitation systems is more likely to provide safe and sustainable sources of water over the long term. Strict hygienic measures should be applied to improve water quality and to avoid deleterious effects on public health, by using periodical monitoring programmes to detect sewage pollution running over local hydrological networks and valleys.

Swimming in Sewage: Indicators of Faecal Waste on Fish in the Saint John Harbour, New Brunswick

Abstract Despite increased recognition of the risks to the health of humans and the environment, untreated municipal wastewaters are still discharged into waterways worldwide. One of the primary concerns related to its discharge into surface waters is the risk to human health through the transmission of pathogens associated with faecal matter. Saint John, New Brunswick, is one of the few Canadian cities that still releases untreated sewage into its urban waterways and harbour. Water faecal coliform levels, an indicator of faecal waste and associated pathogens, are well above recreational guidelines in some of these areas. Although it is not encouraged by the municipality, recreational fishing occurs in these areas and this raises concerns regarding the potential for disease transmission during the handling of these fish. To investigate the potential for fish to be a vehicle of pathogen transmission to humans, the skin of wild fishes (smelt, Osmerus mordax, and mummichog, Fundulus heteroclitus) and caged mummichog was sampled for faecal coliforms from several sites in Saint John between August and November of 2005. Water faecal coliform levels at sites used for caging studies and wild fish collections, and the duration of caging were compared with the number of faecal coliforms on the surface of the fish. Skin samples from the two fish species collected from the wild indicated elevated levels of fecal coliforms in some locations. Both wild and caged fish showed that the amount of faecal coliform on fish skin is influenced by the water faecal coliform levels.

Evaluating Slurry Broadcasting and Injection to Ley for Phosphorus Losses and Fecal Microorganisms in Surface Runoff

The recent growth in the size of dairy cattle farms and the concentration of farms into smaller areas in Finland may increase local water pollution due to increased manure production and slurry application to grass. Therefore, a field study was conducted to monitor losses of total phosphorus (TP), dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP), and fecal microorganisms in surface runoff from a perennial ley. Cattle slurry was added once a year in June 1996-1997 (Study I) and biannually in June and October 1998-2000 (Study II). The slurry was surface broadcast or injected into the clay soil. The field had a slope of 0.9 to 1.7%. Mineral fertilizer was applied on control plots. Biannual slurry broadcasting increased DRP (p < 0.001) and TP losses (p < 0.001) and numbers of fecal microorganisms in surface runoff waters. The highest losses of TP (2.7 kg ha(-1) yr(-1)) and DRP (2.2 kg ha(-1) yr(-1)) and the highest numbers of fecal coliforms (880 colony-forming units [CFU] per 100 mL) and somatic coliphages (2700 plaque-forming units [PFU] per 100 mL) were measured after broadcasting slurry to wet soil followed by rainfall in fall 1998. Injection reduced the TP and DRP losses in surface runoff by 79 and 86%, respectively, compared with broadcasting (17 Oct. 1998-27 Oct. 1999). Corresponding numbers for fecal coliforms were 350 CFU (100 mL)(-1) and for somatic coliphages were 110 PFU (100 mL)(-1) in surface runoff after injection in October 1998. Slurry injection should be favored when spreading slurry amendments to grassland to avoid losses of P and fecal microorganisms in runoff to surface waters.

Diversity and antifungal susceptibility of yeasts from tropical freshwater environments in Southeastern Brazil

Yeast communities were isolated from water and sediment samples of two unpolluted natural lakes, located inside Rio Doce State Park, and two rivers located outside of this Park in Southeastern Brazil. A total of 134 yeast isolates were obtained and identified as belonging to 36 species. The numbers of fecal coliforms and yeast species were higher in rivers than in lakes. The genus Candida had the highest number of species with the presence of opportunistic pathogens such as Candida krusei, C. tropicalis, C. guilliermondii and C. parapsilosis. Yeasts able to grow at 37 °C were tested in relation to their susceptibility to common used antifungal drugs. Yeast isolates (13%) were susceptible to ketoconazole, 79% to fluconazole, 31% to terbinafine and 78% of the strains were susceptible to amphotericin B. Seven isolates from different Candida species were resistant to all antifungals tested. The high number of fecal coliforms found in these aquatic environments and the presence of resistant yeast strains to common used antifungal drugs suggest that these environments can pose potential health risks for people utilizing the contaminated waters.

Effect of total solids on fecal coliform regrowth in anaerobically digested biosolids

Fecal coliform (FC) concentrations in anaerobically digested biosolids can increase during centrifugal dewatering and afterwards in storage of dewatered cake. The immediate increase after centrifugation ( reactivation) has been demonstrated to be the revitalization of fecal coliforms that had become non-culturable. The increase during storage ( regrowth) has been regarded as a subsequence of reactivated bacteria growing in a favorable environment. In this paper, however, regrowth is demonstrated without preceding reactivation, using intensive laboratory centrifugation to duplicate the levels of regrowth seen in full-scale centrifugation. Higher total solids (TS) levels of the dewatered biosolids lead to greater magnitudes of FC increase. The final TS level appears much more important than the level of shear imposed during centrifugation, based on comparison of different centrifugation/dilution procedures used to obtain similar TS levels. The greater TS levels also reduce methane production, suggesting that methanogens compete with, or inhibit, the fecal coliforms. The addition of bromoethanesulfonate as a methanogen-specific inhibitor decreased the production of methane gas, and also increased the number of fecal coliforms.

Monitoring pollution in River Mures, Romania, Part I: The limitation of traditional methods and community response

Four sites along the downstream part of River Mures, Romania, were investigated in a pilot study aiming to combine the classical chemical-biological monitoring with modem techniques (biomarker analyses) in order to assess the effects of environmental contaminants on aquatic communities. Although significant point and diffuse sources exist, both chemical water analyses (oxygen, nutrients, PAHs, PCBs) and biological investigations (macrozoobenthos, phytoplankton, zooplankton) failed to detect severe pollution. Hence, community response was poor as self purification is strong, which was reflected by beta-mesosaprobic conditions. Only high numbers of faecal coliforms and faecal streptococci, up to 1300 and 490 counts per 100 ml, respectively, surpassing the critical levels indicated contamination by untreated sewage in the upper sites. Moreover, heavy metal contamination (high dissolved fraction of Cr, Cu and Zn in water; Cd and C'u up to 8.7 and 49.2 ppm in sediments, respectively) indicated mining and metallurgical activities in the area. This resulted in sub-lethal effects on fish, proving that current monitoring techniques are not sufficient to assess the ecological effects of environmental pollution. Gradually more sensitive modern methods should be applied.

Improving the assessment of risk from pathogens in biosolids: fecal coliform regrowth, survival, enumeration, and assessment

Reactivation or regrowth of fecal coliform bacteria in biosolids has recently become a concern due to knowledge that Class B materials may fail to meet this criterion after storage or even after land application. In this paper, data show the two types of fecal coliform increases that have been characterized: immediate reappearance of large concentrations directly after dewatering; and the rapid, but less immediate, increases that follow dewatering with some biosolids after dewatering. The latter phenomenon is shown to extend over a time period of days prior to gradual decrease in fecal coliform numbers. Modeling shows that anaerobic or fermentative growth cannot simulate the observed growth, but that a straightforward biokinetic model can duplicate the observed conditions if a doubling time of one hour is assumed, which is supported by literature. Thus regrowth cannot be ruled out as the underlying phenomenon.