Indicators Of Fecal Contamination Research Articles

Flow Cytometry and Fecal Indicator Bacteria Analyses for Fingerprinting Microbial Pollution in Karst Aquifer Systems.

Microbial pollution of aquifers is a persistent water quality problem globally which poses significant risks to public health. Karst aquifer systems are exceptionally vulnerable to pollution from fecal contamination sources as a result of rapid recharge of water from the surface via discrete pathways linked to highly conductive, solutionally enlarged conduits alongside strong aquifer heterogeneity. Consequently, rapid changes in microbial water quality, which are difficult to monitor with expensive and time‐consuming conventional microbiological methods, are a major concern in karst environments. This study examined flow cytometric (FCM) fingerprinting of bacterial cells in groundwater together with fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) at nine separate karst springs of varying catchment size over a 14 month period in order to assess whether such a technique can provide faster and more descriptive information about microbial pollution through such karst aquifer systems. Moreover, the data have also been evaluated with respect to the potential of using turbidity as an easy‐to‐measure proxy indicator of microbial pollution in a novel way. We argue that FCM provides additional data from which enhanced insights into fecal pollution sources and its fate and transport in such karst catchments can be gained. We also present valuable new information on the potential and limitations of turbidity as an indicator of fecal groundwater contamination in karst. FCM has the potential to become a more widely used tool in the field of contaminant hydrogeology.

Physico-chemical and bacteriological qualitative study of Mediterranean coastal swimming seas

The beaches of Oran are among the busiest in Algeria. However these beaches are exposed to multiple dangers in particular to pollution which poses serious problems and which can also hinder any proper use of the sea.This paper is an assessment of the physico-chemical and bacteriological quality of some beaches where swimming is allowed along the Oranese coast in Algeria, specifically the Kristel Beach and the beach of Les Andalouses seaside resort. Fecal streptococci are normal hosts of the intestine of humans and warm-blooded animals. Research concerning them associated with that of fecal coliforms is a good indication of fecal contamination. Their presence indicates long term contamination of fecal origin while the presence of fecal coliforms indicates a contamination of recent fecal origin. This is why it may become necessary to proceed to the confirmation stage to detect the presence of E. Coli, which is in fact the real indicator sought in this context, through the necessary use of E. Coli specific culture media.The results obtained show a slight difference between the two sites as the beach of Les Andalouses is a bit more polluted compared to that of Kristel. Still, both beaches remain of good quality with regard to national and international standards.

Monitoring Human Viral Pathogens Reveals Potential Hazard for Treated Wastewater Discharge or Reuse

Wastewater discharge to the environment or its reuse after sanitization poses a concern for public health given the risk of transmission of human viral diseases. However, estimating the viral infectivity along the wastewater cycle presents technical challenges and still remains underexplored. Recently, human-associated crAssphage has been investigated to serve as viral pathogen indicator to monitor fecal impacted water bodies, even though its assessment as biomarker for infectious enteric viruses has not been explored yet. To this end, the occurrence of potentially infectious norovirus genogroup I (GI), norovirus GII, hepatitis A virus (HAV), rotavirus A (RV), and human astrovirus (HAstV) along with crAssphage was investigated in influent and effluent water sampled in four wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) over 1 year by a PMAxx-based capsid integrity RT-qPCR assay. Moreover, influent and effluent samples of a selected WWTP were additionally assayed by an in situ capture RT-qPCR assay (ISC-RT-qPCR) as estimate for viral infectivity in alternative to PMAxx-RT-qPCR. Overall, our results showed lower viral occurrence and concentration assessed by ISC-RT-qPCR than PMAxx-RT-qPCR. Occurrence of potentially infectious enteric virus was estimated by PMAxx-RT-qPCR as 88–94% in influent and 46–67% in effluent wastewaters with mean titers ranging from 4.77 to 5.89, and from 3.86 to 4.97 log10 GC/L, with the exception of HAV that was sporadically detected. All samples tested positive for crAssphage at concentration ranging from 7.41 to 9.99 log10 GC/L in influent and from 4.56 to 6.96 log10 GC/L in effluent wastewater, showing higher mean concentration than targeted enteric viruses. Data obtained by PMAxx-RT-qPCR showed that crAssphage strongly correlated with norovirus GII (ρ = 0.67, p < 0.05) and weakly with HAstV and RV (ρ = 0.25–0.30, p < 0.05) in influent samples. In effluent wastewater, weak (ρ = 0.27–0.38, p < 0.05) to moderate (ρ = 0.47–0.48, p < 0.05) correlations between crAssphage and targeted viruses were observed. Overall, these results corroborate crAssphage as an indicator for fecal contamination in wastewater but a poor marker for either viral occurrence and viral integrity/infectivity. Despite the viral load reductions detected in effluent compared to influent wastewaters, the estimates of viral infectivity based on viability molecular methods might pose a concern for (re)-using of treated water.

Fecal indicator organisms in northern oligotrophic rivers: An explorative study on Escherichia coli prevalence in a mountain region with intense tourism and reindeer herding

Increasing pollution levels in waters from remote mountain areas in northern Sweden have been observed. To support a sustainable water quality management, it is necessary to know which environmental and antrophogenic factors influence the water quality. The purpose of this study was to map the Escherichia coli prevalence in the catchment area of the upper part of a large northern Scandinavian river and investigate the controlling factors of microbial contamination. A total of 112 water samples were collected from various locations in the research area between July 2020 and December 2020. These samples were analyzed for microbial and chemical characteristics, and information about tourism and reindeer herding was compiled. Additionally, microbial and physicochemical water characteristics collected by Indalsälven Water Conservation Association (IWCA, 1993–2020) and Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI, 2004–2020) were analyzed. The results showed that E. coli enumerations ranged between 0 and 500 CFU/100 ml. There was generally no obvious relation between suspected point sources, e.g., sewage treatment plants at mountain stations, and E. coli levels at downstream sampling points. Principal component analysis showed that E. coli was correlated to coliforms, total heterotrophic count, river discharge, CODMn and river color. Since microbial analyses are time-consuming, expensive and difficult to perform in remote areas, it is important to find more easily extracted water parameters that can serve as a proxy for E. coli. In particular, river color and discharge are promising parameters that may serve as an early indication of bacterial outbreak and fecal contamination in mountain waters.

Hygienic monitoring in long-term care facilities using ATP, crAssphage, and human noroviruses to direct environmental surface cleaning

BackgroundNorovirus and C. difficile are associated with diarrheal illnesses and deaths in long-term care (LTC) facilities and can be transmitted by contaminated environmental surfaces. Hygienic monitoring tools such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence and indicators of fecal contamination can help to identify LTC facility surfaces with cleaning deficiencies. MethodsHigh-touch surfaces in 11 LTC facilities were swabbed and tested for contamination by norovirus, a fecal indicator virus, crAssphage, and ATP which detects organic debris. High levels of contamination were defined as log ATP relative light unit values or crAssphage log genomic copy values in the 75th percentile of values obtained from each facility. ResultsOver 90% of surfaces tested positive for crAssphage or gave failing ATP scores. Norovirus contamination was not detected. Handrails, equipment controls, and patient beds were 4 times more likely than other surfaces or locations to have high levels of crAssphage. Patient bed handrails and tables and chairs in patient lounges had high levels of both ATP and crAssphage. ConclusionsSurfaces with high levels of ATP and crAssphage were identified. Quantifying levels of contamination longitudinally and before and after cleaning might enhance infection prevention and control procedures for reducing diarrheal illnesses in LTC facilities.

Examining the antimicrobial efficacy of granulated tetraacetylethylenediamine derived peracetic acid and commercial peracetic acid in urban wastewaters.

The ever-increasing need for access to safe water has meant that alternative water sources and innovative water reclamation approaches are often required to meet the global water demand. As a result, many wastewater treatment facilities have faced regulatory pressure to seek alternative disinfection methods that ensure public health safety, while adhering to regulations that set limits on carcinogenic disinfection by-products (DBPs). Peracetic acid (PAA) is an emerging wastewater disinfectant in the United States that has been widely used in other industries such as food sanitization and does not produce carcinogenic DBPs. However, several factors such as transport, storage, and physical and chemical effects have stymied its widespread use in wastewater markets. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the antimicrobial efficacy of an on-site generated PAA compared against a commercially available PAA. Antimicrobial efficacy was assessed using standard fecal contamination indicators (i.e., total coliforms and Escherichia coli) in six urban wastewater treatment facilities ranging in size and treatment processes. Overall, few statistical differences were found between the antimicrobial efficacies of on-site generated PAA and commercially available PAA; however, before becoming more widely utilized, the on-site PAA should be tested against emerging fecal contamination indicators (e.g., human norovirus and enterovirus) and be assessed in terms of economic and sustainability impacts. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Alternative Ct approaches should be considered when using disinfectants like PAA. On-site generated PAA can achieve the same level of disinfection as commercial PAA. On-site generation of PAA may help further its use as a wastewater disinfectant.

Efficiency of Hichrome Enterococcus faecium Agar in the Isolation of Enterococcus spp. and other Associated Bacterial Genera from Water

Members of the genus Enterococcus are intestinal microorganisms that have been used as indicators for recreational water fecal contamination. They are opportunistic pathogens that have been associated with nosocomial infections, therefore, their isolation and identification is important for proper estimation of their count. Accordingly, this study was conducted to identify the efficiency of Hichrome Enterococcus faecium agar in isolating enterococci to better monitor their presence in recreational water samples. Ten water samples were collected, filtered, and spread on the chromogenic Hichrome Enterococcus faecium agar in an attempt to isolate Enterococcus spp. depending on its ability to grow on this medium and produce color as illustrated by Himedia company. Results showed the ability of this medium to select for Enterococcus spp., however, other non-enterococci genera were also capable of growing on this medium producing different colors that were not mentioned by Himedia company. Interestingly, some of these bacterial colonies were found to be Gram negative. Colonies were diagnosed by VITEK-2 system then further diagnosed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Our results, showed major differences in diagnosis between the two methods suggesting 16S rRNA gene sequencing for more precise identification. Antibiotic resistance of our environmentally isolated bacteria revealed the threat of antibiotic resistance spread among environmental bacteria with streptomycin being the highly resistant (64.2%) and chloramphenicol being the lowest (35.7%).

Evaluation of Parasites as Veritable Indicators of Faecal &lt;i&gt;Escherichia coli&lt;/i&gt; Contamination of Surface Waters: A Case Study of Adada River, Enugu State, Nigeria

There is need for alternate quick-search of pathogens’ distribution in community water sources, instead of the cumbersome “Escherichia coli detection.” Parasites were evaluated as possible indicators of faecal contamination of surface waters, using Adada River in Nigeria as case-study. Seventeen parasites of medical importance (in dry season) and 13 (rainy season) isolated from the river (at measured geographical coordinates) were analyzed for their quality and quantity and connected with the distribution of the river’s isolated Escherichia coli, using Pearson’s Correlation Analysis. The 17 parasites consist of: Taenia sp, E. coli, E. histolytica, B coli, Cercaria/miracidia, S mansoni, S haematobium, A. lumbricoides, Giardia sp, hookworm, T. trichiura, S. stercoralis, I. butschlii, C. mesnili, E. nana, B. hominis and H. diminuta; while the 13 consist of: Taenia sp,. E. coli, E. histolytica, B. coli, S. mansoni, A. lumbricoides, Giardia sp, hookworm, T. trichiura, S. stercoralis, I. butschlii, C. mesnili and E. vermicularis. Biological index, using the Pearson’s Correlation Analysis, revealed significant correlation relationship of Escherichia coli with the presence of I butschlii in the dry season), non in rainy season. From the evaluation, potential index analysis indicated that I. butschlii could serve as markers for Escherichia coli faecal bacteria indicator, and possible index for future monitoring of the potability of such surface waters. The methodology is straight forward, cost effective, less cumbersome than other currently existing approaches.

Assessment of Groundwater and Surface-Water Resources of Gushkara in Purba Bardhaman (West Bengal, India) using the Water Quality Index

Survival of life on earth indispensably depends on water. Population explosion and its consequences resulted in the usable water sources being unusable in many regions. Regular monitoring of water quality becomes necessary to protect public health. The present study aimed to evaluate the water quality status of various water resources of Gushkara (West Bengal, India). The result showed that the status of the water quality index (WQI) of the studied surface-water sources is ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’ (ranges 50.582 - 87.969) whereas the groundwater and municipal water supply are rather safer (ranges 15.804 - 36.210). There is also an indication of faecal coliform contamination in surface-water sites. Overall water quality is better in winter than other two seasons. Some parameters in surface-water crossed the recommended level while some reached near that level. So immediate attention is necessary to rectify the situation.

Detection of Virulence Genes and Biofilm Forming Capacity of Diarrheagenic E. coli Isolated from Different Water Sources

Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) are associated with frequent incidences of waterborne infections and pose health risk to individuals who contact water for domestic or recreational uses. Detection of DEC pathotypes in drinking water can be used as an indicator of fecal contamination. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of DEC pathotypes and their capacity to form biofilms in drinking water samples collected from different water sources. In this study, PCR analysis was used to determine the occurrence of four clinically significant virulence genes of diarrheagenic E. coli, eaeA (Enteropathogenic E. coli), stx1, stx2 (Enterohemorrhagic E. coli) and sth (Enterotoxigenic E. coli), in drinking water samples (n = 35) by using specific primers and conditions. PCR amplicons were visualized by using agarose gel electrophoresis. A total of 12/35 (34%) samples were detected as positive for at least one of the four DEC virulence genes and 11/12 (91%) E. coli isolates harbored virulence gene while 1/12 (8%) E. coli isolates harbored none. The eaeA and sth genes were the most detected genes (75%), while stx1 and stx2 genes were least detected genes (66%). Biofilm assay confirmed that ETEC pathotypes can cause damage in enteric walls by attaching and effacing to persist diarrheal conditions. This study indicated that drinking water of different sources is contaminated with potential DEC pathotypes and it can be a source of diarrheal diseases. The amplification of four virulence genes associated with DEC pathotypes (EPEC, EHEC and ETEC) in drinking water demonstrates that potentially virulent DEC pathotypes are distributed in water sources and may be a cause of health concern. There is, therefore, an urgent need to monitor DEC pathotypes in drinking water.

Physicochemical parameters, organoleptic property, and Escherichia coli load of fresh turkey organs

Escherichia coli is a common microorganism of the digestive microflora of many warm-blooded animal species, including humans. The presence of E. coli in food is an indicator of faecal contamination and ultimately, possible contamination by pathogenic digestive microflora. The aim of the present work was to study the physicochemical parameters, organoleptic property, and E. coli load in turkey organs (thigh, upper thigh, breast, throat, liver, wing, and skin). A total of 224 samples were purchased from several markets, and subjected to different experiments. Results showed that the best overall scores for organoleptic property were recorded for breast (8.64 ± 0.43) and upper thigh (7.12 ± 0.72). The physicochemical parameter results varied across the studied organs. E. coli was isolated up to 100, 93.75, 90.62, 87.50, 62.5, 56.25, and 40.62% in the skin, wing, throat, liver, thigh, breast, and upper thigh samples, respectively. The highest E. coli loads were recorded in the skin, throat, and wing at 3.89, 3.52, and 3.27 log10 CFU/g, respectively. The present work highlighted the physicochemical parameters, organoleptic property, and E. coli load of turkey organs purchased from several districts of Kenitra city, and discussed a number of practices to improve turkey meat quality and protect consumer health from coliform contamination.

Prevalence of Escherichia coli strains in horticultural farms from Argentina: antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation, and phylogenetic affiliation.

Escherichia coli is the bacteria most commonly used as an indicator of fecal contamination in agricultural environments. Moreover, E. coli is categorized as a priority pathogen due to its widespread antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to characterize E. coli strains isolated from 10 horticultural farms. Isolates were obtained from samples of vegetable crops (n = 62), the surrounding soil (n = 62), poultry litter (n = 8), and groundwater (n = 6). Phyllo-grouping assignment was performed on the total of E. coli isolates. Antibiograms and quantification of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) were performed with antibiotics commonly used in humans. Biofilm formation capacity was studied by quantifying cells attached to culture tubes. Overall, 21 E. coli isolates were obtained. Three phylogenetic groups (A, B1, and C) and two Escherichia clade IV and IV-V were identified in the collection by polymerase chain reaction. Sixty-seven percent of the E. coli isolates were resistant to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and/or ampicillin. Amoxicillin MIC values ranged from 11.9 to >190.5 µg/mL and ampicillin MIC values ranged from 3 to >190.5 µg/mL. All the E. coli isolates, resistant and non-resistant, had biofilm forming capacity. The presence of phenotypic resistance on fresh produce and environmental matrices could present significant opportunities for contamination that result in health risks for consumers. To the authors' best knowledge, this is the first environmental assessment of resistant E. coli occurrence in horticultural farms in South America.

Variability of the structure of winter microbial communities in Chelyabinsk lakes

Microorganisms form complex and dynamic communities that play a key role in the biogeochemical cycles of lakes. A high level of urbanization is currently a serious threat to bacterial communities and the ecosystem of freshwater bodies. To assess the contribution of anthropogenic load to variations in the structure of winter microbial communities in lakes, microorganisms of four water bodies of Chelyabinsk region were studied for the first time. We used cultural, chromatography-mass spectrometric, and modern methods of statistical data processing (particularly, multivariate exploratory analysis and canonical analysis of correspondences). The research showed that the composition of winter microbial communities in lakes Chebarkul’, Smolino, Pervoye, and Shershenevskoye Reservoir did not differ significantly between the main phyla of microorganisms. The dominant microorganisms were found to be of the Firmicutes phylum and Actinobacteria phylum. The structure of bacterial communities had special features depending on the characteristics of the water body and the sampling depths. Thus, in the lakes Smolino, Pervoye, and Shershenevskoye Reservoir, an important role was played by associations between microorganisms – indicators of fecal contamination: coliform bacteria and Enterococcus. On the contrary, in Chebarkul’ Lake, members of the genus Bacillus, which are natural bioremediators, formed stable winter associations. However, the differences between water bodies and sampling depths reflected 28.1% and 9.8% of the variability of the winter microbial communities, respectively. The largest contribution (about 60%) to the variability of the structure was made by intra-water processes, which determined the high heterogeneity of samples from different water areas. We assume that an important role in this variability was played by the high anthropogenic impact in a large industrial metropolis. In our opinion, this line of research is very promising for addressing key environmental issues.

Variability of the structure of winter microbial communities in Chelyabinsk lakes

Microorganisms form complex and dynamic communities that play a key role in the biogeochemical cycles of lakes. A high level of urbanization is currently a serious threat to bacterial communities and the ecosystem of freshwater bodies. To assess the contribution of anthropogenic load to variations in the structure of winter microbial communities in lakes, microorganisms of four water bodies of Chelyabinsk region were studied for the first time. We used cultural, chromatography-mass spectrometric, and modern methods of statistical data processing (particularly, multivariate exploratory analysis and canonical analysis of correspondences). The research showed that the composition of winter microbial communities in lakes Chebarkul’, Smolino, Pervoye, and Shershenevskoye Reservoir did not differ significantly between the main phyla of microorganisms. The dominant microorganisms were found to be of the Firmicutes phylum and Actinobacteria phylum. The structure of bacterial communities had special features depending on the characteristics of the water body and the sampling depths. Thus, in the lakes Smolino, Pervoye, and Shershenevskoye Reservoir, an important role was played by associations between microorganisms – indicators of fecal contamination: coliform bacteria and Enterococcus. On the contrary, in Chebarkul’ Lake, members of the genus Bacillus, which are natural bioremediators, formed stable winter associations. However, the differences between water bodies and sampling depths reflected 28.1% and 9.8% of the variability of the winter microbial communities, respectively. The largest contribution (about 60%) to the variability of the structure was made by intra-water processes, which determined the high heterogeneity of samples from different water areas. We assume that an important role in this variability was played by the high anthropogenic impact in a large industrial metropolis. In our opinion, this line of research is very promising for addressing key environmental issues.

Escherichia coli, Species C Human Adenovirus, and Enterovirus in Water Samples Consumed in Rural Areas of Goiás, Brazil.

Rural environments lack basic sanitation services. Facilities for obtaining water and disposing sewage are often under the initiative of each resident, who may not be able to build and maintain them properly. Thus, water for human consumption is subject to fecal contamination and, consequently, the presence of waterborne pathogens, such as enteric viruses. This study evaluated fecal contamination of water samples from individual sources used for domestic water supply on small farms in the state of Goiás, Brazil. Samples were collected from 78 houses whose water sources were tubular wells, dug wells, springs, and surface waters. Escherichia coli (EC) bacteria, analyzed by the defined chromogenic substrate method, was used as a traditional indicator of fecal contamination. The enteric viruses Human mastadenovirus (HAdV) and Enterovirus (EV), analyzed by qPCR, were tested as complementary indicators of fecal contamination. At least one of these markers was found in 89.7% of the samples. Detection rates were 79.5% for EC, 52.6% for HAdV, and 5.1% for EV. The average concentration for EC was 8.82 × 101 most probable number (MPN) per 100mL, while for HAdV and EV the concentrations were 7.51 × 105 and 1.89 × 106 genomic copies (GC) per liter, respectively. EC was the most frequent marker in ground and surface water samples. HAdV was detected significantly more frequently in groundwater than in surface water and was more efficient in indicating contamination in tubular wells. There was no association of frequencies or correlation of concentrations between EC and HAdV. HAdV indicated human fecal contamination and performed well as a complementary indicator. The results reveal that a large part of the analyzed population is vulnerable to waterborne diseases caused by enteric pathogens.

Treatment of a water treatment plant filter washing water using coagulant regenerated from the decanter sludge

Due to the high generation of waste in water treatment plants, mainly from sludge generated in decanters and from filter washing water, this study aimed to evaluate the regeneration of sludge coagulant and subsequently its use in the washing water treatment by the processes of coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation. The regeneration of the coagulant was performed through the acidic route using the methodology described by Fulton (1974), varying the time of acidification. The washing water treatment was executed in Jar Test equipment, according to the methodology presented by Di Bernardo, Di Bernardo and Centurione Filho (2002), varying the coagulant concentrations and the coagulation pH. In the regeneration process, the aluminum concentration obtained was statistically equal in all acidification times adopted, showing that aluminum dissociation occurs in the first 10 minutes of the reaction, where an average concentration of 565.31 mgAl/L was obtained. In the washing water treatment, the best operational condition was when using a recovered coagulant dosage of 10 mgAl/L and coagulation pH 7, obtaining a removal &gt;=80% of the solids, aluminum, iron, manganese, turbidity and color apparent, and about 99% of the evaluated faecal contamination indicators.

Insights into Gastrointestinal Virome: Etiology and Public Exposure

Recycled wastewater is widely used owing to the potential shortage of water resources for drinking purposes, recreational activities, and irrigation. However, gut microbiomes of both human beings and animals negatively affect this water quality. Wastewater contamination is continuously monitored, using fecal contamination indicators or microbial source tracking approaches, to oppose arising enteric infections. Viral gastroenteritis is considered a principal manifestation of waterborne pathogenic virome-mediated infections, which are mainly transmitted via the fecal-oral route. Furthermore, acquired enteric viromes are the common cause of infantile acute diarrhea. Moreover, public exposure to wastewater via wastewater discharge or treated wastewater reuse has led to a significant surge of public health concerns. In this review, we discussed the etiology of waterborne enteric viromes, notably gastrointestinal virus infections, and public exposure to municipal wastewater. Conclusively, the early human virome is affected mainly by birth mode, dietary behavior, and maternal health, and could provide a signature of disease incidence, however, more virome diversification is acquired in adulthood. A multi-phase treatment approach offered an effective means for the elimination of wastewater reuse mediated public risks. The insights highlighted in this paper offer essential information for defining probable etiologies and assessing risks related to exposure to discharged or reused wastewater.

Hygienization assessment during heap co-composting of Turkey manure and olive mill pomace

This study aimed to investigate the co-composting time effectiveness as well as the effect of the initial Carbon/Nitrogen ratio (C/N)i variation on the hygienization of olive pomace and turkey manure. Six different heaps, at 3 levels of (C/N)i ratios: 20, 22 and 28, were installed and monitored during 6 months and assessed at three steps: At the beginning, the end of thermophilic-phase and the end of curing-phase. The microbial monitoring concerned 5 microbial pathogens contents, used as hygiene microbial indicators, namely: Sulphite-Reducing Anaerobes (SRA), Escherichia Coli (E. Coli), Total Aerobic Mesophilic Flora (TAMF), Staphylococci, and Salmonella spp. Initially, the mixtures showed high TAMF and Staphylococci loads. Meanwhile, SRA and E. coli populations were relatively low and Salmonella spp. was not detected. The microbial assessment showed a significant effect of composting time on the reduction of pathogens load, except for SRA where its population has increased significantly, while the (C/N)i had a non-significant effect on pathogen content of the end-product. The final values expressed as colony-forming unit per gram (CFU g-1), were as follow: Sulfite-reducing Anaerobes (≤3.1 x 103 CFU g-1), E. Coli germ used as an indicator of faecal contamination (<4 x 101 CFU g-1), Total aerobic mesophilic flora (≤1.4 x 106 CFU g-1), Staphylococci (<10 CFU g-1) and non-detection of Salmonella spp. Finally, the seed germination tests were carried out on three different seeds: lentils (Lens culinaris), barley (Hordeum vulgare) and durum wheat (Triticum turgidum) showed that the use of the compost extract is favourable for seed germination with germination index (GI%) values exceeding 85%. These results confirm the non-phytotoxicity and maturity of the composts.

The Role of Hygiene and Sanitation to the Escherichia coli Contamination in Drinking Water in Depok City, Indonesia

BACKGROUND: Drinking water is a vital aspect in human life. The quality of drinking water should be monitored to ensure public from any health effects caused by contaminated water. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is one of the indicators of fecal contamination should not be present in drinking water (0 cfu/100 ml). However, poor hygiene and sanitation contributes to E. coli contamination in drinking water, particularly in developing countries. AIM: We investigated the household hygiene and sanitation factors and the relationship with E. coli detection in the household drinking water. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was conducted to collect the data from three districts in the Depok city, that is, Sawangan, Bojongsari, and Cipayung. A total of 300 houses and the corresponding drinking water samples were collected during August–September 2019. E. coli was determined as microbiological indicator using total plate count method. RESULTS: The results showed that E. coli was detected in 174 (58%) of household water samples. The water container condition (OR = 2,60; CI 95%: 1.18–5.71) and the hand washing practice with soap (OR = 1,65; CI 95%: 1.04–2.62) were significantly correlated with the presence of E. coli in the water samples. CONCLUSIONS: The condition of the water container was the most dominant factors which contributed to E. coli content in the household drinking water.

F-Specific RNA Bacteriophage Transport in Stream Water: Hydro-Meteorological Controls and Association with Suspended Solids

F-specific RNA bacteriophages (FRNAPHs) are commonly used as indicators of faecal and viral contamination in waters. Once they enter surface waters, the exact role of suspended solids, sediments and hydro-meteorological factors in their fluvial fate and transport is poorly understood, and long-term studies (e.g., over years) are lacking. In this study, FRNAPH concentrations and genogroup distribution were measured in the Orne River (France) during two years at weekly intervals, and during four storm runoff events. Hydro-meteorological driving factors were investigated at both time scales. FRNAPH concentrations and genogroups at different depths of a riverbank sediment core were also examined to better discriminate the origin of the faecal pollution. During low flows, the FRNAPH and the suspended solid transport were decoupled and the FRNAPH concentrations were mainly correlated with the air and water temperature. During storm runoff events, the FRNAPH concentrations only showed a significant correlation with conductivity, turbidity and water discharge. Despite the uncertainty of the predictions, multi parameter regression models using hydro-meteorological variables were suitable to predict log transformed FRNAPHs’ concentrations at low flows with a standard error of 0.46. Model performance using the storm runoff events dataset was low. This study highlights different driving factors at low flows and during storm runoff events, and the need to measure at both time scales to better understand phage transport dynamics in surface water.