Levels Of Total Coliform Bacteria Research Articles

Ecotoxicological Risk Assessment of Surface Water Receiving Abattoir Effluent

<i>Background</i>: This research examined the surface water ecotoxicological risk of untreated abattoir effluent discharged directly into nearby rivers that could result in likely damage to aquatic species. <i>Objective: </i>The<i> </i>study was aimed at evaluating the deleterious ecological effects resulting from discharge of abattoir effluent into surface waters of some selected rivers in Effurun metropolis, Delta State, Nigeria. <i>Method: </i>The American Public Health Association (APHA) standard protocol was used for testing the water quality in addition to the Surface Water Ecotoxicological Risk Assessment Matrix (SW-ERAM), which was used to evaluate the ecological effects. <i>Results</i>: The pH values ranged from 5.48±0.14 (Agbaroh river) to 6.76±0.18 (Agbaroh abattoir effluent) indicating a slightly acidic environment. The waters were moderately to highly turbid with values between 10±1 NTU and 196.11±9.0 NTU. Total suspended solids (TSS) were relatively high and varied from 14±1.0 (Ugbomro river - control) to 242±12 (Ekpan abattoir effluent). Besides the control, the water samples from all the locations showed high levels of total coliform bacteria. The risk level was rated high [5E or 25 (A, P, E)], which was designated as harmful and capable of affecting aquatic animals (A), plants (P) and the environment (E). <i>Conclusion</i>: The indication from this study is that continuous discharge of untreated abattoir effluent into surface waters may pose threat to aquatic species and human health.

Quantification and characterization of effluents from the seafood processing industry aiming at water reuse: A pilot study

In the face of a major global drinking water crisis, it becomes increasingly important to raise concerns on the use of sustainable techniques, mainly those aiming at saving potable water, especially in the seafood industry, that consumes significant amounts of water resources. In this context, the aim of the present study was to carry out industrial water management, quantifying and qualifying effluents from the general activities of a seafood processing industry, in order to identify which effluent exhibited reuse potential. Water use (water balance) was measured at six fish processing steps, and effluent physicochemical and bacteriological analyses were carried out. Direct reuse was not indicated for any of the analyzed effluents, mainly due to high levels of total coliform bacteria (104 to 107 MPN/100 ml). However, indirect water recycling and reuse can potentially be applied after a simple effluent primary treatment and disinfection from the freezing tunnel and cooling chamber defrosting, in order to supply cooling tower demands. This practice may reduce the total average water consumption of the processing unit by 11% and, if the effluents from the cooling tower purges were to also be reused for other administrative ends, this reduction may reach 21.9%, enhancing the competitiveness of this industry and preserving fresh drinking water.

Effect of Electronic Cold-PasteurizationTM (ECPTM) on Fruit Quality and Postharvest Diseases during Blueberry Storage

With the growing popularity of blueberries and the associated increase in blueberry imports and exports worldwide, delivering fruit with high quality, longer shelf-life, and meeting phytosanitary requirements has become increasingly important. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of electron beam irradiation using a new Electronic Cold-PasteurizationTM (ECPTM) technology on fruit quality, microbial safety, and postharvest disease development in two southern highbush blueberry cultivars, ‘Farthing’ and ‘Rebel’. Fruit packed in clamshells were subjected to four levels of ECPTM irradiation (0, 0.15, 0.5, and 1.0 kGy) and evaluated for fruit quality attributes, surface microbial load, and postharvest disease incidence during various storage times after treatment and cold storage. Overall, there was no effect of irradiation on visual fruit quality in either cultivar. Fruit firmness and skin toughness in ‘Farthing’ was reduced following irradiation at 1.0 kGy, but no such effect was observed in ‘Rebel’. Other fruit quality characteristics such as fruit weight, total soluble solids content, or titratable acidity were not affected. Irradiation at 1.0 kGy significantly reduced total aerobic bacteria and yeast on the fruit surface, and in the case of ‘Rebel’, also levels of total coliform bacteria. There was no significant effect of irradiation on postharvest disease incidence in these trials. Overall, data from this study suggests that an irradiation dose lower than 1.0 kGy using ECPTM can be useful for phytosanitary treatment in blueberry fruit while avoiding undesirable effects on fruit quality in a cultivar-dependent manner.

Bacterial Pollution in River Waters and Gastrointestinal Diseases.

Currently, one of Mexico’s most severe environmental problems is the high levels of pollution of many of its rivers. The present article focuses on the relationship between total coliform bacteria levels and the increase of human digestive tract diseases in the highly polluted Atoyac River in the central Mexican states of Puebla and Tlaxcala. Pollution has become a potential health hazard for people living in nearby river communities. Based on data collected from six of the most contaminated riverside municipalities, two environmental models were developed taking into consideration the health of the entire population, not simply that of its individual members. Such models estimate a health-disease function that confirm the link between Atoyac River pollution and the incidence of gastrointestinal diseases. The causal relation between pollution and gastrointestinal disease incentivizes the creation of epidemiological and public health programs aimed at reducing the environmental health impact of the pollution associated with the Atoyac River. The results presented here are the first of their kind of this river and will serve as basis for future research exploring other similarly contaminated riparian communities. As the causes of pollution are directly related to the economic development and population growth of the region, further research should be conducted for prevention of diseases, educational programs, water remediation and conservation programs that will have a positive impact on the quality of life of the population presently at risk.

Performance and Acceptance of Novel Silver-Impregnated Ceramic Cubes for Drinking Water Treatment in Two Field Sites: Limpopo Province, South Africa and Dodoma Region, Tanzania

Diarrheal disease and environmental enteropathy are serious public health concerns in low-income countries. In an effort to reduce enteric infection, researchers at the University of Virginia developed a new point-of-use (POU) water treatment technology composed of silver-impregnated porous ceramic media. The ceramic is placed in a 15 L plastic container of water in the evening and the water is ready to drink in the morning. The purpose of this study was to assess field performance and local acceptance of technology in two communities in Limpopo Province, South Africa, and one community in Dodoma Region, Tanzania. Performance was determined by coliform testing of treated water. Acceptance was determined using data from 150 household surveys and a nine-day structured observational study at a local primary school. At the primary school, 100% of treated water samples had no detectable levels of total coliform bacteria (TCB) in buckets filled by researchers. For all treated school buckets, 74% of samples achieved less than or equal to 1 CFU/100 mL and 3.2 average log reduction of TCB. Laboratory experiments with highly contaminated water diluted to lower turbidity achieved 4.2 average log reduction of TCB. Turbid water (approximately 10 NTU) only achieved 1.1 average log reduction of TCB; turbidity and organic material may have interfered with disinfection. The Tanzania primary school (deep groundwater source) had less turbid water and achieved 1.4 average log reduction of TCB; however, it did have high chloride levels that may have interfered with silver disinfection. The surveys revealed that the majority of people retrieve, store, and dispense water in ways that are compatible with the new technology. The willingness-to-pay study revealed potential customers would be willing to pay for the technology without subsidies. The results of this study indicate that this novel silver-impregnated ceramic POU water treatment technology is both effective and appropriate for use in the study communities.

Uji Kualitas Mikrobiologis Pada Makanan Jajanan di Kampus II Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Alauddin Makassar

This study aimed to determine the microbiological quality of street food at campus II State Islamic University (UIN) Alauddin Makassar. This descriptive research describes contaminant Coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli in a sample street food in Campus II UIN Alauddin Makassar through Microbiological test. Counting the number of Coliform bacteria found in street food and Escherichia coli found in snack through methods Coliform MPN (Most Probable Number). The research was conducted at the Center for Health Laboratory Makassar (BBLK). These results obtained for Coliform MPN showed that levels of total Coliform bacteria were highest in Siomay code C = > 1,100 Coliform/g, this means that the sample does not qualify because it is not in accordance with the National Standards Board and ISO-7388-2009 the maximum limit value = 10 Coliform MPN/g. In Siomay code A = 240 Coliform/g, Batagor code B = 1.100 Coliform/g, and meatball code D = > 1,100 Coliform/g. Thus, it was concluded that this value is generally illustrates that coliform bacteria content in snack foods sold in the Campus II UIN Alauddin Makassar, low quality and already exceeds the threshold required quality standard that is healthy and nutritious food for our body. The MPN of Escherichia coli showed that the total levels of Escherichia coli are the highest in Siomay code C = > 1,100 E. coli/g, this means that the sample does not qualify because it is not according to the National Standardization Agency and SNI 7388-2009 which limits Escherichia coli MPN maximum value = < 3 E. coli/g. In Siomay code A = 240 E.coli/g, Batagor code B = 3,6 E. coli/g, and meatball code D => 120 E. coli/g. Thus, it was concluded that this value is generally illustrates that the content of Escherichia coli in street food sold in the Campus II UIN Alauddin Makassar, low quality and already exceeds the threshold.

Automated Dead-End Ultrafiltration for Concentration and Recovery of Total Coliform Bacteria and Laboratory-Spiked Escherichia coli O157:H7 from 50-Liter Produce Washes To Enhance Detection by an Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay

An automated concentration system (ACS) based on dead-end ultrafiltration was used in this study to concentrate bacteria, including Escherichia coli O157:H7, from 50-liter produce washes (PWs, sieved produce wash). Cells trapped in the filters were recovered in approximately 400 ml of buffer to create PW retentates (PWRs). Extent of concentration was determined by analyzing PWs and PWRs for total coliform bacteria and E. coli O157:H7 using standard methods. In addition, an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay was evaluated for detection of E. coli O157:H7 in spiked PWs and PWRs to demonstrate usefulness of the ACS for same-day detection. The levels of total coliform bacteria and E. coli O157:H7 in PWRs were higher than those in PWs by 1.85 ± 0.41 log most probable number per 100 ml and 1.82 ± 0.24 log CFU/ml, respectively. Electrochemiluminescence detection of E. coli O157:H7 was accomplished within 2 h using ACS concentration of lettuce and spinach wash water artificially spiked with the pathogen at levels as low as 0.36 log CFU/ml and 1.39 log CFU/ml, respectively. Detection of E. coli O157:H7 at 20.93 ± 0.15 log CFU/ml in lettuce wash occurred within approximately 6 h when a 4-h enrichment step was added to the procedure. Use of dead-end ultrafiltration increased bacterial concentrations in PWR and allowed same-day detection of low levels of E. coli O157:H7 in PW. This concentration system could be useful to improve the sensitivity of current rapid methods for detection of low levels of foodborne pathogens in PW water.

English

&nbsp; This study was conducted in WondoGenet district, Southern Ethiopia to assess the water quality of rural water supply schemes in relation to the sustainability of their service delivery. 28 functional water points were selected randomly, for their assessments. The assessments included sanitary surveillance of water points and water quality analyses. Water samples were analyzed for pH, temperature, total dissolved solids, turbidity, total hardness, fecal and total coliform bacteria, fluoride, chloride, nitrate, manganese, and iron. The results obtained show that most of the &#39;user perceived&#39; acceptable drinking water quality parameters were within the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for drinking water quality, based on aesthetic and taste considerations. Only one dug-well had marginally higher level of total hardness (that is, 220 mg/l of&nbsp;CaCO3), while four water points had higher turbidity ranging from 8.3 to 64 NTU when compared with the WHO guidelines. In all the sampled water points, the level of iron (&lt;0.009 to 1.25 mg/l), manganese (0.10 to 1.50 mg/l), chloride (0.80 to 62.5 mg/l), and nitrate (0.90 to 12.7 mg/l) were within the WHO guidelines. Fluoride was also found to be below the WHO health based limit (&lt;1.5 mg/l). However, majority (85.7%) of the water points had detectable levels of total coliform bacteria (1 to 68 cfu). On the other hand, it was only in 25% of the water points that fecal coliform bacteria were detected (1 to 10 cfu). This shows that the bacteriological water quality is of concern as majority of the water points had detectable levels of coliform bacteria. Therefore, regular chlorination of water points, particularly dug wells, should continue. Besides, disinfection of water at the household level can be an added advantage. &nbsp; Key words:&nbsp;Ethiopia, quality, rural, supply, sustainability, water

Distribution of indicator bacteria in Canyon Lake, California

The spatial and temporal distributions of indicator bacteria in a small, multiple-use source drinking water reservoir in Southern California, USA were quantified over the period August 2001–July 2002. High levels of total and fecal coliform bacteria were present in Canyon Lake (annual geometric mean concentrations±SEM of 3.93±0.02 and 3.02±0.03 log cfu/100 mL, respectively), while comparatively low levels of enterococci and E. coli were found (1.16±0.02 log cfu/100 mL and 0.30±0.03 log MPN/100 mL, respectively). As a result, these different indicator bacteria yielded quite divergent indices of water quality, with 72.1% of all surface samples ( n=294) exceeding the USEPA single-sample limit of 400 cfu/100 mL fecal coliform bacteria, while none (0%) of the samples exceeded the single-sample limit for E. coli ( n=194). Regression analyses found a positive correlation between total and fecal coliform bacteria ( R=0.50, significant at p<0.001) and between enterococci and E. coli ( R=0.51, significant at p<0.001), but no correlation or inverse correlations were found between coliform concentrations and enterococci and E. coli levels. External sources responsible for the high total and fecal coliform bacteria were not identified, although laboratory studies demonstrated growth of the coliform bacteria in lake water samples. Enterococci and E. coli were not observed to grow, however. Bacteria concentrations varied relatively little laterally across the lake, although strong vertical gradients in fecal coliform and enterococcus bacteria concentrations were present during summer stratification, with concentrations about 10×higher above the thermocline when compared with surface concentrations. In contrast, total bacteria, total virus and total coliform bacteria levels were unchanged with depth. Seasonal trends in bacteria concentrations were also present. This study shows that the choice of indicator bacteria and sampling depth can both strongly affect the apparent microbial water quality of a lake or reservoir.

Field evaluation of fluorescent whitening agents and sodium tripolyphosphate as indicators of septic tank contamination in domestic wells

Abstract Two indicators of septic tank effluent were measured in a groundwater quality survey of an unsewered, semi‐rural community. The selected indicators were fluorescent whitening agents and sodium tripolyphosphate (STP). Other water quality determinands indicated that the groundwater was of good chemical quality for drinking purposes but, in about half of the wells, levels of total coliform bacteria exceeded New Zealand Board of Health recommended guidelines for drinking water. Fluorescent whitening agents and/or STP were detected in 17% of the samples and concentrations of STP correlated significantly (P<0.001) with levels of faecal coliform bacteria. The study showed that the selected indicators could be detected in groundwater used for domestic purposes, and could be used for assessing whether septic tanks were implicated in contaminated domestic wells.

Rainwater catchment water quality in Micronesia

Rainwater catchment systems (RWCS) in Micronesia were sampled to assess their bacteriological water quality and to determine which RWCS characteristics had a significant impact on water quality. Total and fecal coliform bacteria tests were used to evaluate 203 catchments on 10 islands. Fifty-seven percent of the RWCS had no fecal coliform bacteria and 61% had fewer than 10 total coliform bacteria per 100 ml. Catchment characteristics were found to have a statistically significant effect on total coliform bacteria levels but they did not affect faecal coliform bacteria concentrations. Rainwater catchment systems were found to provide acceptable water in most cases but disinfection prior to consumption is still highly recommended.