Microbiological Quality Of Groundwater Research Articles

An Investigation into the Microbiological Quality of Groundwater in an Industrial Hub in Mid-Hills of Northern India

Frequent water-borne disease outbreaks affecting human health have been reported in district Solan, which is a rapidly industrialing region of Himachal Pradesh, a northern state of India. For ascertaining the cause, microbiological assessment of drinking groundwater sources of the region was undertaken. For this, thermotolerant coliform study and genome typing were undertaken. Multiple tube fermentation technique was employed in selected five sources to detect thermotolerant coliforms during the seasons of monsoon and post-monsoon in the years 2018-19. Thermotolerant coliforms varied in Most Probable Number from 2-34 per 100 ml water indicating contaminated water sources, densities being significantly more in monsoon months (p< 0.05). Four different coliform morphotypes were obtained from all the sources on Eosin Methylene Blue plates. Of these, the only strain, designated as Nalagarh Water Strain (NGW), was recovered from all sources, suggesting its prevalence. Based upon biochemical and morphological attributes, the strain was recognized as Escherichia coli. Conversely, molecular characterization (16S rRNA ribotyping) identified it as Raoultella planticola (GenBank accession No. MK318824). The strain was deposited in a National Culture Collection Centre, National Centre for Microbial Resources, Pune, Maharashtra (India) with deposition accession number MCC 4064 for future utility in public research activities. Microbiological assessment evinced contaminated drinking water sources, probably causing diarrhoeal diseases. 16S rRNA ribotyping assisted in correct identification of the microorganism.

Evaluation of the Influence of Some Abiotic Factors on the Microbiological Quality of Groundwater in Soa Sub-division, Cameroon, Africa

Groundwater samples were collected during April and August 2016 from five hand-dug wells in Soa subdivision, Cameroon, Africa, with the aim to assess the microbiological quality of them and the health risk they (it) posed to the population in the study area. The low piezometric levels (9 – 20 m) and the little variation in curb-stone heights (0.58 – 1.05 m) suggest that the wells are vulnerable to pollution. The physicochemical parameters show that the groundwater of Soa is acidic and poorly mineralized. The residents (population that is) dominated by students are not connected to the supply of water, making them to take recourse to groundwater for potable and general domestic use. Bacteriological analysis of the water samples focused on the search and listing of heterotrophic mesophilic aerobic bacteria (HAMB). Also, bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family were isolated, identified and listed (Escherichia, Klebsiella, Shigella, Citrobacter, Providencia). The analyses were carried out through standard, selective and conventional gallery culture media, using surface spreading, streaking and sub-culturing techniques. Different ions were also measured for the physicochemical component according to the usual analytical techniques. The low values of oxidability recorded clearly indicated the organic pollution of the study area. The organic matter was found largely influencing the increase in bacterial load (which is high and varied). The presence of these germs degrades the quality of the water, which varies from one site to the other, with the important factors being the proximity of the sources of pollution to the well and its poor maintenance. As local populations are using these ground waters without any prior treatment, they are prone to health risks over the period time.

Bacteriological evaluation of groundwater in open-defecation-free villages of Kurukshetra district, Haryana, India

ABSTRACT The present study was designed to analyse the microbiological quality of groundwater in open-defaecation-free (ODF) villages of the Kurukshetra district in Haryana. Twenty-seven groundwater samples were collected from borewells of nine ODF villages located in three different blocks of the Kurukshetra district in three seasons and analysed for total and faecal coliform count. The presence of gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria was observed in all the groundwater samples and the dominating genera found were Klebsiella sp. All strains were found to be resistant to clindamycin (100%) followed by gentamicin (66.6%), azithromycin and streptomycin (50%) and chloramphenicol (33.3 %) antibiotics. Minimum resistance of isolates was observed for antibiotic norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin (16.66%) and zero resistance were observed against tetracycline. The Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) index values indicated that in a majority of the samples (66.6%), the source of contamination was non-human, but nearly 33.3% were found to be contaminated by some human sources.

Ground water as the source of an outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis

In September 2014, an outbreak of gastroenteritis was reported to the Public Health Institute of Šibenik and Knin County in Croatia. The outbreak occurred in the County center of Šibenik, a town with 50,000 inhabitants, and it lasted for 12 days. An epidemiological investigation suggested a nearby water spring as the source of the outbreak. Due to the temporary closure of the public water supply system, the inhabitants started to use untreated water from a nearby spring. Microbiological analysis revealed that the outbreak was caused by Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis that was isolated from stool samples of the patients and ground water. The isolates were further analysed with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis using XbaI, which revealed an identical macrorestriction profile. Although 68 cases were reported, it was estimated that the actual number of affected persons was more than several hundred. In order to prevent further spread of disease, public advice was released immediately after the first epidemiological indication and a warning sign was placed at the incriminated water source, after microbiological confirmation. It is necessary to regularly monitor microbiological quality of ground water especially in urban areas and provide adequate education and awareness to the inhabitants regarding the risk of using untreated ground water.

Ground water as the source of an outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis

In September 2014, an outbreak of gastroenteritis was reported to the Public Health Institute of Šibenik and Knin County in Croatia. The outbreak occurred in the County center of Šibenik, a town with 50,000 inhabitants, and it lasted for 12days. An epidemiological investigation suggested a nearby water spring as the source of the outbreak. Due to the temporary closure of the public water supply system, the inhabitants started to use untreated water from a nearby spring. Microbiological analysis revealed that the outbreak was caused by Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis that was isolated from stool samples of the patients and ground water. The isolates were further analysed with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis using XbaI, which revealed an identical macrorestriction profile. Although 68 cases were reported, it was estimated that the actual number of affected persons was more than several hundred. In order to prevent further spread of disease, public advice was released immediately after the first epidemiological indication and a warning sign was placed at the incriminated water source, after microbiological confirmation. It is necessary to regularly monitor microbiological quality of ground water especially in urban areas and provide adequate education and awareness to the inhabitants regarding the risk of using untreated ground water.

Hydrochemical and microbiological quality of groundwater in the Merdja area, Tébessa, North-East of Algeria

The aim of this study was to perform a preliminary assessment of the hydrochemical and microbial groundwater quality of the Merdja plain (Tebessa area). Twenty samples of groundwater collected from Bekkaria (Site 1) to Ain Chabro (Site 2) were assessed for their suitability for human consumption. Groundwater from the aquifer in the Merdja area can be divided into two major groups according to geographical locations and chemical compositions. Water in the center part of the study area is characterized by the dominance of chloride, sulfate, sodium, and potassium; whereas waters in the limestone aquifers in the west are dominated by the same cations but have higher concentrations of bicarbonate. Microbiological parameters were determined in 13 groundwater samples collected from the study area. Total coliforms, thermotolerant coliforms, E. coli, Enterococcus spp., Salmonella sp., Staphylococcus spp., and P. aeruginosa were detected in 96.36, 88.18, 100, 47.5, 97.27, 96.7, and 75 % of the groundwater samples, respectively. The pollution of groundwater comes from a variety of sources, Ouadi El Kebir River, including land application of agricultural chemicals and organic wastes, infiltration of irrigation water, septic tanks, and infiltration of effluent from sewage treatment plants, pits, lagoons, and ponds used for storage.

An analysis of the chemical and microbiological quality of ground water from boreholes and shallow wells in Zimbabwe

Groundwater from boreholes and shallow wells is a major source of drinking water in most rural areas of Zimbabwe. The quality of groundwater has been taken for granted and the status and the potential threats to groundwater quality have not been investigated on a large scale in Zimbabwe. A borehole and shallow well water quality survey was undertaken between January, 2009 and February, 2010 to determine the chemical and microbial aspects of drinking water in three catchment areas. Groundwater quality physico-chemical indicators used in this study were nitrates, chloride, water hardness, conductivity, alkalinity, total dissolved solids, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, calcium, fluoride, sulphates, sodium and pH. The microbiological indicators were total coliforms, faecal coliforms and heterotrophs. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that most of the variation in ground water quality in all catchment areas is accounted for by Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), sodium, bicarbonate and magnesium. The principal dissolved constituents in ground water are in the form of electrically charged ions. Nitrate is a significant problem as the World Health Organization recommended levels were exceeded in 36%, 37% and 22% of the boreholes in the Manyame, Mazowe and Gwayi catchment areas respectively. The nitrate levels were particularly high in commercial farming areas. Iron and manganese also exceeded the recommended levels. The probable source of high iron levels is the underlying geology of the area which is dominated by dolerites. Dolerites weather to give soils rich in iron and other mafic minerals. The high level of manganese is probably due to the lithology of the rock as well as mining activity in some areas. Water hardness is a problem in all catchment areas, particularly in the Gwayi catchment area where a value of 2550mg/l was recorded in one borehole. The problems with hard water use are discussed. Chloride levels exceeded the recommended levels in a few areas under irrigation. Most of the chloride is probably from agricultural activity particularly the application of potassium chloride. Fluoride levels were particularly elevated in the Gwayi catchment area and this is because of the geology of the area. There was no evidence of microbial contamination in all the boreholes sampled as the total coliform, faecal coliforms, heterotrophs count was nil. However, severe microbial contamination was found in the wells especially those in clay areas.

Estimation of Pollution Load of Domestic Sewage to Oued Bechar (SW Algeria) and its Impact on the Microbiological Quality of Groundwater

In urban areas, population growth generates significant quantities of wastewater that is treated in sewage treatment plants discharged directly or specialize in short uncontrolled water in Bechar Oued. Because of their different origins (domestic waste), these waters are often loaded with organic elements, minerals and microorganisms in which some could be harmful to health and contributes heavily to the degradation of groundwater that may be irreversible. This study was conducted on seven sites rated (R) wastewater localized in Bechar Oued (river), in April 2008, 2009 and 2010. It revealed alarming levels of nitrates, nitrites, nitrogen Kjeldahl (TNK) and ammonium and the presence of chromium and iodine is also detected. Eighteen groundwater samples tested SBi (bacteriological) are showing signs of recent contamination confirmed by the high rate of organisms sought (1400 CFU coliform, fecal coliform CFU 210, D 240 CFU streptococci, Clostridium sulfite reducers 5 CFU).

Hydrochemical and microbiological quality of groundwater in West Thrace Region of Turkey

The aim of this study was to do a preliminary assessment of the hydrochemical and microbial groundwater quality of the West Thrace region. Forty samples of groundwater collected from Edirne (Site 1) to Gelibolu (Site 2) were assessed for their suitability for human consumption. As3− was non-detectable in all the groundwater and Zn2+, Pb2+, F−, Cu2+, NH4+, Cn− PO43− and Cl− were all below their respective European Union drinking water directive (EU-DWD) and Turkish food codex-drinking water directive (TFC-DWD). Maximum Acceptable Concentrations (MAC) Ni2+, Pb2+, Cd2+, Mg2+, Mn2+, and Ca2+ levels were detected in upper maximum acceptable concentrations 77.5, 42.5, 35.0, 50.0, 50.0, and 32.5% of the groundwater samples, respectively. However, in terms of Cr3+, Ni2+ and Pb2+, the differences between groundwaters of Sites 1 and 2 were significant (p < 0.05). Eight water samples (20%) had HPC exceeding the EU and Turkish water directive limit 20 CFU (Colony Forming Unit)/ml in drinking water and the maximum bacteria count recorded was 44 CFU/ml. Total coliforms, thermotolerant coliforms, E. coli, Enterococcus spp., Salmonella sp., Staphylococcus spp. and P. aeruginosa were detected in 25, 17.5, 15, 47.5, 15, 27.5, and 15% of the groundwater samples, respectively. Furthermore, heavy metals and trace elements were found after chemical analyzes in most samples. The pollution of groundwater come from a variety of sources, Meric and Ergene rivers, including land application of agricultural chemicals and organics wastes, infiltration of irrigation water, septic tanks, and infiltration of effluent from sewage treatment plants, pits, lagoons and ponds used storage.

CALIDAD DE AGUAS SUBTERRANEAS DE LA DECIMA REGION DE CHILE

The present study had the main objective to investigate the influence of deep well construction type (with sealing and without sealing of aquifer strata) on quality of groundwater. For this purpose, 5 deep wells with sealed aquifers were chosen and 5 without sealing of these. The 10 wells were distributed in the provinces of Valdivia, Osorno and Llanquihue, Chile. Each of the sealed wells had located in their proximity (on the average 400 m) a well of traditional construction. Water was evaluated for human drink, for animal and irrigation use, mainly through chilean norms of quality. Finally, related to water quality, the influence of season-time was investigated. There were carried out measurements of temperature, pH, electric conductivity, nitrates, nitrites, ammonium, phosphate, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, aluminium, iron, manganese, copper and zinc; also total hardness of water, sodium-absorption ratio and soluble-sodium percentage, were calculated. Faecal coliforms, total coliforms, Escherichia coli, and total bacterial count, were also determined. Results indicated that aquifer seals have no effect on microbiological quality of groundwater. Under given conditions of the present study, it was also not possible to conclude the effectiveness of the bentonite seal of aquifers related to chemical quality of groundwater. Its use as human drinkable water would present objections, mainly in Osorno-city located wells, determined by ammonium and manganese levels (according to chilean norms), by phosphate levels (according to OMS recommendation) and aluminium concentrations (according to AWWA). Cases with microbiological pollution of groundwater were also reported, which without previuos treatment could not be recommended for human drink. Considering chilean norms, its use as animal drinkable water presented the same objections as those indicated for human drink. Besides, under the same norms, studied groundwaters had a good quality for irrigation use, excepting those of Osorno-wells, with exceeded manganese levels. The season-time had influence on temperature, phosphate, calcium, soluble-sodium percentage, aluminium, iron and zinc concentrations. The rest of analysed parameters didn't show variations along the three sampling dates.

The effect of sewage sludge land disposal on the microbiological quality of groundwater

The long term effect of farmland disposal of anaerobically digested sewage sludges (alum, iron and lime) on the microbiological quality of groundwater was investigated using the lysimeter system. It was observed that after 4 years of heavy sludge application (5100 kg TKN ha −1 4 yr −1), 92–98% of the sewage micoorganisms in the sludge had perished in the soils systems. Analyses of leachates and soils for coliforms and heterotrophic bacterial populations revealed that there was little possibility of microbiological contamination of groundwater by the practice of sludge farmland disposal, provided that the groundwater table was not too high and the soil was well-drained.