Pollution Indicator Bacteria Research Articles

Prevalence of pollution indicator and pathogenic bacterial load in a tropical estuary, Bay of Bengal: a multivariate statistical approach

The present study aimed to estimate the current level of pollution, human pathogenic bacteria and their seasonal variability of the Dhamra estuary. The hydrological parameters like water temperature (WT), pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), nitrite (NO2-N), nitrate (NO3-N), ammonia (NH4-N) and phosphate (PO4-P) were studied to understand its influence on the microbial community. The total viable count of bacteria in water (TVC-W), sediment (TVC-S), Escherichia coli in water (EC-W) and sediment (EC-S) and Streptococus faecalis in water (SFLO-W) and sediment (SFLO-S) were analyzed in order to distinguish the pollution indicator bacteria in Dhamra estuary. The collected data was inferred through person correlation matrix (PCM), principal component analysis (PCA) and Euclidean distance cluster. The results reflected that the bacteriological community had a significant correlation with hydrological parameters during pre-monsoon than post-monsoon and summer. Cluster analysis showed a positive link between the environmental variables. The result of PCA showed 6, 5 and 5 factors during pre-monsoon, post-monsoon and summer accounts for 86.83%, 87.81% and 85.62% respectively of the total variance. The estuary shows that both water and sediment were having a significantly high number of EC and SFLO in water and sediment and exceeded the permissible limits of the World Health Organization (WHO). The result shows that the estuary is under threat due to a load of pollution and pathogenic bacteria.

Tidal effect on the dispersion of fecal pollution indicator bacteria and associated health risks along the Kribi beaches (Southern Atlantic coast, Cameroon)

Assessment of fecal contamination indicator bacteria concentrations on beaches are important for health risk prevention and management. This study assessed temporal changes in bacterial abundances as a function of tidal cycles and seasons along the Kribi beaches, Cameroon. Overall, samples taken during low and high tides during the different seasons of the year showed that the waters of Kribi beaches are exposed to fecal contamination due to the presence of different concentrations of fecal coliforms (5–35 CFU/100 ml), total coliforms (100–600 CFU/100 ml), Escherichia coli (0–15 CFU/100 ml), Streptococcus feacalis (50–700 CFU/100 ml), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (300–7200 CFU/100 ml), Vibrio cholerea (5–250 CFU/100 ml), Vibrio parahemoliticus (0–115 CFU/100 ml), and Aerobic Mesophilic Heterotrophic Bacteria (99–875 CFU/100 ml). Regardless of bacterial strain and sampling site, cell abundances were significant at low tides and during rainy seasons. At each sampling station (Mpalla, Ngoyè and Mboamanga), depending on the seasons and tidal cycles, significant correlations were recorded between the abundances of some bacterial strains and some environmental variables (P< 0.05). The presence and high abundance of these potentially pathogenic bacterial strains in the waters of Kribi beaches constitute a real public health threat for swimmers. The limitation of this microbiological pollution requires the implementation of an efficient collection and treatment plan for solid and liquid waste (sanitary wastewater) in the city of Kribi.

Assessment on impact of sewage in coastal pollution and distribution of fecal pathogenic bacteria with reference to antibiotic resistance in the coastal area of Cape Comorin, India

Sewage is one of the biggest contributors to coastal pollution. The study was aimed to assess the impact of sewage on coastal water quality of Kanyakumari, the southernmost part of India. A bacteriological survey was made on distribution and abundance of fecal indicators and human pathogenic bacteria and seasonal influence on the bacterial load and antibiotic resistance of the isolates. Samples were collected from sewage discharge point along the eastern shore of Kanyakumari Coast from February 2019 to January 2020. Nine pollution indicator bacteria and pathogenic species such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Enterococcus faecalis, Aeromonas spp., Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella typhi, Vibrio cholerae, Shigella spp. and Flavobacterium spp. were isolated from the samples. These isolates were tested against 10 antibiotics, using Kirby Bauer method. All the isolates were resistant to at least two antibiotics. The presence of antibiotic resistant bacteria has been used as bio-indicators of pollution. Hence it is clear that the domestic sewage entering the coast is untreated which might lead a serious impact on human and marine wildlife along coastlines.

Investigation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) drinking bottles as marine reservoirs for fecal bacteria and phytoplankton

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is frequently used in the food and beverage industry and therefore contributes greatly to plastic marine debris. The fecal pollution indicator bacteria Enterococcus is used for marine water contamination assessments and is regularly found in storm water discharge. In order to examine if PET drinking bottles act as refuges for Enterococcus, a study was conducted within euhaline tidal waters of Wrightsville Beach, NC, USA via the deployment of bottle floats positioned nearby two stormwater outfall pipes. Bottles were retrieved weekly to assess the accumulation of fecal bacteria and phytoplankton. Each bottle was analyzed for the presence of Enterococcus on plastic surfaces and within water inside the bottle. Abundance of Enterococcus and planktonic chlorophyll α was found to be significantly greater in association with PET bottles versus the surrounding waters. Bottles were observed to act as reservoirs for both Enterococcus and phytoplankton with concentrations well above the state, federal, and WHO standards.

Bacterial pollution indicators associated in the tissues of an estuarine fish Mugil cephalus from Ashtamudi lake, a Ramsar site of Kerala, India

Fishes are continuously exposed to the microorganisms present in water and in the sediment. The present study was attempted to screen the pollution indicator bacteria in the tissues of an estuarine fish Mugil cephalus from Kureepuzha Backwater, a part of Ashtamudi Lake. Total heterotrophic bacteria, total coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli and fecal streptococci were enumerated from the fish tissues using standard microbiological procedures. Comparison of bacterial count in the skin, gill and gut of Mugil cephalus revealed that highest count of indicator microbes were found in the skin followed by the gill and gut of fish from all sites except site 4. Fishes from site 4, they show bacteria predominantly in the gut. Two way Anova showed a significant difference in microbial count between sites and between tissues except Total heterotrophic bacteria and fecal streptococci between sites. Results of physico chemical parameters also supports that the anthropogenic activities accumulated in the study area, causing the disruption of hydrological quality of Lake and thus increases the load of detrimental microorganisms. Hence it is recommended that good processing of fish such as washing, scraping scales, removal of gills and gut contents and proper cooking help to reduce microbial pathogen in fish body and make it safe for consumption.

A study on the bacteriological characterization of the coastal Tangier seawater: Preliminary results

This paper deals, on the one hand, with a study of bacteriological parameters of coastal water in the region of Tangier Ksar-Sghir, north of Morocco, and secondly, with an examination of the influence of temperature parameter on biological processes occurring within seawater. The bacteriological study concerns E. coli, fecal coliforms (F.C), total coliforms (T.C) and fecal streptococcus (F.S). A campaign of 25 sampling points spread over four layers of concentration was conducted in the coastal line during the year of 2017 and The overall results of tests were obtained using the Principal Component Analysis method. (PCA). The analysis has highlighted differentiated areas in term of sanitary quality. The highest values obtained were in the zone of Tangier-Med port showing high fecal contamination by pollution indicator bacteria (T.C, F.C, E. coli and F.S) with high temperature values that result in short-, medium- and long-term environmental pollution.

Kondisi Pencemaran Lingkungan Berdasarkan Parameter Mikrobiologis di Sekitar Muara Sungai Cimandiri, Teluk Pelabuhan Ratu, Jawa Barat

The Gulf waters of Pelabuhan Ratu are important waters for fisheries and tourism. However, currently anthropogenic pollution carried by river flows threatens water quality, especially around the Cimandiri estuary. This study aims to analyze a water quality around Cimandiri estuary based on the abundance of fecal pollution indicator bacteria and patogenic bacteria on water samples taken from 15 stations. Fecal pollution indicator bacteria were enumerated using filtration method and plate count agar, while patogenic bacteria was detected using selective media and biochemical tests. The results of the study in March 2017 showed that domestic waste pollution occurred in Cimandiri estuary. The presence of pollution indicator bacteria colliform, E. coli and patogenic bacteria were found in the water column with varying density levels. The highest density of coliform bacteria was found in the mouth of Cimandiri estuary as much as 4.56x10 5 CFU / 100 ml and E. coli as much as 2.59x10 4 CFU/100 ml. Geomean of the total coliform bacteria and E. coli respectively 4.61x10 3 CFU/100 ml and 7.61x10 2 CFU/100 ml. The abundance of bacterial pollution indicators in Cimandiri Estuary has been already exceeded Indonesian water quality standard determined by the Ministry of Environment Decree. Patogenic bacteria i.e Vibrio sp. and Aeromonas sp. most found at Cimandiri Estuary.

Multidrug-resistant bacteria and microbial communities in a river estuary with fragmented suburban waste management

River systems in developing and emerging countries are often fragmented relative to land and waste management in their catchment. The impact of inconsistent waste management and releases is a major challenge in water quality management. To examine how anthropogenic activities and estuarine effects impact water quality, we characterised water conditions, in-situ microbiomes, profiles of faecal pollution indicator, pathogenic and antibiotic resistant bacteria in the River Melayu, Southern Malaysia. Overall, upstream sampling locations were distinguished from those closer to the coastline by physicochemical parameters and bacterial communities. The abundances of bacterial DNA, total E. coli marker genes, culturable bacteria as well as antibiotic resistance ESBL-producing bacteria were elevated at upstream sampling locations especially near discharge of a wastewater oxidation pond. Furthermore, 85.7% of E. faecalis was multidrug-resistant (MDR), whereas 100% of E. cloacae, E. coli, K. pneumoniae were MDR. Overall, this work demonstrates how pollution in river estuaries does not monotonically change from inland towards the coast but varies according to local waste releases and tidal mixing. We also show that surrogate markers, such dissolved oxygen, Bacteroides and Prevotella abundances, and the rodA qPCR assay for total E. coli, can identify locations on a river that deserve immediate attention to mitigate AMR spread through improved waste management.

Physico-chemical and Bacteriological Quality of Boreholes and Evaluation of the Antibacterial Action of Disinfectants Used for the Microbiological Water Treatment

Water pollution is currently at the top of the environmental agenda. In this study, the main objectives were (i) to assess the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of well and borehole water found in the vicinity of the University of Kinshasa and (ii) to assess the sensitivity of Escherichia coli and Enterococci strains isolated from various selected water points to disinfectants used at the industrial scale (Chlorine and chlorine dioxide) or in the household (Aquatabs) for the microbiological treatment of water. Three sites having wells or boreholes were chosen for sample collection, namely: The University of Kinshasa and its vicinity (Kindele and Kemi districts). The Physico-chemical parameters were determined in situ and then in the laboratory; and concerned the following indicators: pH, conductivity and turbidity. Moreover, the bacteriological quality was assessed by detecting the presence of faecal pollution indicator bacteria (E. coli and Enterococcus sp). The susceptibility of E. coli and Enterococcus sp strains to antimicrobials generally used for the microbiological treatment of drinking water was assessed by the dilution method on agar medium. The physico-chemical analyses showed that: (i) acid pH values in the different water points under study ranging from 6.3-6.5, (ii) conductivity and turbidity values range between 28.5 and 146 NTU. The bacteriological analyses showed that the Kemi district was the only water point which exhibited contamination with fecal pollution indicator bacteria. The strains of Enterococci and E. coli isolated from that well were highly sensitive to chlorine dioxide and Aquatabs and less sensitive to chlorine while the strains of E. coli are highly sensitive to chlorine dioxide and Aquatabs compared to the strains of Enterococci. In conclusion, we can recommend to these populations, the use of these compounds for water treatment precisely Aquatabs for household.

Do spatial differences account for the variation in abundance of human pathogenic bacteria in waters and fishes of the monsoonal estuary?

Spatiotemporal variation of human pathogenic bacteria was observed in the surface waters of a monsoonal estuary and these bacteria were also found to be associated with the native fish of two monsoonal estuaries. The temporal variation was in accordance with any monsoonal estuary. Also, the spatial variation in physicochemical parameters and bacterial counts was very evident at any given time. For instance, one sampling location in the estuary consistently had 103 fold higher bacterial counts than the rest of the locations within the same estuary. Coliforms, Salmonella-like (SmLO) organisms, Shigella-like (SLO) organisms, Vibrio parahaemolyticus-like (VPLO) organisms and Vibrio cholerae-like (VCLO) organisms occurred at many locations, but the abundance of each group varied differently with time at different locations in the estuary. Coliforms, unlike others, showed an increase in abundance from post-monsoon to pre-monsoon season. VCLO were the most abundant amongst all. Not all the pathogenic bacteria were widespread throughout the channel indicative of dominance in spatial variation over seasonal in this estuary. Most of the fish samples showed similar trend of bacterial numbers as that in surrounding waters, except a few. Presence of sewage pollution indicator bacteria in the fish indicated that fish served as reservoirs of these bacteria. Thermal death time of randomly picked fish-associated isolates was 30 min at 80 °C and these could survive freezing temperature for 24 h and produce siderophore which can account for their pathogenic nature. The monsoonal estuaries thus render survival ground of such bacteria.

Potential transmission sources of Helicobacter pylori infection: detection of H. pylori in various environmental samples

Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common human infectious agents which may be transmitted via water. This study was designed to test H. pylori presence via molecular methods in various aquatic environments as well as sewage sludge (SS) to understand the role of these environments in the pathogen's transmission. specific primers for the 16S rRNA and ureA genes of H. pylori were used in a nested and semi-nested PCR, respectively. Detection sensitivity of H. pylori in environmental samples by semi-nested PCR was also compared with real-time PCR. Analysis of fecal coliforms (FC) as pollution indicator bacteria was also performed. H. pylori 16S rRNA gene was detected in 36% (14/39) of wastewater samples and 8% (2/25) of water samples, while amplification of ureA gene yielded only two positive results. None of the SS samples were positive for H. pylori and real-time PCR could not identify H. pylori in any of the samples. The results showed no correlation between the presence of H. pylori and FC. Our result revealed the widespread presence of H. pylori in wastewater samples which indicates wastewater may be a source for dissemination and transmission of H. pylori infection. Further research is needed to determine the risk of H. pylori in wastewater reuse for irrigation of crops.

Vertical and horizontal composition of fecal pollution indicator bacteria in lotic and lentic ecosystems at Turkish Thrace

Background and Purpose:Although freshwater ecosystems have natural bacterial populations, their distributions are negatively affected by agricultural activities, domestic and industrial discharges. Bacterial composition at different depths can limit the usage of the water column for drinking, irrigation or other intentions. This study was designed to give similar indications concerning the nature of distribution of indicator bacteria in two different freshwater ecosystem types (lotic and lentic biotopes), and also to identify the factors that might be responsible in shaping them.Materials and Methods:For this aim, stagnant and running water resources located in Meric-Ergene River Basin at Turkish Thrace were sampled at three water depths (surface, middle, bottom) and two sediment depths (shore and bottom) between the dates October 2014 and September 2015 at seasonal intervals. While the heterotrophic bacteria, total and fecal coliform bacteria, and Escherichia coli were recorded by the CFU and MPN techniques, some features (temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, salinity, nutrients, ions, and elements) were also measured by classical chemical, chromatographic or spectrometric methods.Results and Conslusions:According to the data, the bacterial distribution in each ecosystem was found as similar for the bottom and the surface water columns. Results were also supported statistically by Bray-Curtis similarity index and correspondence analyse. The relationships between the bacterial distribution and environmental features were evaluated by Spearman correlation index. Consequently, it was observed that the bacterial distribution can differ in both water column/sediment depths and lotic/lentic ecosystems. And, it was suggested that the middle water column in each ecosystem is the most proper column for human usage.

Protocol for the recovery and detection of Escherichia coli in environmental water samples

To achieve active management of bathing areas and to reduce risk associated with the presence of fecal pollution, tests capable of rapid on-site assessment of microbiological water quality are required. A protocol for the recovery and detection of fecal pollution indicator bacteria, E. coli, using β-glucuronidase (GUS) activity was developed. The developed protocol involves two main steps: sample preparation and GUS activity measurement. In the sample preparation step, syringe filters were used with a dual purpose, for the recovery and pre-concentration of E. coli from the water matrix and as μL reactors for bacteria lysis and GUS extraction. Subsequently, GUS activity was measured using a continuous fluorometric method developed previously. The optimum GUS recovery conditions for the sample preparation step were found to be 100 μL PELB (supplemented with 1 mg mL−1 lysozyme and 20 mM DTT) at 37 °C for 30 min. The protocol was evaluated on environmental samples (fresh and seawater) against an establish GUS assay method (Coliplage®). GUS activities corresponding to samples containing as low as 26 MPN E. coli 100 mL−1 were detected for the seawater sample and as low as 110 MPN E. coli 100 mL−1 for the freshwater samples. By comparison with the Coliplage® method, this protocol offered an improvement in the measured GUS activities of 3.1 fold for freshwater samples and 4.1 fold for seawater samples. Furthermore, the protocol developed here, has a time-to-result of 75 min, and successfully addresses the requirement for tests capable of rapid assessment of microbiological water quality.

Spatial and Temporal Variations in Pollution Indicator Bacteria in the Lower Vaal River, South Africa.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the spatial and temporal variation of microbiological parameters of the Lower Vaal River, with emphasis on the Staphylococci population. River water concentrations of Staphylococci, heterotrophic, total coliforms, fecal coliforms and Streptococci groups of sanitary indicator bacteria were monitored. Results indicated significant contamination from agricultural land use inputs and municipal waste applications. Significant temporal and spatial variation was observed in response to the varying river discharge. Higher microbial concentrations were detected during high river discharge whereas during low river discharge both low and high microbial concentrations were detected. The varying responses associated with river discharge helped to identify the importance of different sources of contamination in the catchment and the mechanisms transferring them. The overall impact of contamination on the water quality of the Vaal River could have potentially serious public health risks but also provide valuable data for integrated water resource management.

Bio-indicator bacteria & environmental variables of the coastal zones: The example of the Güllük Bay, Aegean Sea, Turkey

In this study bio-indicator bacteria and environmental variable parameters were investigated in the coastal areas of the Güllük Bay, Aegean Sea, Turkey. The seawater samples which were taken from surface (0–30cm) were tested regarding total and fecal coliform, streptococci and nutrients from May to February in 2012–2013. The primary hydrographic parameters were recorded using multiparameter (YSI 556) in situ at the sampling stations. The highest fecal pollution stress and indicator bacteria values were observed in the period between June and August. The finding showed that bacterial pollution sources of the study area, especially in the summer season, under the control of increasing anthropogenic activities. The finding showed that terrestrial pollution sources carry a potential risk for public and ecosystem health and the sustainable use of living sources. Precautions should be formulated and put into action immediately in order to protect the region from bacteriological risks.

Density of Pollution Indicator Bacteria in Relation to Physicochemical Factors During Diel Cycle of River Ganga at Ichapore, West Bengal, India

A diurnal study was undertaken in April 2014 to record the bacterial density and some of the physicochemical factors of the river Ganga near Ichapore, West Bengal, India. The pollution indicating bacteria (total coliform, faecal coliform and faecal streptococci) were found in maximum numbers at 14.00 hrs and minimum at 20.00 hrs. All the bacterial populations were abundant and showed diel rhythm. The physicochemical parameters (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), bicarbonate, total hardness, calcium hardness and electrical conductivity) also showed diurnal fluctuation pattern. The total coliform showed significant positive correlation with temperature, pH and electrical conductivity whereas the faecal coliform showed significant inverse correlation with DO. On the other hand, faecal streptococci showed significant positive correlation with temperature, pH and electrical conductivity and significant inverse correlation with DO. The river water in this areas needs a substantial degree of purification treatment before use

Elevated Bathing-Associated Disease Risks Despite Certified Water Quality: A Cohort Study

Bacteriological water quality criteria have been recommended to ensure bathers’ health. However, this risk-assessment approach is based mainly on routine measurements of fecal pollution indicator bacteria in seawater, and may not be adequate to protect bathers effectively. The aim of this study was to assess the risks of symptoms related to infectious diseases among bathers after exposure to seawater which was of excellent quality according to EU guidelines. This study is a cohort study recruiting bathers and non-bathers. Water samples were collected for estimating bacterial indicators. Univariable and multivariable analysis was performed to compare the risks of developing symptoms/diseases between bathers and non-bathers. A total of 3805 bathers and 572 non-bathers were included in the study. Water analysis results demonstrated excellent quality of bathing water. Significantly increased risks of symptoms related to gastrointestinal infections (OR = 3.60, 95% CI 1.28–10.13), respiratory infections (OR = 1.92, 95% CI 1.00–3.67), eye infections (OR = 2.43, 95% CI 1.27–4.63) and ear infections (OR = 17.21, 95% CI 2.42–122.34) were observed among bathers compared with non-bathers. Increased rates of medical consultation and medication use were also observed among bathers. There was evidence that bathers experienced increased morbidity compared with non-bathers though the bathing waters met bacteriological water quality criteria. These results suggest that risk assessments of recreational seawaters should not only focus on bacteriological water quality criteria.

Long-term variations in abundance and distribution of sewage pollution indicator and human pathogenic bacteria along the central west coast of India

Safe water quality criteria on the load and types of microbial populations are important for human use from fishery, tourism and navigational viewpoints. To understand the variations in sewage pollution indicator and certain human pathogenic bacteria, data collected from various locations along central west coast of India during 2002–2007 were analyzed. Water and sediment samples were examined for total viable counts (TVC), pollution indicator bacteria (total coliforms – TC, fecal coliforms – FC and Escherichia coli – EC) and potential pathogens (Vibrio cholerae – VC, Shigella – SH, and Salmonella spp. – SA). In both Mandovi and Zuari estuaries, where fishing and tourist-related activities are sizable and long-term data collection was regular, we observed high counts of TC, FC, VC, SH and SA in particular during monsoon due to increased land runoff. Further, the abundance of TC and FC has increased significantly over the years in the water column to much above either USEPA or India permissible limits. The concentrations of Vibrio cholerae, and Shigella correlated with those of coliforms. Pathogenic bacteria were detected even 20 km and/or 25 km offshore mainly due to dumping of raw or improperly treated sewage effluents either from land, fishing trawlers and/or ships in the anchorage. Higher concentrations of fecal coliforms and pathogenic bacteria in neretic waters signify threats to environmental and human health.

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Abundance of sewage-pollution indicator and human pathogenic bacteria in a tropical estuarine complex

Studies on abundance and types of various pollution indicator bacterial populations from tropical estuaries are rare. This study was aimed to estimate current levels of pollution indicator as well as many groups of human pathogenic bacteria and their seasonal variations in different locations in Mandovi and Zuari Rivers in the central west coast of India. The sampling covered the estuarine and upstream regions of these rivers representing premonsoon (May 2005), monsoon (September 2006) and post-monsoon (November 2005). Both the abundance and types of autochthonous and allochthonous microbial populations in the near shore environments are affected by land drainages, domestic sewage outfalls and other discharges. The overall ranges (and their mean abundance; no. ml(-1)) of the monitored groups of bacteria were: total coliforms: 0-29,047 (3,134 ml(-1)); total streptococci: 3-14,597 (798); total vibrios: 13-42,275 (2,530); Escherichia coli: 0-1,333 (123); Vibrio cholerae: 0-3,012 (207); Salmonella spp: 0-1,646 (90); Streptococcus faecalis: 0-613 (88) and Aeromonas spp: 0-2,760 (205). In general, abundance of sewage pollution indicator bacteria such as total coliforms and total streptococci was lower than that reported from many other locations worldwide.