scholarly journals Fecal Indicators and Zoonotic Pathogens in Household Drinking Water Taps Fed from Rainwater Tanks in Southeast Queensland, Australia

2011 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
pp. 219-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Ahmed ◽  
L. Hodgers ◽  
J. P. S. Sidhu ◽  
S. Toze
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
Content Type ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Zoonotic Pathogens ◽  
Rainwater Tank ◽  
Southeast Queensland ◽  
Rainwater Tanks

ABSTRACTIn this study, the microbiological quality of household tap water samples fed from rainwater tanks was assessed by monitoring the numbers ofEscherichia colibacteria and enterococci from 24 households in Southeast Queensland (SEQ), Australia. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was also used for the quantitative detection of zoonotic pathogens in water samples from rainwater tanks and connected household taps. The numbers of zoonotic pathogens were also estimated in fecal samples from possums and various species of birds by using qPCR, as possums and birds are considered to be the potential sources of fecal contamination in roof-harvested rainwater (RHRW). Among the 24 households, 63% of rainwater tank and 58% of connected household tap water (CHTW) samples containedE. coliand exceeded Australian drinking water guidelines of <1 CFUE. coliper 100 ml water. Similarly, 92% of rainwater tanks and 83% of CHTW samples also contained enterococci. In all, 21%, 4%, and 13% of rainwater tank samples containedCampylobacterspp.,Salmonellaspp., andGiardia lamblia, respectively. Similarly, 21% of rainwater tank and 13% of CHTW samples containedCampylobacterspp. andG. lamblia, respectively. The number ofE. coli(P= 0.78),Enterococcus(P= 0.64),Campylobacter(P= 0.44), andG. lamblia(P= 0.50) cells in rainwater tanks did not differ significantly from the numbers observed in the CHTW samples. Among the 40 possum fecal samples tested,Campylobacterspp.,Cryptosporidium parvum, andG. lambliawere detected in 60%, 13%, and 30% of samples, respectively. Among the 38 bird fecal samples tested,Campylobacterspp.,Salmonellaspp.,C. parvum, andG. lambliawere detected in 24%, 11%, 5%, and 13% of the samples, respectively. Household tap water samples fed from rainwater tanks tested in the study appeared to be highly variable. Regular cleaning of roofs and gutters, along with pruning of overhanging tree branches, might also prove effective in reducing animal fecal contamination of rainwater tanks.

scholarly journals Occurrence of Intestinal and Extraintestinal Virulence Genes in Escherichia coli Isolates from Rainwater Tanks in Southeast Queensland, Australia

2011 ◽  
Vol 77 (20) ◽  
pp. 7394-7400 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Ahmed ◽  
L. Hodgers ◽  
N. Masters ◽  
J. P. S. Sidhu ◽  
M. Katouli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Virulence Genes ◽  
Phylogenetic Groups ◽  
Content Type ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Rainwater Tank ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Treatment Procedures ◽  
Southeast Queensland ◽  
Rainwater Tanks

ABSTRACTIn this study, 200Escherichia coliisolates from 22 rainwater tank samples in Southeast Queensland, Australia, were tested for the presence of 20 virulence genes (VGs) associated with intestinal and extraintestinal pathotypes. In addition,E. coliisolates were also classified into phylogenetic groups based on the detection of thechuA,yjaA, and TSPE4.C2 genes. Of the 22 rainwater tanks, 8 (36%) and 5 (23%) were positive for theeaeA(belonging to enteropathogenicE. coli[EPEC] and Shiga-toxigenicE. coli[STEC]) and ST1 (belonging to enterotoxigenicE. coli[ETEC]) genes, respectively. VGs (cdtB,cvaC,ibeA,kpsMTallele III, PAI,papAH, andtraT) belonging to extraintestinal pathogenicE. coli(ExPEC) were detected in 15 (68%) of the 22 rainwater tanks. Of the 22 samples, 17 (77%) and 11 (50%) containedE. colibelonging to phylogenetic groups A and B1, respectively. Similarly, 10 (45%) and 16 (72%) containedE. colibelonging to phylogenetic groups B2 and D, respectively. Of the 96 of the 200 strains from 22 tanks that were VG positive, 40 (42%) were carrying a single VG, 36 (37.5%) were carrying two VGs, 17 (18%) were carrying three VGs, and 3 (3%) had four or more VGs. This study reports the presence of multiple VGs inE. colistrains belonging to the STEC, EPEC, ETEC, and ExPEC pathotypes in rainwater tanks. The public health risks associated with potentially clinically significantE. coliin rainwater tanks should be assessed, as the water is used for drinking and other, nonpotable purposes. It is recommended that rainwater be disinfected using effective treatment procedures such as filtration, UV disinfection, or simply boiling prior to drinking.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Legionella spp. and Escherichia coli in the drinking water distribution system of Wrocław (Poland)

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 1083-1090
Author(s):  
M. Wolf-Baca ◽  
A. Siedlecka
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Legionella Pneumophila ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Water Distribution ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Potential Threat ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Drinking Water Distribution

Abstract Drinking water should be free from bacterial pathogens that threaten human health. The most recognised waterborne opportunistic pathogens, dwelling in tap water, are Legionella pneumophila and Escherichia coli. Drinking water samples were tested for the presence of Legionella spp., L. pneumophila, and E. coli in overall sample microbiomes using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) approach. The results indicate a rather low contribution of Legionella spp. in total bacteria in the tested samples, but L. pneumophila was not detected in any sample. E. coli was detected in only one sample, but at a very low level. The qacEΔ1 gene, conferring resistance to quaternary ammonium compounds, was also not detected in any sample. The results point to generally sufficient quality of drinking water, although the presence of Legionella spp. in tap water samples suggests proliferation of these bacteria in heating units, causing a potential threat to consumer health.

scholarly journals Environmental Survey of Drinking Water Sources in Kampala, Uganda, during a Typhoid Fever Outbreak

2017 ◽  
Vol 83 (23) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. Murphy ◽  
A. M. Kahler ◽  
I. Nansubuga ◽  
E. M. Nanyunja ◽  
B. Kaplan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Typhoid Fever ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Water Sources ◽  
Free Chlorine ◽  
Water Utility ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Environmental Survey ◽  
E Coli

ABSTRACT In 2015, a typhoid fever outbreak began in downtown Kampala, Uganda, and spread into adjacent districts. In response, an environmental survey of drinking water source types was conducted in areas of the city with high case numbers. A total of 122 samples was collected from 12 source types and tested for Escherichia coli, free chlorine, and conductivity. An additional 37 grab samples from seven source types and 16 paired large volume (20 liter) samples from wells and springs were also collected and tested for the presence of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi. Escherichia coli was detected in 60% of kaveras (drinking water sold in plastic bags) and 80% of refilled water bottles; free chlorine was not detected in either source type. Most jerry cans (68%) contained E. coli and had free chlorine residuals below the WHO-recommended level of 0.5 mg/liter during outbreaks. Elevated conductivity readings for kaveras, refilled water bottles, and jerry cans (compared to treated surface water supplied by the water utility) suggested that they likely contained untreated groundwater. All unprotected springs and wells and more than 60% of protected springs contained E. coli. Water samples collected from the water utility were found to have acceptable free chlorine levels and no detectable E. coli. While S. Typhi was not detected in water samples, Salmonella spp. were detected in samples from two unprotected springs, one protected spring, and one refilled water bottle. These data provided clear evidence that unregulated vended water and groundwater represented a risk for typhoid transmission. IMPORTANCE Despite the high incidence of typhoid fever globally, relatively few outbreak investigations incorporate drinking water testing. During waterborne disease outbreaks, measurement of physical-chemical parameters, such as free chlorine residual and electrical conductivity, and of microbiological parameters, such as the presence of E. coli or the implicated etiologic agent, in drinking water samples can identify contaminated sources. This investigation indicated that unregulated vended water and groundwater sources were contaminated and were therefore a risk to consumers during the 2015 typhoid fever outbreak in Kampala. Identification of contaminated drinking water sources and sources that do not contain adequate disinfectant levels can lead to rapid targeted interventions.

ECOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF DRINKING TAP WATER IN KHANTY-MANSIYSK AND SALEKHARD

2020 ◽  
pp. 159-167
Author(s):  
V.V. Lapenko ◽  
L.N. Bikbulatova ◽  
E.M. Ternikova
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Iron Concentration ◽  
Absorption Spectrometry ◽  
Northern Region ◽  
Transport Processes ◽  
Magnesium Concentration ◽  
Geochemical Environment

Water is very important for humans, as it is a solvent for metabolic products. Moreover, it is necessary for metabolism, biochemical and transport processes. The elemental status in persons depends on the geochemical environment and consumption of bioelements with food and water. The aim of the paper is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of chemical composition of drinking tap water in Khanty-Mansiysk and Salekhard. Materials and Methods. The chemical composition of 100 samples of drinking tap water was analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry, spectrophotometry and capillary electrophoresis. All in all, there were 50 samples from Khanty-Mansiysk and 50 samples from Salekhard. The results were compared with Sanitary Rules and Norms 2.1.4.1074-01. Results. Drinking tap water in Salekhard contains a significantly higher concentration of iron, which is much above the maximum allowable concentration, if compared to water samples in Khanty-Mansiysk (p=0.03). In the cities under consideration, the water undergoes high-quality reagent-free treatment. However, the deterioration of the water supply networks in Salekhard is 3 times as high as in Khanty-Mansiysk. Calcium and magnesium concentration in water samples from Khanty-Mansiysk is 5.6 and 3.9 times lower than the MAC; in water samples from Salekhard calcium concentration is 6.3 (p=0.008) and magnesium concentration 4.6 (p<0.001) times lower than the MAC. Conclusion. The consumption of ultra-fresh drinking water leads to low intake of bioelements, which are a part of enzymes contributing to the human antioxidant defense and can result in manifestation of cardiovascular diseases. This is especially true for Salekhard with very soft drinking water and high iron concentration, which excess can exhibit prooxidant properties. Keywords: tap water, bioelements, northern region, antioxidants. Вода является важнейшим соединением для человека: необходима в качестве растворителя продуктов метаболизма и протекания обменных, биохимических и транспортных процессов. Элементный статус организма человека зависит от геохимического окружения и поступления биоэлементов с пищей и водой. Цель. Провести комплексную оценку химического состава водопроводной воды городов Ханты-Мансийск и Салехард. Материалы и методы. Методами атомно-абсорбционной спектрометрии, спектрофотометрии и капиллярного электрофореза проанализирован химический состав 100 проб водопроводной воды: по 50 из Ханты-Мансийска и Салехарда. Результаты сравнивали с СанПиН 2.1.4.1074-01. Результаты. В водопроводной воде Салехарда установлена превышающая ПДК и достоверно более высокая концентрация железа сравнительно с водой Ханты-Мансийска (р=0,03). При условии качественной безреагентной водоподготовки в изучаемых городах это обусловлено изношенностью водопроводных сетей в Салехарде, более чем в 3 раза превышающей этот показатель в Ханты-Мансийске. Концентрация кальция и магния в воде Ханты-Мансийска в 5,6 и 3,9 раза ниже ПДК; в воде Салехарда – в 6,3 (р=0,008) и 4,6 (р<0,001) раза ниже ПДК соответственно. Заключение. Употребление ультрапресной питьевой воды на фоне очень малого поступления с водой биоэлементов, входящих в состав ферментов антиоксидантной защиты организма человека, может привести к манифестации кардиоваскулярных заболеваний. Это особенно актуально для г. Салехарда с очень мягкой питьевой водой с повышенным содержанием железа, избыток которого может проявлять прооксидантные свойства. Ключевые слова: водопроводная вода, биоэлементы, северный регион, антиоксиданты.

Evaluation of Gross Alpha and Beta Activity Concentrations and Annual Effective Dose in Drinking Waters of Misan Province-Iraq Using Low Background Gas Flow Proportional Counter (LB- 4110)

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (11) ◽  
pp. 22-31
Author(s):  
Sawsan Sh. Fleifil ◽  
Zahraa A. Ismail AL-Sudani
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Effective Dose ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Proportional Counter ◽  
Gas Flow ◽  
Annual Effective Dose ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Beta Activity ◽  
Low Background ◽  
Background Gas

In this study, assessment of levels natural radioactivity in drinking water samples of Misan Province of Iraq was carried out. A total of 33 (Tigris river, station and Tap) water samples collected from eleven places in Misan Province of Iraq. The beta and alpha gross radioactivity of the samples water was measured and an average annual effective dose derived of drinking-water ingestion was estimation utilizing new model a LB-4110 low background gas flow proportional counter. The data indicated that the Beta and Alpha gross activities and annual effective dose in samples did not exceed WHO recommended levels (0.5 Bq/L of Alpha gross, 1.0 Bq/L of Beta gross and 0.1 mSv/y for annual effective dose).

scholarly journals Evaluation of Minerals Content of Drinking Water in Malaysia

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Azrina Azlan ◽  
Hock Eng Khoo ◽  
Mohd Aizat Idris ◽  
Amin Ismail ◽  
Muhammad Rizal Razman
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Mineral Water ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Fluoride Concentration ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Peninsular Malaysia ◽  
Mineral Water Sample ◽  
Geographical Locations ◽  
Iron And Manganese

The drinking and mineral water samples obtained from different geographical locations had concentrations of the selected minerals lower than the standard limits, except for manganese, arsenic, and fluoride. The concentrations of manganese and arsenic in two mineral water samples were slightly higher than the standard international recommended limits. One mineral water sample had a fluoride concentration higher than the standard limits, whereas manganese was not detected in nine drinking and mineral water samples. Most of the selected minerals found in the tap water samples were below the international standard limits, except for iron and manganese. The concentrations of iron and manganese in the tap water samples were higher than the standard limits, which were obtained from one and three of the studied locations, respectively. The potable water obtained from various manufacturers and locations in Peninsular Malaysia is safe for consumption, as the minerals concentrations were below the standard limits prescribed by the Malaysian Food Regulations of 1985. The data obtained may also provide important information related to daily intake of these minerals from drinking water.

The impact of investment on drinking water quality in rural China

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 255-269
Author(s):  
Ai Yue ◽  
Yaojiang Shi ◽  
Renfu Luo ◽  
Linxiu Zhang ◽  
Natalie Johnson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Rural China ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Representative Data ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Although access to safe drinking water is one of the most important health-related infrastructure programs in the world, drinking water remains a large problem in China today, especially in rural areas. Despite increased government investment in water resource protection and management, there is still an absence of academic studies that are able to document what path the investment has taken and whether it has had any tangible impact. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of drinking water investment on drinking water in China. Design/methodology/approach The authors make use of nationally representative data from 2005 and 2012 to measure the impact of drinking water investment among 2,028 rural households in 101 villages across five provinces. Both ordinary least squares regression and probit regression are used to analyze the correlates and the impact of drinking water investment. Findings The authors demonstrate that water quality was likely a significant problem in 2004 but that China’s investment into drinking water appears to have resulted in initial improvements during the study period. The authors show that the most significant change came about in terms of hardware: villages that received more drinking water investment now have more piped tap water and more access to water treatment infrastructure (disinfecting and filtering facilities). High rates of rural resident satisfaction with drinking water suggest the effects of drinking water investment are being felt at the village level. Originality/value To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first empirical study on drinking water investment over time in rural China using nationally representative data.

scholarly journals Development of an Internal Control for Evaluation and Standardization of a Quantitative PCR Assay for Detection of Helicobacter pylori in Drinking Water

2007 ◽  
Vol 73 (22) ◽  
pp. 7380-7387 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keya Sen ◽  
Nancy A. Schable ◽  
Dennis J. Lye
Keyword(s):  
Helicobacter Pylori ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Quantitative Pcr ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Sodium Thiosulfate ◽  
Qpcr Assay ◽  
E Coli ◽  
H Pylori ◽  
Labeled Probe ◽  
Treated Drinking Water

ABSTRACT Due to metabolic and morphological changes that can prevent Helicobacter pylori cells in water from growing on conventional media, an H. pylori-specific TaqMan quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay was developed that uses a 6-carboxyfluorescein-labeled probe (A. E. McDaniels, L. Wymer, C. Rankin, and R. Haugland, Water Res. 39:4808-4816, 2005). However, proper internal controls are needed to provide an accurate estimate of low numbers of H. pylori in drinking water. In this study, the 135-bp amplicon described by McDaniels et al. was modified at the probe binding region, using PCR mutagenesis. The fragment was incorporated into a single-copy plasmid to serve as a PCR-positive control and cloned into Escherichia coli to serve as a matrix spike. It was shown to have a detection limit of five copies, using a VIC dye-labeled probe. A DNA extraction kit was optimized that allowed sampling of an entire liter of water. Water samples spiked with the recombinant E. coli cells were shown to behave like H. pylori cells in the qPCR assay. The recombinant E. coli cells were optimized to be used at 10 cells/liter of water, where they were shown not to compete with 5 to 3,000 cells of H. pylori in a duplex qPCR assay. Four treated drinking water samples spiked with H. pylori (100 cells) demonstrated similar cycle threshold values if the chlorine disinfectant was first neutralized by sodium thiosulfate.

scholarly journals Heavy metal levels in drinking water sources of Chingola District, Zambia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis Hamwiinga ◽  
Chisala D. Meki ◽  
Patricia Mubita ◽  
Hikabasa Halwiindi
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Ground Water ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Water Sources ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Drinking Water Sources ◽  
Metal Levels

Abstract Background: One of the factors impeding access to safe water is water pollution. Of particular concern is heavy metal contamination of water bodies. This study was aimed at determining the levels of heavy metals in drinking water sources of Chingola District of Zambia. Methods: A cross sectional study was employed. A total of 60 water samples were collected. Thirsty (30) samples were collected in the dry season in the month of October 2016 and another 30 in the wet season in the months of February and March, 2017. For each season 10 water samples were collected from each of the three water sources. i.e. Tap water, Urban ground water sources and Rural ground water sources. Heavy metal analysis was done using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS).Results: This study revealed that the concentrations of Iron, Manganese, Lead, Nickel and Arsenic were beyond maximum permissible levels in various water sources. Combined averages for both dry and wet seasons were as follows: Iron: 2.3, Copper: 0.63, Cobalt: 0.02, Manganese: 0.36, Lead: 0.04, Zinc:3.2, Nickel: 0.03, Arsenic: 0.05. Chromium and Cadmium were below detection limit in all water samples. The median concentrations of iron, arsenic, copper, manganese in drinking water from the Tap, rural and urban ground water sources were different, and this difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The median concentrations of arsenic, nickel, manganese and cobalt were different between dry and wet season, and this difference was statistically significant (p<0.05).Conclusions: Sources of heavy metals in water seems to be both natural and from human activities. The concentration of heavy metals in different water sources in this study was found to be above the recommended levels. This calls for improvement in water monitoring to protect the health of the public. Therefore, there is need for continuous monitoring of heavy metals in drinking water sources by regulatory authorities.

scholarly journals Behavioural Toxicology of Midge Larvae Chironomous sp. after Acute In Situ Exposure of Different Industrial Effluents and Drinking Water

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. 11-20
Author(s):  
Debika Bhunia ◽  
Subhodeep Sarkar ◽  
Kushal Banerjee ◽  
Abantika Nandy ◽  
Soumendra Nath Talapatra
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Water Sample ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Industrial Effluent ◽  
Lead Acid Battery ◽  
Behavioral Activities ◽  
Behavioural Toxicology ◽  
Lead Acid

Behavioural activities in relation to toxicological aspects involve behavioural changes of aquatic organisms under the exposure of a contaminant. The present study aims to know behavioural activities of midge larvae Chironomus sp. at the in-situ acute exposure of different chemicals containing wastewater viz. lead-acid battery industrial effluent, mixed industrial effluent and fresh tap water (chlorinated) as drinking water in comparison to control (dechlorinated) water sample (aged tap water). The Chironomus larvae were kept in three different experimental chambers (perforated wall test vessels) with the exposure of different water samples. These samples were made with no dilution, 50 % dilution, 2.5 % dilution and control water sample. The behavioral activities for larvae of Chironomus sp. were measured at 0h, 2h, 24h and 48 h in in-situ condition. The behavioral activities viz. crawling, looping, ventilation, paralyses and subsequently death of the larvae were recorded in the field condition. A significant differences (P < 0.05, P < 0.01 and P< 0.001) were observed with increasing time of exposure while in few cases the data were increased without significance level. It was recorded that after exhibiting behavioural activities viz. crawling, looping, ventilation and paralyses finally all species were died 100 % of the population in lead acid battery effluent following both 24h and 48hr exposure. In addition, death of larvae were 70 % in mixed industrial effluent and 50 % in fresh tap water (chlorinated) after 48h exposure as compared to control sample water. In conclusion, the present results indicate that the larvae of Chironomous sp. are suitable indicators in the evaluation of the effluent quality in the studied stream, potential to know by behavioural toxicological study for heavy metals and organic pollution. Although it is a preliminary observation by assessing behavioural toxicology but future study in relation to biochemical and genetic damage of Chironomous larvae with the exposure of toxic water samples will provide bigger view.

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