Virus occurrence in municipal groundwater sources in Quebec, Canada

2007 ◽  
Vol 53 (6) ◽  
pp. 688-694 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annie Locas ◽  
Christine Barthe ◽  
Benoit Barbeau ◽  
Annie Carrière ◽  
Pierre Payment
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Sampling Site ◽  
Enteric Viruses ◽  
Fecal Coliforms ◽  
Coliform Bacteria ◽  
Raw Water ◽  
Total Coliforms ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
Historic Data ◽  
Human Enteric Viruses

A 1 year study was undertaken on groundwater that was a source of drinking water in the province of Quebec, Canada. Twelve municipal wells (raw water) were sampled monthly during a 1 year period, for a total of 160 samples. Using historic data, the 12 sites were categorized into 3 groups: group A (no known contamination), group B (sporadically contaminated by total coliforms), and group C (historic and continuous contamination by total coliforms and (or) fecal coliforms). Bacterial indicators (total coliform, Escherichia coli , enteroccoci), viral indicators (somatic and male-specific coliphages), total culturable human enteric viruses, and noroviruses were analyzed at every sampling site. Total coliforms were the best indicator of microbial degradation, and coliform bacteria were always present at the same time as human enteric viruses. Two samples contained human enteric viruses but no fecal pollution indicators (E. coli, enterococci, or coliphages), suggesting the limited value of these microorganisms in predicting the presence of human enteric viruses in groundwater. Our results underline the value of historic data in assessing the vulnerability of a well on the basis of raw water quality and in detecting degradation of the source. This project allowed us to characterize the microbiologic and virologic quality of groundwater used as municipal drinking water sources in Quebec.

Groundwater microbiological quality in Canadian drinking water municipal wells

2008 ◽  
Vol 54 (6) ◽  
pp. 472-478 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annie Locas ◽  
Christine Barthe ◽  
Aaron B. Margolin ◽  
Pierre Payment
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Cell Culture ◽  
Enteric Viruses ◽  
Contaminated Sites ◽  
Raw Water ◽  
Fecal Indicators ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Total Coliforms ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Human Enteric Viruses

To verify previous conclusions on the use of bacterial indicators suggested in regulations and to investigate virological quality of groundwater, a 1-year study was undertaken on groundwater used as a source of drinking water in 3 provinces in Canada. Raw water from 25 municipal wells was sampled during a 1-year period for a total of 167 samples. Twenty-three sites were selected on the basis of their excellent historical bacteriological water quality data, and 2 sites with known bacteriological contamination were selected as positive controls. Water samples were analyzed for general water quality indicators (aerobic endospores, total coliforms), fecal indicators ( Escherichia coli , enterococci, somatic and male-specific coliphages), total culturable human enteric viruses (determined by cell culture and immunoperoxidase), noroviruses (analyzed by reverse-transcriptase – polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR)), adenovirus types 40 and 41 (analyzed by integrated cell culture (ICC) – PCR), and enteroviruses and reoviruses types 1, 2, and 3 (analyzed by ICC–RT–PCR). General water quality indicators were found very occasionally at the clean sites but were frequently present at the 2 contaminated sites. Only one of 129 samples from the 23 clean sites was positive for enterococci. These results confirm the value of raw water quality historical data to detect source water contamination affecting wells that are vulnerable. Samples from the 2 contaminated sites confirmed the frequent presence of fecal indicators: E. coli was found in 20/38 samples and enterococci in 12/38 samples. Human enteric viruses were not detected by cell culture on MA-104 cells nor by immunoperoxidase detection in any sample from the clean sites but were found at one contaminated site. By ICC–RT–PCR and ICC–PCR, viruses were found by cytopathic effect in one sample from a clean site and they were found in 3 samples from contaminated sites. The viruses were not detected by the molecular methods but were confirmed as picornaviruses by electron microscopy. Noroviruses were not detected in any samples. The results obtained reinforce the value of frequent sampling of raw water using simple parameters: sampling for total coliforms and E. coli remains the best approach to detect contamination of source water by fecal pollutants and accompanying pathogens. The absence of total coliforms at a site appears to be a good indication of the absence of human enteric viruses.

Occurrence of Enteroviruses and Rotaviruses in Drinking Water in Colombia

1986 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 109-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary A. Toranzos ◽  
Henry Hanssen ◽  
Charles P. Gerba
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Enteric Viruses ◽  
Coliform Bacteria ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
Tryptose Phosphate Broth ◽  
Water Plants ◽  
Private Homes ◽  
Drinking Water Samples ◽  
Positively Charged

Relatively few studies have been conducted on the occurrence of enteric viruses in drinking water in developing countries. In this study, we sought to apply positively charged microporous filters to the detection of enteric viruses in the drinking water of several major Colombian cities. Finished drinking water samples were collected at several drinking water plants whose treatment included flocculat ion, sand filtration and chlorination. Drinking water samples were also collected from the taps of private homes, hotels and community taps. Viruses were concentrated by passage of 20-99 liters of water through 50S Zeta-plus or 1 MDS Virosorb positively charged filters. Adsorbed viruses were eluted with 10% tryptose phosphate broth adjusted to pH 9.5 and concentrated to a final volume of 2 ml by ultracentrifugation before assay. Enteroviruses were detected by assay on BGM cells and rotavirus by assay on MA-104 cells. Out of eight samples of finished drinking water leaving the plants studied, three were found to contain enteric viruses. Rotaviruses were detected in two samples and enterovirus in one. Two of the samples containing enteric viruses also contained greater than 100 coliforms/100 ml. Rotaviruses were isolated from three tapwater samples and enteroviruses from one. All the tapwater samples which contained enteric viruses had visible turbidity and also contained coliform bacteria.

Bacteriophage Monitoring in Drinking Water: Do They Fulfil the Index or Indicator Function?

1993 ◽  
Vol 27 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 463-470 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Armon
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Enteric Viruses ◽  
High Volume ◽  
Pollution Source ◽  
Fecal Coliforms ◽  
Poor Correlation ◽  
Human Pathogens ◽  
Somatic Coliphages ◽  
Total Coliforms

2,187 drinking water samples from various locations in northern part of Israel were tested for bacteriophages presence/absence. Three major groups of bacteriophages were monitored (as related to bacterial host) : Somatic coliphages (host E.coli CN13), F-specific coliphages (host E.coli F+ amp), and Bacteroides fragilis phages (host B.fragilis HSP40). Simultaneously, monitoring of total coliforms and fecal coliforms has been performed. Correlation between bacteriophage group types and the standard water indicators such as coliforms and fecal coliforms was poor. The poor correlation may be attributed to dilution factor (large distance from the pollution source) and/or disinfection process. Presence frequency of the three bacteriophage groups was : 11.5 % somatic coliphages, 6.46 % F-specific coliphages and 5.48 % B.fragilis phages. Bacteriophages' presence plotted against presence of total coliforms, fecal coliforms, or both, revealed that F-specific coliphages and B.fragilis phages are closely related, whereas somatic coliphages group is different. Concentrates of several high volume water samples were tested for enteric viruses and B.fragilis phages presence correlation. All the samples were found negative for both parameters, however positive samples have not been detected. It is expected that continuous monitoring of drinking water for enteric viruses and concurrently for bacteriophages, will elucidate the index potential of bacteriophages. Bacteriophages presence in drinking water points to inadequate water treatment or contamination during the supply practice. Using human specific bacteriophages such as B.fragilis phages, will enable us to differentiate between pollution sources that contaminate drinking water. Future studies should be focused on phages presence as related to health risk assessment, similarly to human pathogens (bacteria, viruses and protozoa). Based on the collected data, F-specific and B.fragilis phages indicate towards reliable future index-organisms of drinking water pollution by sewage.

Enteric viruses in drinking water supplies

2002 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 17-22
Author(s):  
A.P. Wyn-Jones ◽  
J. Watkins ◽  
C. Francis ◽  
M. Laverick ◽  
J. Sellwood
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Heavy Rainfall ◽  
Liquid Culture ◽  
Plaque Assay ◽  
Enteric Viruses ◽  
Enteric Virus ◽  
The Other ◽  
Raw Water ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Water Supplies

Two rural spring drinking water supplies were studied for their enteric virus levels. In one, serving about 30 dwellings, the water was chlorinated before distribution; in the other, which served a dairy and six dwellings the water was not treated. Samples of treated (40 l) and untreated (20 l) water were taken under normal and heavy rainfall conditions over a six weeks period and concentrated by adsorption/elution and organic flocculation. Infectious enterovirus in concentrates was detected in liquid culture and enumerated by plaque assay, both in BGM cells, and concentrates were also analysed by RT-PCR. Viruses were found in both raw water supplies. Rural supplies need to be analysed for viruses as well as bacterial and protozoan pathogens if the full microbial hazard is to be determined.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Human Enteric Viruses in Surface Water and Drinking Water Resources in Southern Ghana

2011 ◽  
Vol 84 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristen E. Gibson ◽  
Yayi Guo ◽  
James T. Schissler ◽  
Melissa C. Opryszko ◽  
Kellogg J. Schwab
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Surface Water ◽  
Water Resources ◽  
Enteric Viruses ◽  
Drinking Water Resources ◽  
Human Enteric Viruses ◽  
Southern Ghana

scholarly journals Is fecal contamination of drinking water after collection associated with household water handling and hygiene practices? A study of urban slum households in Hyderabad, India

2008 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 145-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayasheel Eshcol ◽  
Prasanta Mahapatra ◽  
Sarita Keshapagu
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Fecal Contamination ◽  
Urban Slum ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Coliform Bacteria ◽  
Residual Chlorine ◽  
Hygiene Practices ◽  
Water Handling ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
Storage Containers

Water-borne illness, primarily caused by fecal contamination of drinking water, is a major health burden in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. Currently drinking water is treated at the reservoir level and supplied on alternate days, necessitating storage in households for up to 48 hrs. We hypothesized that fecal contamination occurs principally during storage due to poor water handling. In this study we tested for coliform bacteria in water samples collected at distribution points as household storage containers were filled, and then tested containers in the same households 24–36 hours after collection. We also conducted an observational survey to make an assessment of water handling and hygiene. Ninety-two percent (47/51) of samples tested at supply points were adequately chlorinated and bacterial contamination was found in two samples with no residual chlorine. Samples collected from household storage containers showed an increase in contamination in 18/50 houses (36%). Households with contaminated stored samples did not show significant differences in demographics, water handling, hygiene practices, or sanitation. Nevertheless, the dramatic increase in contamination after collection indicates that until an uninterrupted water supply is possible, the point at which the biggest health impact can be made is at the household level.

scholarly journals Detection of Viral Pathogens by Reverse Transcriptase PCR and of Microbial Indicators by Standard Methods in the Canals of the Florida Keys

1999 ◽  
Vol 65 (9) ◽  
pp. 4118-4125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dale W. Griffin ◽  
Charles J. Gibson ◽  
Erin K. Lipp ◽  
Kelley Riley ◽  
John H. Paul ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Reverse Transcriptase ◽  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Enteric Viruses ◽  
Florida Keys ◽  
Fecal Coliforms ◽  
Microbial Water Quality ◽  
Reverse Transcriptase Pcr ◽  
Human Enteric Viruses

ABSTRACT In order to assess the microbial water quality in canal waters throughout the Florida Keys, a survey was conducted to determine the concentration of microbial fecal indicators and the presence of human pathogenic microorganisms. A total of 19 sites, including 17 canal sites and 2 nearshore water sites, were assayed for total coliforms, fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens, enterococci, coliphages, F-specific (F+) RNA coliphages, Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium parvum, and human enteric viruses (polioviruses, coxsackie A and B viruses, echoviruses, hepatitis A viruses, Norwalk viruses, and small round-structured viruses). Numbers of coliforms ranged from <1 to 1,410, E. coli organisms from <1 to 130,Clostridium spp. from <1 to 520, and enterococci from <1 to 800 CFU/100 ml of sample. Two sites were positive for coliphages, but no F+ phages were identified. The sites were ranked according to microbial water quality and compared to various water quality standards and guidelines. Seventy-nine percent of the sites were positive for the presence of enteroviruses by reverse transcriptase PCR (polioviruses, coxsackie A and B viruses, and echoviruses). Sixty-three percent of the sites were positive for the presence of hepatitis A viruses. Ten percent of the sites were positive for the presence of Norwalk viruses. Ninety-five percent of the sites were positive for at least one of the virus groups. These results indicate that the canals and nearshore waters throughout the Florida Keys are being impacted by human fecal material carrying human enteric viruses through current wastewater treatment strategies such as septic tanks. Exposure to canal waters through recreation and work may be contributing to human health risks.

scholarly journals Fecal Coliforms and Total Coliforms Removal in Water Using Radio-Frequency (RF) Plasma System

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reni Desmiarti ◽  
Ariadi Hazmi ◽  
Yenni Trianda
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Radio Frequency ◽  
Plasma Treatment ◽  
Death Rate ◽  
Fecal Coliforms ◽  
Rf Plasma ◽  
Radio Frequency Plasma ◽  
Plasma System ◽  
Total Coliforms ◽  
Frequency Plasma

A radio-frequency plasma system (RF) was used to investigate the removal of microorganisms from water.Plasma generated by RF radiation can produce active compounds (H•, •OH, H2O2, O3, etc.) that have a highoxidation potential and can kill microorganisms present in water (fecal coliforms and total coliforms). Thefrequency of the plasma system was set to 3.0, 3.3 and 3.7 MHz and applied to river water for 60 minutes. Theresults show that in all runs, the pH of the water produced was in the range from 7.4 to 7.9. The removalefficiencies of fecal coliforms achieved were between 83.75 and 95% and were higher than the removalefficiencies of total coliforms, which were between 82.61 and 93.48%. Meanwhile, the death rate (kD) of fecalcoliforms wasfaster than that of total coliforms. Therefore, the removal of total coliforms is the key to removingmicroorganisms fromwater. RF plasma treatment can be used for treatment of drinking water to decreasemicroorganisms.

Absence of Relationship between Health Effects Due to Tap Water Consumption and Drinking Water Quality Parameters

1993 ◽  
Vol 27 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 137-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre Payment ◽  
Eduardo Franco ◽  
Jack Siemiatycki
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Health Effects ◽  
Reverse Osmosis ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Sampling Site ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Fecal Coliforms ◽  
Gastrointestinal Illnesses

An 18-month prospective epidemiological study of gastrointestinal illnesses was conducted on 300 families consuming conventionally treated tap water and 300 consuming the same water after further treatment by reverse-osmosis. Drinking water met current bacteriological and physicochemical quality standards, but was found to be associated with a significant level of gastrointestinai illnesses: a reduction of 30% of the gastrointestinal illnesses was observed in the group consuming the filtered water. The presence or absence of total coliforms or fecal coliforms was not indicative of the health effects observed. The heterotrophic plate counts at 20°C in the distribution system were weakly associated with the duration of the symptoms when the data was analyzed by subregion. Several approaches to clustering of the family data to the nearest sampling site were attempted: no association could be demonstrated. Even if consumers of reverse-osmosis water experienced, on the average, less gastrointestinal illnesses, their illnesses were significantly associated with the number of bacteria growing at 35°C on medium R2A. The problems associated with the predictive value of the bacterial content of a water sample and in particular, the major differences between water quality at the tap and in the distribution system are presented. For example, standard procedures require analysis of the water after flushing the tap for several minutes: this is not however typical of the water that is consumed. Water that comes out of the tap has stagnated for long periods in household pipes and regrowth of bacterial contaminants can easily occur. The bacteria growing in this water might thus be responsible for some of the health effects observed in tap water.

A presence–absence (P–A) test providing sensitive and inexpensive detection of coliforms, fecal coliforms, and fecal streptococci in municipal drinking water supplies

1968 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. Clark
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Membrane Filter ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
Fecal Coliforms ◽  
Coliform Bacteria ◽  
Isolation Medium ◽  
Negative Results ◽  
Fecal Streptococci ◽  
Confirmatory Tests

A simple presence–absence (P–A) test was developed to provide a more economical and more sensitive method for conducting coliform analyses on municipal drinking water samples than the membrane filter (MF) technique. Over ninety percent of these samples routinely gave negative results by the MF method. A modified MacConkey broth, enriched to improve on acid and gas production by coliforms, was the isolation medium for the presumptive part of the P–A test.Parallel analyses of water samples were made by both the P–A and MF methods. Confirmatory tests established the reliability of the respective procedures to detect coliform bacteria. A statistical analysis of the results showed that the P–A test was more sensitive for detecting lower levels of pollution than the MF technique. Many of the confirmed positive P–A results came from P–A bottles that produced presumptive positive tests only after an extended incubation period of two to five days.The P–A test was about five times less expensive than the MF technique and by adding a few simple tests, the P–A procedure could give information on the presence of both fecal coliforms and fecal streptococci. For several samples, fecal streptococci were found by P–A tests in the absence of detectable coliform bacteria by either the MF or P–A methods of analysis.

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