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.

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.

Virion Concentration Method for the Detection of Human Enteric Viruses in Extracts of Hard-Shelled Clams†

1998 ◽  
Vol 61 (4) ◽  
pp. 458-465 ◽  
Author(s):  
ALISSA B. DIX ◽  
LEE-ANN JAYKUS
Keyword(s):  
Cell Culture ◽  
Hepatitis A Virus ◽  
Direct Detection ◽  
Enteric Viruses ◽  
Precipitation Method ◽  
Norwalk Virus ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Genomic Amplification ◽  
Initial Inoculum ◽  
Human Enteric Viruses

A method to extract and concentrate intact human enteric viruses from oyster extracts for detection using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was applied to hard-shelled clams (Mercenaria mercenaria). Fifty-gram clam samples were processed by an adsorption-elution-precipitation method and then seeded with 101 to 105 PFU of poliovirus 1 (PV1) and/or hepatitis A virus (HAV). Seeded viruses in extracts were purified by fluorocarbon (Freon) extraction and concentrated by polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation and elution. Efficiency of virion recovery from PEG precipitates was dependent upon PEG concentration and elution buffer volume, with optimized variables yielding recoveries as high as 99% for PV1 and 45% for FIAV, as evaluated by cell culture infectivity assay. To further concentrate viruses, remove inhibitors, and reduce sample volumes, the protein-precipitating agent Pro-Cipitate was used in an adsorption-elution-precipitation scheme. The final concentrate was of low volume (<1 ml) and directly compatible with viral genomic amplification using RT-PCR. When extracts from 50-g clam samples were seeded and processed by the combined concentration and purification scheme, direct RT-PCR detection of viral genomic RNA was possible at initial inoculum levels of 103 PFU for PV1 and HAV. Corresponding virus recoveries based on cell culture infectivity were 7 to 50% and 0.3 to 8% for PV1 and HAV, respectively. When extracts of clams were artificially contaminated with the Norwalk virus, direct detection of virion RNA using RT-PCR and subsequent oligoprobe hybridization was possible at levels as low as 450 RT-PCR amplifiable units of the Norwalk virus per extract of 50-g clam sample.

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 Effects of Water Quality and Post-Harvest Handling on Microbiological Contamination of Lettuce at Urban and Peri-Urban Locations of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Foods ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliane Dao ◽  
Kathrin Stenchly ◽  
Oumar Traoré ◽  
Philip Amoah ◽  
Andreas Buerkert
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Irrigation Water ◽  
World Health ◽  
Vegetable Production ◽  
Salmonella Spp ◽  
Total Coliforms ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Post Harvest ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Production Areas

Vegetable production in urban gardens of Ouagadougou contributes to food security, but water for irrigation is often of low quality. This is particularly acute if irrigation water is taken from wastewater polluted channels. This study aimed at (i) verifying to what degree irrigation water quality is correlated with contamination of lettuce with Escherichia coli, total coliforms, and Salmonella spp., and (ii) assessing effects of post-harvest handling on pathogen development during the trade chain. We tested pathogen removal efficiency on lettuce by applying post-harvest washing. Irrigation water of production areas in Ouagadougou (n = 10) showed a mean E. coli load of 2.1 × 105 CFU 100 mL−1. In 60% of the cases, irrigation water did not meet the standards of the World Health Organization (WHO) for safe irrigation water, and in 30% of the cases, irrigation water was contaminated with Salmonella spp. Loads of total coliforms on lettuce leaves ranged from 2.9 × 103 CFU g−1 to 1.3 × 106 CFU g−1, while E. coli averaged 1.1 × 102 CFU g−1. Results on post-harvest handling revealed that microbial loads increased along the trade chain. Overall, half of all lettuce samples (n = 60) were tested positively for Salmonella spp. The experiment showed that appropriate post-harvest handling could prevent the increase of total coliforms.

Coliforms and other microbial indicators occurrence in water and biofilm in full-scale distribution systems

2006 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 41-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Batté ◽  
C. Féliers ◽  
P. Servais ◽  
V. Gauthier ◽  
J.-C. Joret ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Residence Time ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Full Scale ◽  
Bacterial Indicators ◽  
Total Coliforms ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Plate Counts ◽  
Microbiological Water Quality ◽  
Heterotrophic Plate Counts

Biofilm and microbial water quality were studied in four middle size full-scale distribution systems (DS) in France serving 5,000–30,000 inhabitants (maximum residence time 23–160 h) through three sampling campaigns over 1 year. Three of these DSs were chosen because of a quite high occurrence of bacterial indicators (i.e. total coliforms), the last DS was considered as a reference. Biofilm was studied on cast iron coupons incubated for more than 1 month in devices continuously fed with water from the DS in conditions imitating those met in DS. The devices were located at different points (4–6) along each DS. The abundance of bacteria in biofilm was estimated by heterotrophic plate counts (HPC) after detachment of the biofilm from the support by sonication. Microbiological water quality was estimated in parallel; analysis of total coliforms, E. coli, enterococci and anaerobic sulphide-reducing bacteria spores (ASRB spores) was carried out in biofilm and water. Over the period of the study, 171 water samples and 57 biofilm samples were collected. Over these 171 waters, 19 (11%) were positive for at least one of the measured indicators while two biofilm samples were positive (3.5%). Significant differences were observed in the levels of contamination between the DSs. High residence time in the DS, low disinfectant residual and high temperature increased the risk of indicator occurrence in the water phase. Due to the low number of biofilm samples positive for bacterial indicators, the data collected in the present study did not allow observation of a direct association between biofilm and water contaminations, even if the occurrence of indicators in water appeared on DSs with the highest density of biofilm (HPC).

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 Hand-pumps as reservoirs for microbial contamination of well water

2011 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 708-717 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew S. Ferguson ◽  
Brian J. Mailloux ◽  
Kazi M. Ahmed ◽  
Alexander van Geen ◽  
Larry D. McKay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Microbial Contamination ◽  
Well Water ◽  
Faecal Coliforms ◽  
Contaminated Aquifer ◽  
Total Coliforms ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Hand Pump ◽  
Elastomeric Materials ◽  
The Village

The retention and release of total coliforms and Escherichia coli was investigated in hand-pumps removed from tubewells tapping a faecally contaminated aquifer in Matlab, Bangladesh, and from a new hand-pump deliberately spiked with E. coli. All hand-pumps were connected to reservoirs of sterile water and flushed. Faecal coliforms were observed in the discharge from all three of the previously used hand-pumps, at concentrations comparable to levels measured in discharge when they were attached to the tubewells. During daily flushing of one of the previously used hand-pumps, the concentration of total coliforms in the discharge remained relatively constant (≈103 MPN/100 mL). Concentrations of E. coli in the pump discharge declined over time, but E. coli was still detectable up to 29 days after the start of flushing. In the deliberately spiked hand-pump, E. coli was observed in the discharge over 125 days (t50 = 8 days) and found to attach preferentially to elastomeric materials within the hand-pump. Attempts to disinfect both the village and new hand-pumps using shock chlorination were shown to be unsuccessful. These results demonstrate that hand-pumps can act as persistent reservoirs for microbial indicator bacteria. This could potentially influence drinking water quality and bias testing of water quality.

Development of RT-PCR Method to Detect Various Human Enteric Viruses

2009 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sung Ae Oh ◽  
Mi Suk Kim ◽  
So Young Jang ◽  
Sang Jong Kim ◽  
Jae In Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Enteric Viruses ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Pcr Method ◽  
Human Enteric Viruses

scholarly journals A Multiplex Reverse Transcription-PCR Method for Detection of Human Enteric Viruses in Groundwater

2003 ◽  
Vol 69 (6) ◽  
pp. 3158-3164 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Shay Fout ◽  
Beth C. Martinson ◽  
Michael W. N. Moyer ◽  
Daniel R. Dahling
Keyword(s):  
Reverse Transcription ◽  
Hepatitis A Virus ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Enteric Viruses ◽  
The United States ◽  
Norwalk Virus ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Reverse Transcription Pcr ◽  
Groundwater Samples ◽  
Human Enteric Viruses

ABSTRACT Untreated groundwater is responsible for about half of the waterborne disease outbreaks in the United States. Human enteric viruses are thought to be leading etiological agents of many of these outbreaks, but there is relatively little information on the types and levels of viruses found in groundwater. To address this problem, monthly samples from 29 groundwater sites were analyzed for 1 year for enteroviruses, hepatitis A virus, Norwalk virus, reoviruses, and rotaviruses by multiplex reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR). A procedure with which to remove environmental RT-PCR inhibitors from groundwater samples was developed. The procedure allowed an average of 71 liters of the original groundwater to be assayed per RT-PCR, with an average virus recovery rate of 74%, based on seeded samples. Human enteric viruses were detected in 16% of the groundwater samples analyzed, with reoviruses being the most frequently detected virus group.

scholarly journals Incidence of Enteric Viruses in Groundwater from Household Wells in Wisconsin

2003 ◽  
Vol 69 (2) ◽  
pp. 1172-1180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark A. Borchardt ◽  
Phil D. Bertz ◽  
Susan K. Spencer ◽  
David A. Battigelli
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis A Virus ◽  
Enteric Viruses ◽  
The United States ◽  
Land Application ◽  
Private Household ◽  
Septic Systems ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Sequential Samples ◽  
Human Enteric Viruses ◽  
Public Water Systems

ABSTRACT Recent studies on the contamination of groundwater with human enteric viruses have focused on public water systems, whereas little is known about the occurrence of viruses in private household wells. The objective of the present study was to estimate the incidence of viruses in Wisconsin household wells located near septage land application sites or in rural subdivisions served by septic systems. Fifty wells in seven hydrogeologic districts were sampled four times over a year, once each season. Reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR), followed by Southern hybridization, was used to detect enteroviruses, rotavirus, hepatitis A virus (HAV), and Norwalk-like viruses (NLVs). In addition, cell culture was used to detect culturable enteroviruses. Companion water samples were collected for total coliforms, Escherichia coli, fecal enterococci, F-specific RNA coliphages, nitrate, and chloride analyses. Among the 50 wells, four (8%) were positive for viruses by RT-PCR. Three wells were positive for HAV, and the fourth well was positive for both rotavirus and NLV in one sample and an enterovirus in another sample. Contamination was transient, since none of the wells was virus positive for two sequential samples. Culturable enteroviruses were not detected in any of the wells. Water quality indicators were not statistically associated with virus occurrence, although some concordance was noted for chloride. The present study is the first in the United States to systematically monitor private household wells for virus contamination and, combined with data for public wells, provides further insight on the extent of groundwater contamination with human enteric viruses.

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