Scope of potential bacterial agents of diarrhoea and microbial assessment of quality of river water sources in rural Venda communities in South Africa

2003 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 59-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.L. Obi ◽  
N. Potgieter ◽  
P.O. Bessong ◽  
G. Matsaung
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Heterotrophic Bacteria ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Water Sources ◽  
Plate Count ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Faecal Coliforms ◽  
Domestic Water ◽  
Total Coliforms

The microbial quality of several, usually untreated, surface domestic water sources, used by rural communities in the Venda Region of South Africa, was assessed to gauge their fitness for human consumption and to highlight the possible impact of waterborne diseases. The water sources studied were six points on the Levubu River and the rivers Mutale, Ngwedi, Tshinane, Makonde, Mutshindudi and Mudaswali. Total and faecal coliform, heterotrophic bacteria, enterococci and coliphage counts were used as indicators/surrogates to estimate the degree of bacterial and viral contamination respectively by standard methods. The presence of potential bacterial agents of diarrhoea such as Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, Plesiomonas, Aeromonas and Vibrio was also determined. Results showed that the ranges of counts with regard to all the water sources investigated were 2.9 × 102 - 6.3 × 104 CFU/100 mL for faecal coliforms, 6.0 × 102 - 3.7 × 104 CFU/100 mL for total coliforms, 1.8 × 102 - 1.3 × 106 CFU/mL for heterotrophic plate count, 1.0 × 101 - 3.7 × 104 CFU/100 mL for enterococci and 0-13 PFU/100 mL for coliphages. These values are far higher than the acceptable maximum limits prescribed for South Africa by the Dept of Water & Forestry and the Water Research Commission - 0 CFU/100 mL, 5 CFU/100 mL, 1.0 × 102 CFU/mL, 0 CFU/100 mL and 1 PFU/100 mL for faecal coliforms, total coliforms, heterotrophic bacteria, enterococci and coliphages respectively. Salmonella, Shigella, Vibrio cholerae, Campylobacter, Aeromonas and Plesiomonas were isolated from several of the water sources investigated. The use of these water sources for drinking and domestic purposes poses a serious threat to the health and well being of the users and calls for urgent government intervention.

Assessment of Microbial and Physicochemical Contaminations of Water for Domestic Use in Calabar Metropolis, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 1025-1029
Keyword(s):  
Stream Water ◽  
Total Coliform ◽  
Water Sources ◽  
Human Infection ◽  
Plate Count ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Domestic Water ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Borehole Water ◽  
Mean Concentration

An assessment of domestic water quality using microbial andphysicochemical parameterswas conducted on bothdomestic water supplysourcesand storage containers viz: borehole,upper and lower overhead tanksand stream waterin Calabarmetropolis. Watersamples meant for physicochemical and microbial studies were collected in 1.5L plastic containersandstored in safe conditionprior to laboratory analysis oftheirPhysicochemical and microbial parametersin line withAPHA recommended standardandWHO permissible limits to ascertain if the mean values of the water parameters were or not within the acceptablelimits for human consumption. The results of the descriptive statical analysis of the physicochemical and microbial components of the different domestic water sources revealed mean pH of 6,4±0.6 for the stream water, 6.33±0.57 for the borehole, 5.9±0.9 for the upper overhead tank and 5.79±0.59 for the lower overhead tank. Mean DO concentration of the stream was 7.25±0.25mg/l, with 8.66±0.54mg/lfor the borehole, 6.8±0.2mg/l for the upper overhead tank and 1.79±0.39mg/l for the lower overhead tank (Table 1). Mean water temperature recorded for the stream was 27.5±0.50C, with 27.40±0.60C for the borehole, 27.45±0.550C for the upper overhead tank and 27.71±0.310C for the lower overhead tank. Fe had mean concentration of 1.035±0.001mg/l in the stream water, with 0.040±0.560mg/l in the borehole, 0.664±0.014mg/l in upper overhead tank. Hg mean concentration was <0.001±0.00mg in all the water samples. Bicarbonate had mean concentration of 30.75±0.25mg/l in the stream water, with 36.85±0.256mg/l in the borehole, 24.69±0.31mg/l in the upper overhead tank and 30.75±0.25mg/l in the lower overhead tank. Mean total coliform components were 84.75±0.5 cfu/100ml in the stream water, with 127±2.5 cfu/100ml in the borehole water, 44±2.0 cfu/100ml in the upper overhead tank and 34.5±0.5 cfu/100ml in the lower overhead tank. Total plate count (TPC) had mean values of 127±1,0 cfu/100ml in the stream water, with 164.5±1.5 cfu/100ml in the borehole, 42±8.0 cfu/100ml in the lower overhead tank. Yeast/mould had mean concentration of 0.005±0.005 cfu/100ml in the stream water, with 1.5±0.5 cfu/100ml in the borehole water, 3.5±0.5 cfu/100ml in the upper overhead tank and 2.4±0.4 cfu/100ml in the lower overhead tank. To reducethe risk of human infection that may arise from the continuous use of the water sources andthe tank-stored water, it is strongly recommended that tanks be washed at regular intervals and the treatment of water with recommendeddoses of chemicals meant for such purposes

scholarly journals Comparative Assessment of Bacteriological Quality of Drinking Water using Membrane Filtration and Multiple Tube Fermentation Methods

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 853-856
Author(s):  
O.O. Adebisi ◽  
A.A. Adetomiwa ◽  
I.D. Gbala
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Membrane Filtration ◽  
Water Sources ◽  
Comparative Assessment ◽  
Plate Count ◽  
Water Industry ◽  
Who Guidelines ◽  
Faecal Coliforms

Comparative assessment of 13 different drinking water sources (sachet, bottled, pipe borne and borehole) was carried using the conventional direct coliform plate count (CPC), multiple tube fermentation (MTF) and membrane filtration (MF) techniques. Physicochemical analyses indicated that the water samples meet WHO guidelines for pH, temperature and turbidity. However, the bacteriological analyses showed that none of the drinkingwater source is potable according to WHO guidelines. The confirmatory and completed tests revealed the presence of faecal coliforms in some of the samples. Findings of this study demonstrate that CPC is a poor method to assess water potability while MTF and MF techniques compared relatively well. There is need to intensify effort at the monitoring of activities in the rapidly expanding packaged water industry with a view to improving the standards. Keywords: drinking water, membrane filtration, multiple tube fermentation, coliform

Faecal pollution and solar purification of community water sources within Lake Naivasha basin, Kenya

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 252-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donde O. Omondi ◽  
Muia A. Wairimu ◽  
Wanga L. Aketch ◽  
Shivoga A. William ◽  
Charles G. Trick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solar Radiation ◽  
Membrane Filtration ◽  
Heterotrophic Bacteria ◽  
Water Sources ◽  
Water Disinfection ◽  
Plate Count ◽  
Lake Naivasha ◽  
Total Coliforms ◽  
Faecal Pollution ◽  
Community Water

As in other parts of Africa, and in other developing nations, the rise in the human population and anthropogenic activities within the Lake Naivasha basin is causing an increase in human health risks due to faecal contamination of domestic water sources. This study investigated faecal pollution of community water sources within the Lake Naivasha basin by measuring the densities of total coliforms, Escherichia coli, intestinal enterococci, Clostridium perfringens and heterotrophic bacteria in Lake Naivasha, the Malewa and Gilgil Rivers, and boreholes using membrane filtration techniques and heterotrophic plate count procedures. Selected physico-chemical parameters were also measured in situ from all the water sources sampled. Lakes and rivers had significantly higher microbial abundances than boreholes. Unlike boreholes, surface sources (rivers and lake) showed significant variation with respect to sampling sites for all the microbiological parameters (P &lt; 0.05). The use of solar radiation in water disinfection with temperatures of 75 °C after 30 minutes from pasteurization point (time zero) fully eradicated E. coli and total coliforms from all the water sources. In conclusion, there is faecal pollution in water sources used by communities within the Lake Naivasha basin. The use of solar radiation is therefore recommended for water purification to reduce likely incidences of waterborne diseases.

scholarly journals Degradation of Bacterial Water Quality in Drinking Water after Bottling

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-83
Author(s):  
Ali Shahryari ◽  
Charlotte D. Smith ◽  
Abolfazl Amini
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Heterotrophic Bacteria ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Bottled Water ◽  
Plate Count ◽  
Biochemical Tests ◽  
Storage Duration

Background: The consumption of bottled water globally, including Iran, has increased tremendously in recent years. This study was designed to assess the bacteriological quality of bottled water and its compliance with the drinking water regulations. In addition, we evaluated bottled waters for the presence of a variety of genera of bacteria and the effect of storage duration on the extent of bacterial contamination. Methods: Four hundred samples of bottled water belonging to ten different Iranian brands with various production dates were purchased from supermarkets in Gorgan, Iran, from 2017 to 2018. Bacterial quality of bottled water was assessed using heterotrophic plate count (HPC) followed by usual biochemical tests for identification of bacterial genera, and by the API system. Results: The average HPC of bottled water was 9974 colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/ml). Twelve genera were isolated, among which Bacillus spp. and Escherichia coli were the most and least abundant, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that there was a positive association between water quality and storage duration so that the highest microbial load occurred within the first to third months after bottling. Furthermore, the highest rate of contamination was observed in May when ambient air temperatures commonly reached 40 °C. Conclusion: The bacterial quality of bottled water was not according to the standard of drinking water quality. This study demonstrated the variation in bacterial levels after bottling, which indicates the presence of waterborne heterotrophic bacteria, some of which can pose severe health risks to consumers.

scholarly journals Communication between mothers and health workers is important for quality of newborn care: a qualitative study in neonatal units in district hospitals in South Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christiane Horwood ◽  
Lyn Haskins ◽  
Silondile Luthuli ◽  
Neil McKerrow
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Newborn Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Observation Data ◽  
Good Communication ◽  
District Hospitals

Abstract Background There is a high global burden of neonatal mortality, with many newborn babies dying of preventable and treatable conditions, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Improving quality of newborn care could save the lives of many thousands of babies. Quality of care (QoC) is a complex and multifaceted construct that is difficult to measure, but patients’ experiences of care are an important component in any measurement of QoC. We report the findings of a qualitative study exploring observations and experiences of health workers (HWs) and mothers of babies in neonatal units in South Africa. Methods A qualitative case study approach was adopted to explore care of newborn babies admitted to neonatal units in district hospitals. Observation data were collected by a registered nurse during working hours over a continuous five-day period. Doctors and nurses working in the neonatal unit and mothers of babies admitted during the observation period were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. All interviews were audio recorded. Observation data were transcribed from hand written notes. Audiotapes of interviews were transcribed verbatim and, where necessary, translated into English. A thematic content analysis was used to analyse the data. Results Observations and interviews were conducted in seven participating hospitals between November 2015 and May 2016. Our findings highlight the importance of information sharing between HWs and mothers of babies, contrasting the positive communication reported by many mothers which led to them feeling empowered and participating actively in the care of their babies, with incidents of poor communication. Poor communication, rudeness and disrespectful behaviour of HWs was frequently described by mothers, and led to mothers feeling anxious, unwilling to ask questions and excluded from their baby’s care. In some cases poor communication and misunderstandings led to serious mismanagement of babies with HWs delaying or withholding care, or to mothers putting their babies at risk by not following instructions. Conclusion Good communication between mothers and HWs is critical for building mothers’ confidence, promoting bonding and participation of mothers in the care of their baby and may have long term benefits for the health and well-being of the mother and her baby.

Potentially pathogenic bacteria isolated from different tropical waters in Sri Lanka

2013 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1463-1469 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. M. G. C. K. Mannapperuma ◽  
C. L. Abayasekara ◽  
G. B. B. Herath ◽  
D. R. I. B. Werellagama
Keyword(s):  
Surface Water ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Water Sources ◽  
Bottled Water ◽  
Well Water ◽  
Faecal Coliforms ◽  
Total Coliforms ◽  
Source Waters

This study investigated the bacteriological contamination of different water sources in Sri Lanka. Source waters (n = 74) including bottled water, well water and surface water were assessed for enumerating total coliforms and faecal coliforms using the membrane filtration method. The results showed that 18.5 and 14.8% of bottled water samples were contaminated with total coliforms and faecal coliforms, respectively. All the well water and surface water samples exceeded the WHO permitted levels for total coliforms and faecal coliforms. Bacteriological identification using biochemical tests and api 20E identification tests revealed the presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria in all water sources tested. Bottled water mainly contained three Enterobacter species, while well water samples showed the broadest spectrum of bacteria including eleven coliform species belonging to the genera Klebsiella, Escherichia, Enterobacter, Citrobacter, Kluyvera, Pantoea, Rautella, and 10 non-coliform species in the genera Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, Salmonella and Acinetobacter. Surface waters contained seven coliform species belonging to the genera Klebsiella, Escherichia, Citrobacter, Rautella and Serratia, and eight non-coliform species in the genera Pseudomonas, Aeromonas and Acinetobacter. Detection of higher bacteriological counts and identification of potentially pathogenic bacteria in different source waters suggest a potential health risk of the water sources used in Sri Lanka.

Chemometrics to evaluate the quality of water sources for human consumption

2006 ◽  
Vol 156 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 315-320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pavlina Simeonova ◽  
Vasil Simeonov
Keyword(s):  
Water Sources ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Quality Of Water
Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document