scholarly journals Identification of Human and Animal Fecal Contamination in Drinking Water Sources in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, Using Host-Associated Bacteroidales Quantitative PCR Assays

Water ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1796 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bikash Malla ◽  
Rajani Ghaju Shrestha ◽  
Sarmila Tandukar ◽  
Dinesh Bhandari ◽  
Daisuke Inoue ◽  
...  

This study identified the sources of fecal contamination in the groundwater of different land covers. A total of 300 groundwater samples were collected in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, in the dry (n = 152) and wet (n = 148) seasons of 2016. Fecal indicator bacteria were initially enumerated, and then fecal contamination sources were identified using human (BacHum), ruminant (BacR), and pig-associated (Pig2Bac) Bacteroidales quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays. Sixty-six percent (197/300) of the tested groundwater samples had Escherichia coli concentrations higher than the World Health Organization threshold for drinking (<1 most probable number/100 mL). The fecal contamination of the groundwater was of human (22%, 55/250), ruminant (11%, 28/250), and pig (3%, 8/250) origin. Deep tube wells were less likely to be positive for E. coli and fecal markers compared to shallow dug wells. The human fecal marker was more likely to be detected in sources from built-up as compared to agricultural areas (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.60, p = 0.002). Likewise, the ruminant fecal marker was more likely to be detected in sources from agricultural as compared to built-up areas (AOR = 2.90, p = 0.018). These findings suggest the preparation of mitigation strategies for controlling fecal pollution based on land cover and well types.

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shankar Karuppannan ◽  
Nafyad Serre Kawo

Assessment of groundwater quality is vital for the sustainable use of the resources for domestic and agricultural purposes. In this study spatial variation of physicochemical parameters were analyzed for Northeast Adama Town. Water Quality Index (WQI) and irrigation indices were used to determine the suitability of groundwater for drinking and irrigation purposes, respectively. Further, the physical-chemical results were compared with the Ethiopian standards and the World Health Organization (WHO) standards for drinking and public health. Using GIS interpolation methods in Arc GIS 10.3.1, spatial distribution maps of pH, TDS, EC, Cl−, HCO32−, SO42−, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+ and K+, RSC, SAR, Na% were prepared. Results indicated that except ASTU well 2, all samples are below the desirable limits of WHO. The WQI results indicated that 85% of samples and 15% of samples were in good and poor categories, respectively. Irrigation indices show that the most groundwater samples have excellent water classes, indicating that they are suitable for irrigation purposes.


Author(s):  
Grigoris Gerotziafas ◽  
Mariella Catalano ◽  
Ioannis Theodorou ◽  
Patrick van Dreden ◽  
Vincent Marechal ◽  
...  

One year after the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) and despite the implementation of mandatory physical barriers and social distancing, humanity remains challenged by a long-lasting and devastating public health crisis. Non-pharmacological interventions (NPI) are efficient mitigation strategies. The success of these intense NPI is dependent on the approval and commitment of the population. The launch of a mass vaccination program in many countries in late December 2020 with mRNA vaccines, adenovirus-based vaccines, and inactivated virus vaccines has generated hope for the end of the pandemic. Current issues: The continuous appearance of new pathogenic viral strains and the ability of vaccines to prevent infection and transmission raise important concerns as we try to achieve community immunity against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. The need of a second and even third generation of vaccines and the possibility of potentially harmful side-effects of the vaccines (i.e. venous thromboembolism ) have already been acknowledged. Perspectives: There is a critical and urgent need for a balanced and integrated strategy for the management of the COVID-19 outbreaks organized on three axes: (1) Prevention of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, (2) Detection and early diagnosis of patients at risk of disease worsening, and (3) Anticipation of medical care (PDA). Conclusion: The “PDA strategy” integrated into state policy for the support and expansion of health systems and introduction of digital organization (i.e. telemedicine, artificial intelligence and machine learning technology) is of major importance for the preservation of citizens’ health and life world-wide.


1983 ◽  
Vol 29 (10) ◽  
pp. 1261-1269 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. J. Robertson ◽  
R. S. Tobin

Fifteen stations, in two estuaries, along the Northumberland Strait of Nova Scotia were examined between June and September 1981 for a relationship between the concentrations of commonly monitored fecal indicator bacteria and the potential pathogens Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Increased densities of these three organisms were usually associated with high densities of indicator bacteria. Whereas C. albicans and P. aeruginosa occur in human fecal wastes, V. parahaemolyticus is indigenous to the marine environment and positively responds to elevated nutrient levels in sewage. There is also some evidence that these bacteria survive as long or longer in marine waters than the common indicator bacteria. While membrane-filtration techniques for the enumeration of C. albicans and P. aeruginosa proved satisfactory, a V. parahaemolyticus membrane-filtration method lacked specificity and was supplemented by a most-probable-number method. In marine recreational and shellfish waters, these three organisms could complement fecal coliforms and fecal streptococci as indicators of human fecal contamination.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 683-693
Author(s):  
Richard Onyuthi Apecu ◽  
Lucas Ampaire ◽  
Edgar Mugema Mulogo ◽  
Fred Norman Bagenda ◽  
Afsatou Traore ◽  
...  

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the bacteriological quality of water sources in the two rural areas of Uganda using the compartment bag test (CBT). In total, 200 water samples were collected from 69 different water sources and processed within 6 h of collection. Positive and negative controls were processed each day together with water samples. Physical parameters were measured in situ. Descriptive statistics were used to generate mean, minimum, maximum, standard deviations and percentages. The results indicated that 29% of the water sources met the National Standards and World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines for drinking water. Sixty percent of the borehole, 44% of gravitational flow taps and 14% of roof rain water met the required standards. Of the open water sources, 75% of the rivers, 50% of open channels and 43% of unprotected dug wells plus 25% of protected springs and 9% of gravitational flow schemes had most probable number counts &gt;100 Escherichia coli/100 mL of water. Most of the water sources in the study areas were not fit for human consumption without prior treatment. The CBT was found to be robust and easy to use in all field situations. The mean physical parameters of water sources were within the acceptable limits.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Goyitom Gebremedhn ◽  
Abera Aregawi Berhe ◽  
Abraham Aregay Desta ◽  
Lemlem Legesse

Abstract Background Fecal contamination of drinking water sources is the main cause of diarrhea with estimated incidence of 4.6 billion episodes and 2.2 million deaths every year. Methods A total of 145 water samples of different source type were collected from different areas in Tigray region from August 2018 to January 2019. The water samples from each site were selected purposively which involved sampling of water sources with the highest number of users and functionality status during the study period. Most Probable Number (MPN) protocol was used for the bacteriological analysis of the samples. Results A total of 145 water samples were collected from six zones in Tigray region, Ethiopia from August 2018 to January 2019. The study indicated that 63(43.5%) of the water samples were detected to have fecal coliform which is E.coli. In Mekelle city, which is the capital city of Tigray region, three in five 34(60.7%) of the collected samples were confirmed to have fecal coliform. Water samples from health facilities were 9.48 times [AOR=9.48, 95%CI: (1.59, 56.18)] more likely to have fecal coliform. Water samples from wells were 10.23 times [AOR=10.23, 95%CI: (2.74, 38.26)] more likely to have fecal coliform than water samples from Tap/Pipe. Similarly, water samples from hand pumps were 22.28 times [AOR=22.28, 95%CI: (1.26, 393.7)] more likely to have fecal coliform than water samples from Tap/Pipe. Water samples reported to be not chlorinated were 3.51 times [AOR=3.51, 95%CI: (1.35, 9.13)] more likely to have fecal coliform than water samples from chlorinated sources. Conclusion In this study all water source, including the chlorinated drinking water sources, were found highly contaminated with fecal origin bacteria. This may be mainly due to constructional defects, poor sanitation inspection, poor maintenance, intermittent water supply and irregular chlorination.


2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Modu Aji ◽  
Shettima Abba Kyar ◽  
Mustapha Hussaini

 The study involved the determination of some physiochemical and bacteriological properties in sachet-water samples taken within selected geopolitical wards in Jere and Maiduguri Metropolis. The purpose was to ascertain the quality of sachet water sold for consumption within the area. Ten samples were drawn, five from each study area. The samples were analysed for temperature, colour, turbidity, pH, conductivity, iron, total alkalinity and total dissolved solid. Bacteriological analysis was also carried out using multiple tube (most probable number) technique for enumeration of both total coli form count and differential Escherichia coli count. Other physical examination like volume, National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration number, batch number, production date and expiry date were also examined. The results obtained were compared with World Health Organization (WHO), NAFDAC and Nigeria Standard of Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ). Variations were observed among the entire samples in comparison with the standard. Some of the parameters conform to the standard like the Tempreture, pH, colour, odour, iron content and NAFDAC registration number while others like TDS, total alkalinity and volumetric quantity fell below the standard. The bacteriological analysis also showed that 80% of the samples studied revealed the presence of coliforms. Hence, there is need for regulatory agencies like NAFDAC and Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to intensify effort in the routine monitoring of quality of sachet water marketed for consumption.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v4i1.12177 International Journal of Environment Volume-4, Issue-1, Dec-Feb 2014/15, page: 48-57  


2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 511-517
Author(s):  
O.B. Ovonramwen

Physicochemical analyses of surface and groundwater samples from eleven different locations in Ugbomro and Iteregbi, Delta State, Nigeria were sampled and analyzed for physicochemical parameters according to standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater. The following  mean and standard deviation were obtained from the groundwater of the communities: temp (oC) 22.46 ± 0.50 and 23.23 ± 0.99, pH 6.63 ± 0.68 and6.69 ± 0.24, dissolved oxygen (DO) (mg/L) 5.91 ± 0.46 and 5.73 ± 0.46, chemical oxygen demand (COD) (mg/L) 4.24 ± 0.01 and 4.43 ± 0.10, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) (mg/L) 3.51 ± 0.38 and 3.84 ± 0.21, Turbidity (NTU) 1.22 ± 1.07 and 3.56 ± 0.77, electrical conductivity (EC) (μs/cm) 748.9 ± 215.79 and 786.67 ± 226.77, color (TCU) 1.22 ± 2.12 and 6.11 ± 2.11, total alkalinity (TA) (mg/L) 6.22 ± 7.38 and 14.11 ± 11.19, HCO3- (mg/L) 6.22 ± 7.38 and 14.11 ± 11.19, NO3 - (mg/L) 1.13 ± 0.62 and 2.89 ± 1.25, total solids (TS) (mg/L) 489.09 ± 180.17 and 664.95 ± 373.37, total suspended solids (TSS) (mg/L) 32.25 ± 24.29 and 123.86 ± 82.79, total dissolved solids (TDS) (mg/L) 456.78 ± 163.73 and 542.20 ± 450.66, Cl- (mg/L) 21.20 ± 3.20 and 20.10 ± 3.89, total hardness (TH) (mg/L) 26.67 ± 22.83 and 46.78 ± 36.17, Na (mg/L) 1.26 ± 0.06 and 1.16 ± 0.04, K (mg/L) 0.04 ± 0.01 and 0.06 ± 0.03, Mg (mg/L) 4.32 ± 3.23 and 6.96 ± 5.49, Ca (mg/L) 8.68 ± 9.35 and 18.12 ± 13.71 respectively. The results obtained were subjected to statistical analysis and compared with the standard set by the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) and the World Health Organization (WHO) for water samples. Some of the parameters did not meet the standards, hence the need for treatment. The present physio-chemical analyses of surface and groundwater quality of the two neighboring university areas, Ugbomro and Iteregbi, were done to assess the environmental status of  the environment before socio-economic impacts. Keywords: physicochemical, surface water, groundwater, water quality


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Farooque Lanjwani ◽  
Muhammad Yar Khuhawar ◽  
Taj Muhammad Jahangir Khuhawar

AbstractThe study examines the water quality of Shahdadkot, Qubo Saeed Khan and Sijawal Junejo talukas of Qambar Shahdadkot District, less affected by industrial contamination. A total of 38 groundwater samples were collected and analysed for 28 parameters. The results indicated that 57.89% samples were not suitable for drinking purpose with total dissolved solids above than maximum permissible limit of World Health Organization (WHO) (1000 mg/L). The pH, total phosphate, orthophosphate and nitrite were within WHO limits. The concentration of essential metals more than half samples, fluoride in 60.52% and heavy metals 0–50% were contaminated higher than permissible limits of WHO. The statistical analysis of water quality parameters was also carried out to evaluate coefficient of determination among the parameters, cluster analysis and principal component analysis. Water quality determined for irrigation based on Kelly index (KI), sodium percentage (Na%), chloride–sulphate ratio, sodium adsorption ratio, permeability index (PI), chloroalkaline indices 1 (CAI-1), residual sodium carbonate and chloride bicarbonate ratio indicated that samples (55 to 100%) could be used for irrigation purposes. The consumption of water with high concentration of salts and fluoride above the permissible limits may be a cause of a number of diseases in the area.


Water ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 2162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyatt Green ◽  
Daniel Weller ◽  
Stephanie Johnson ◽  
Edward Michalenko

Fecal contamination of waterbodies due to poorly managed human and animal waste is a pervasive problem that can be particularly costly to address, especially if mitigation strategies are ineffective at sufficiently reducing the level of contamination. Identifying the most worrisome sources of contamination is particularly difficult in periurban streams with multiple land uses and requires the distinction of municipal, agricultural, domestic pet, and natural (i.e., wildlife) wastes. Microbial source-tracking (MST) methods that target host-specific members of the bacterial order Bacteroidales and others have been used worldwide to identify the origins of fecal contamination. We conducted a dry-weather study of Onondaga Creek, NY, where reducing fecal contamination has been approached mainly by mitigating combined sewer overflow events (CSOs). Over three sampling dates, we measured in-stream concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria; MST markers targeting human, ruminant, and canine sources; and various physical–chemical parameters to identify contaminants not attributable to CSOs or stormwater runoff. We observed that despite significant ruminant inputs upstream, these contaminants eventually decayed and/or were diluted out and that high levels of urban bacterial contamination are most likely due to failing infrastructure and/or illicit discharges independent of rain events. Similar dynamics may control other streams that transition from agricultural to urban areas with failing infrastructure.


2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. eaau9124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katariina M. M. Pärnänen ◽  
Carlos Narciso-da-Rocha ◽  
David Kneis ◽  
Thomas U. Berendonk ◽  
Damiano Cacace ◽  
...  

Integrated antibiotic resistance (AR) surveillance is one of the objectives of the World Health Organization global action plan on antimicrobial resistance. Urban wastewater treatment plants (UWTPs) are among the most important receptors and sources of environmental AR. On the basis of the consistent observation of an increasing north-to-south clinical AR prevalence in Europe, this study compared the influent and final effluent of 12 UWTPs located in seven countries (Portugal, Spain, Ireland, Cyprus, Germany, Finland, and Norway). Using highly parallel quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we analyzed 229 resistance genes and 25 mobile genetic elements. This first trans-Europe surveillance showed that UWTP AR profiles mirror the AR gradient observed in clinics. Antibiotic use, environmental temperature, and UWTP size were important factors related with resistance persistence and spread in the environment. These results highlight the need to implement regular surveillance and control measures, which may need to be appropriate for the geographic regions.


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