Assessment of faecal contamination in selected concrete and earthen ponds stocked with Clarias gariepinus

Background This study was carried out to monitor the levels of faecal pollution markers in catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and their growing waters in selected earthen and concrete ponds. Water and catfish samples were collected weekly in the months of February, March, April, May, June and July, 2019. The concentrations of enteric bacteria in the water and catfish samples were determined using membrane filtration and pour plate methods, respectively. The rate of bioaccumulation of faecal indicator bacteria was obtained by dividing the log concentration of each organism in catfish by the corresponding log concentration in the growing waters. Result The concentration of faecal coliforms in catfish samples from concrete and earthen ponds ranged from 1.41 to 2.28 log10 CFU/100 ml and 1.3 to 2.47 log10 CFU/100 ml respectively and in growing waters from the concrete and earthen ponds; 1.43 to 2.41 log10 CFU/100 ml and 1.50 to 2.80 log10 CFU/100 ml respectively. Faecal coliforms exhibited positive relationships with alkalinity in water samples from the earthen (r = 0.61) and concrete ponds (r = 0.62). Salmonella and faecal coliforms had the highest and least bioaccumulation in catfish raised in earthen pond, respectively, whereas Salmonella and enterococci had the highest and least bioaccumulation in catfish raised in concrete pond, respectively. Faecal coliforms and E. coli had the highest and least counts in water samples from the earthen pond during the dry and wet months, Salmonella and E. coli had the highest and least counts in water samples from the concrete pond during the dry and wet months. Conclusion There were high levels of bacterial faecal pollution markers in water and C. gariepinus from the earthen and concrete ponds. Physicochemical characteristics of the water and seasonality played major roles in the rate of bioaccumulation of the faecal pollution markers in C. gariepinus raised in the earthen and concrete ponds.

Assessment of surface water quality of Onuiyieke river in Imo State, Nigeria

This research aimed to assess the surface water of Onuiyieke River to ascertain its quality status. Measurements were made on samples collected from seven locations with 500ml sample bottles according to standard methods. Samples for heavy metals were collected in 250ml bottle and fixed with concentrated HN03. Descriptive analysis, variation plots, ANOVA, Duncan Multiple Range tests, Principal Components Analysis (PCA), Pearson Correlation (r) and Water Quality Index (WQI) were used to analyze data. Mean values of the parameters obtained were: Total Suspended Solids (TSS) 198.19 ± 80.93mg/L; Electrical Conductivity (EC) 331.81 ± 59.78µ; Turbidity 18.84 ± 2.22 NTU; Nitrate ions 14.77 ± 0.92mg/L; Dissolved Oxygen (DO) 6.58 ± O.22mg/L and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) 1.77 ± 0.10mg/L. Mean values of the Trace Metals obtained were: Iron (Fe) 1.93 ± 0.23mg/L; Magnesium (Mg)0.22 ± 0.02mg/L and Calcium (Ca) 15.15 ± 1.87mg/L while the mean value of Faecal Coliform was 1.91 ± O.10MPN/100. pH, EC, TSS, BOD, turbidity, N03-, Ammonia, Fe and Faecal coliforms exceeded the NESREA and WHO maximum permissible limits. There were significant spatial differences in levels of TDS, EC, NO3, NH3, DO and Faecal coliforms (Sig F=0.000 to 0.039) and significant temporal differences in levels of PO43- (Sig F= 0.078 to 1000) between the control and other locations at p<0.05. Four Principal Components (PCs) formed the extraction solution with a cumulative percentage variability of about 77.67%. The Water Quality Index revealed that the rating for the water quality across the sampling locations was between excellent and unsuitable. Appropriate monitoring procedures for the sustainable development of the river should also be put in place.

Assessment of Groundwater Quality in Areas Surrounding Thundulu Phosphate Mine, Phalombe District, Malawi

Water is one of the renewable resources essential for sustaining all forms of life and quality of drinking water is very fundamental for human health. Human activities such as mining act as sources of water contamination which consequently lead to ecological, environmental and health problems. To the best of our knowledge, no study has been conducted around the Thundulu Phosphate Mine to establish the quality of drinking water. In this regard, this study was carried out to evaluate the physico-chemical water quality parameters of areas surrounding the Thundulu Phosphate Mine in Phalombe District. Groundwater samples from the villages surrounding the Phosphate Mine were collected both during the wet and dry seasons for analysis of physico-chemical water quality parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, nitrate, chloride, sulphate, fluoride, iron, calcium and magnesium). The study also investigated microbiological water characteristics mainly Escherichia coli and faecal coliforms. Results showed that pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, nitrate, chloride, sulphate, phosphate, calcium and magnesium complied with the national and international standards set by Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) and World Health Organization (WHO). As regards to microbiological characteristics, it was revealed that water from three sources (B2, B3 and B4) was contaminated with Escherichia coli and faecal coliforms. Keywords: Physico-chemical; Groundwater; Phalombe; Borehole; Electrical Conductivity; Turbidity; Phosphate;

Physicochemical and Bacteriological Properties of Surface Waters from two Localities in Rivers State, Nigeria

This study investigated the physicochemical and bacteriological properties of surface waters from Bori and Okoli’ile towns in Rivers State, Nigeria. A total of 360 brackish water samples were collected from January to December, 2019 from the two localities. Samples were subjected to physicochemical, trace elements and bacteriological examinations. Isolated colonies from microbiological examinations were subjected to further biochemical and physiological characterization. The result showed pH mean values were higher in the month of January to March, a period where rainfall is less frequent (dry months). Similar trend of occurrence was observed in the monthly mean values of temperature (0C) and salinity (mg/L). Most of the physicochemical indices of water quality measurement recorded average values exceeding the stipulated acceptable environmental tolerance limits by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The microbiological examinations showed lower monthly mean values of total heterotrophic count, total coliforms and faecal coliforms counts during the wet months with statistically significant difference (P<0.05) when compared to the average values obtained in the dry months. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient showed high relationship between total heterotrophic count and faecal coliforms, an indication of increase in human wastes into aquatic environments leading to higher bacterial population within the waterbody, which could be a predisposing factor for epidemic. It is recommended that local and regional governments should enforce appropriate measures to encourage personal and community practice of hygiene.

Detection of Bacteriological Contaminants in Hand-Pump Fitted Borehole Water from a Residential Suburb in Ringim Local Government, Jigawa State

Water from borehole source can be contaminated due to indiscriminate waste disposal. This pilot study was conducted to assess the bacteriological quality of water from five (5) hand-pump-fitted borehole sources present in Sabon Gari quarters in Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State. Presumptive, confirmed and completed tests were employed to determine total and faecal coliforms from the water samples using most probable number (MPN) technique. Bacterial isolates were identified by standard microbiologicalmethods. Results obtained indicate that all the water samples across all the dilution strengths tested recorded substantial growth of total coliforms at 37.3°C while faecal coliforms were observed at 44°C after incubation for 48 h. Using the MPN table, the five water samples assayed recorded 50 MPN/100mL, 14 MPN/100mL, 3 MPN/100mL, 5 MPN/100mL and 1 MPN/100mL. Results were also positive for gas and acid production in all samples collected characteristic of presence of E. coli. The results obtained in this study show bacterial contamination of the water from the boreholes which may constitute a public health risk. It is therefore recommended that the water pumped from these boreholes should be subjected to adequate treatment to meet World Health Organization (WHO) required standard for potable water meant for drinking. Keywords: Boreholes, hand pump, most probable number, total coliforms and faecal coliforms.

Development of a simple, rapid multiplex PCR tool kit by using 16S rRNA gene for the identification of faecal and non-faecal coli forms in the drinking waters

A multiplex method for the detection of faecal and non-faecal coliforms in drinking water was developed using three primers from the V2, V3 and V9 variable regions of 16S rRNA gene. 194F, 474F and 1436R are the three primers designed for specific amplification of V2, V3, V9 hyper variable regions of 16S rRNA gene. Multiplex PCR allowed for differentiation of the total coliform from faecal coliform by specific amplicons: 1,285 bp of amplicon is specific for 6 non-faecal coliform genera and 1,009 bp of amplicon is specific for faecal coliform ie. E. coli. If the drinking water was contaminated with both faecal and non-faecal coliforms then two amplicons of 1,285 bp and 1,009 bp by combination of three primers are observed. The multiplex PCR assay based on 16S rRNA gene should be a beneficial tool kit for the rapid identification of the total coliforms in the large number of water samples compared with traditional methods. Results can be acquired within 3 hrs of time as compared with classic method of MPN (3–4 days). This assay will be useful in diversification and detection of seven genera of total coliforms by using variable regions of 16S rRNA.

Combined Iron-Loaded Zeolites and Ozone-Based Process for the Purification of Drinking Water in a Novel Hybrid Reactor: Removal of Faecal Coliforms and Arsenic

This study was carried out to provide a novel solution to treat drinking water at household levels, specifically removing arsenic (As) and faecal coliforms (microbes). In the current investigation, a synergistic iron-loaded zeolites and ozonation process (O3/Fe-ZA) was used for the first time in a modified batch reactor to remove coliform bacteria and arsenic in tap water. Moreover, the study utilizes the human health risk assessment model to confirm the health risk due to As intake in drinking water. The risk assessment study revealed a health risk threat among the residents suffering from the adverse effects of As through its intake in drinking water. Furthermore, the results also suggested that the O3/Fe-ZA process significantly removes faecal coliforms and As, when compared with single ozonation processes. Additionally, the ozone dose 0.2 mg/min and Fe-ZA dose of 10 g (in the O3/Fe-ZA process) gives the maximum removal efficiency of 100% within 15 min for faecal coliform removal. In 30 min, the removal efficiency of 88.4% was achieved at the ozone dose of 0.5 mg/min and 93% removal efficiency was achieved using 10 g Fe-ZA for the removal of As in the O3/Fe-ZA process. Hence, it was concluded that the O3/Fe-ZA process may be regarded as an effective method for removing faecal coliforms and As from drinking water compared to the single ozonation processes.

Factors Associated with Bacterial Contamination of Poultry Meat at Butcher Shops in Biskra, Algeria

The latest available data indicate that since 2018, poultry has been the most widely consumed meat in the world. However, poultry meat is frequently highly contaminated with microorganisms. Total viable count (TVC), which is also called total aerobic mesophilic bacteria (TAMB), is an indicator of bacterial quality. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors associated with bacterial contamination of poultry meat at butcher shops. The study was carried out from January 2018 to July 2020 and included 10 butcher shops in Biskra (Algeria). Different poultry meat samples (n=159) were purchased from butcher shops, prior to and after the outbreak of COVID-19. Each sample was tested for TAMB and faecal coliforms. In this study, one independent variable was quantitative, which is the contamination of poultry meat by faecal coliforms, and nine variables were categorical: whole carcass packed at the slaughterhouse or cut at butcher shop, sample type: thigh skin, thigh meat, neck skin, liver, turkey escalope, and before or after the outbreak of COVID-19. Descriptive statistics, multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and multiple linear regression were used to examine if the various factors identified were associated with the bacterial contamination of poultry meat. The average level of contamination of poultry meat by TAMB was: 6.40 ± 0.81 log10 CFU/g. MCA results with graphical representations of qualitative and quantitative variables show the interfactor relationships. The multiple regression model explained 48.6% of the TAMB variations and estimated TAMB contamination of poultry meat according to the equation: Y= 0.477 X1 + (- 0.639) X2 + (- 0.557) X3 + (- 0.295) X4 +5.522; Y (TAMB in log10 CFU/g), X1 (faecal coliforms in log10 CFU/g), X2 (Before/after COVID-19), X3 (Turkey escalope), X4 (Carcass/cut). Identifying the factors associated with bacterial contamination of poultry meat is necessary to implement effective preventive measures in butcher shops, thus significantly reducing contamination levels and providing customers with high quality poultry meat.

Analisis kepadatan bakteri coliform di Sungai Siak (sekitar perumahan sari residence Kota Pekanbaru)

Faecal coliforms are indicative bacteria of fecal contamination. If the bacteria are found in the waters so that the waters has been polluted and can not be used as a source of drinking water. The research has been conducted from April to June 2014 at Sari Residence Housing which located in Siak riverbanks by using survey method. Densitydata of water coliform bacteria the preliminary test and assertion test in the laboratory according to SNI 2897-2008. Data analysis is using ANOVA statistics and compared with the water quality standards according to the Indonesian Government Regulation No. 82 year 2001 on the Management of Water Quality and Water Pollution ControlClass I and Class II. The results showed that the density of coliform bacteria in the Siak River (around Sari Residence Housing Pekanbaru city) ranged between 11267-15650jml/ 100mL and pass the drinking water quality standards and require special handlingfor the use of water. Siak River water (around Sari Residence Housing Pekanbaru city)not feasible for consumption according to PP 82 year 2001 class I and II on the drinkingwater requirements of 1000 jml/100mL and 5000 jml/100m