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Monitoring Strategies to Characterize Water Quality
Published in Edwin E. Geldreich, Microbial Quality of Water Supply in Distribution Systems, 2020
When total coliform bacteria are detected in either a routine or repeat sample, the laboratory must detennine by further examination of the culture, whether fecal coliform or E. coli are present. The detection of fecal coliform, the predominant organism being E. coli, indicates a high probability that fecal contamination has mixed with the water supply. Information acquired on the suspect origins of these coliforms, field data collected on chlorine residuals, and site inspection of the pipeline section and associated service connections is needed to formulate the proper response that also involves a decision on public notification. While not absolute, there is sufficient risk of pathogen occurrence to warrant a notification to the public that fecal contamination has been detected in a portion of the distribution system and a recommendation made to boil water until new laboratory data have verified the contamination no longer exists in the pipe network. The chance that a fecal contamination event is part of a biofilm occurrence is remote because E. coli requires more nutrient support than biofilm organisms, does not effectively encapsulate, and is sensitive to free chlorine residuals (0.2 mg/I) often found in distribution water.
Microbial Analysis
Published in Pradyot Patnaik, Handbook of Environmental Analysis, 2017
Total coliforms (TCs) include a group of bacteria that generally are not harmful to humans. Coliform bacteria are not disease causing organisms. However, they are found to occur in small concentrations, associated with disease-causing microorganisms, known as pathogens that cause infectious waterborne diseases. The tests for TCs, therefore, are used as primary indicators to determine whether or not the water is suitable for drinking. Such tests also determine the adequacy of the water treatment process and integrity of the water distribution system. Coliform bacteria occur in the intestines of warm blooded mammals, including humans. They are found in soils and many surface waters, the primary source being human and animal wastes, and medical wastes. They are found in vegetation and other environmental matrices. The term TCs also include the fecal coliforms, a subgroup of bacteria that are present specifically in the gut and feces of warm-blooded animals. E. coli is a subgroup of fecal coliforms that are also harmless bacteria and exist in the intestines of humans and warm-blooded animals. Some strains, however, can cause illness. The presence of E. coli in the water may indicate recent fecal contaminations and thereby implying a risk of presence of pathogens in the water.
Inorganic Chemicals in Drinking Water
Published in Joseph Cotruvo, Drinking Water Quality and Contaminants Guidebook, 2019
There are simple to use and inexpensive colorimetric test kits available for quick measurements of nitrate and nitrite. For example, some companies sell suitable test strips and color comparison tests for drinking water that are very low cost. Carefully follow the directions and be sure whether the reading is as nitrate, NO3−; nitrite, NO2−; or as N. If a more accurate test result is required, water samples can be sent to a certified laboratory for analysis, but those costs can be about $15 or $20 per sample. There are also simple tests for coliform bacteria that can be conducted at commercial or local public health laboratories, or even on-site using a Colilert-type test kit.
Application of hazard analysis and critical control points concept for rural bottled drinking water production process
Published in Urban Water Journal, 2022
Phatcharaporn Phusomya, Rapeepan Yongyod
As no chemical disinfection of the drinking water is planned, consecutive treatment steps (UV) are necessary to obtain the desired microbiological quality. This study revealed that total coliform bacteria, fecal coliform bacteria and E. coli were contaminants in the drinking water. The presence of these pathogens in the final drinking water by membrane leakage in the RO units, absorbance of UV by shielding are considered to be the main risk containing hazards (Dewettinck et al. 2001). The removal of pathogenic microorganisms in drinking water requires a fully functional UV treatment involving: the regular maintenance (lamp current and lamp age) and replacement of lamps, modifications or changes as necessary to UV equipment and regularly monitoring the UV transmittance, with workers being supervised to strictly abide by the regulations and standards. The disinfection process is very important as drinking water contaminated with pathogens such as viruses, protozoa and bacteria can be the cause of dysentery, cholera and diarrheal in consumers.
Geochemical evolution and quality assessment of groundwater resources at the downstream section of the Kano-Challawa River system, Northwest Nigeria
Published in International Journal of River Basin Management, 2021
Adamu Mustapha, Balarabe Sarki Sagagi, Mohammed Mala Daura, Adamu Idris Tanko, Philip Ogbonnia Phil-Eze, Hamza Ahmad Isiyaka
The sources of total and faecal coliform in groundwater may include agricultural runoff, effluent from septic systems or sewage discharge, and infiltration of domestic or wild animal faecal matter; poor well maintenance and construction (particularly shallow dug wells) can also increase the risk of bacteria and other harmful organisms getting into a groundwater supply (Isiyaka et al.2018). Coliforms are generally harmless, but some coliforms may cause illness in humans and the presence of coliforms at any concentration is an indication that other harmful micro-organisms may be present. Faecal coliforms, such as E. coli, and other types of harmful bacteria are found in animal and human waste, and when detected they are indicators of water supply contamination. Ingestion of water containing coliform bacteria increases the risk of contracting a water-borne illness.
Impact of land-use patterns on water quality characteristics of Rambiarrah stream in Kashmir Himalaya
Published in International Journal of River Basin Management, 2023
Sheikh Tajamul Islam, Sami Ullah Bhat, Aadil Hamid, Ashok Kumar Pandit, Inam Sabha
The dissolved inorganic nitrogen forms (NO3-N, NO2-N, and NH3-N) and dissolved phosphate are considered critical nutrients for the proper functioning of aquatic ecosystems (Allan & Castillo, 2007), but their higher concentration leads to nutrient enrichment which enhances Eutrophication. All the nutrients (TP, OP, NO3-N, NO2-N, and NH3-N) followed an increasing trend from upstream to downstream sites and retained dominant concentration at downstream sites. Higher concentrations of NO3-N and TP indicate higher anthropogenic influences at downstream segments, due to municipal and domestic discharges, agricultural runoff containing fertilizers, and livestock releases (Hamid et al., 2020; Bhat et al., 2021a; Bhat et al., 2021b; Vilmin et al., 2018; Pant et al., 2021b). Microbial and pathogenic pollution jeopardize surface waters when used for drinking purposes and coliform bacterial count acts as a common indicator for the assessment of water quality for human health (Moshi et al., 2022). The presence of bacterial coliform counts at mid and downstream sites depicts higher anthropogenic stress at these sites. Coliform bacteria act as indicators of pathogenic bacteria and highlight human or animal fecal waste contamination. These sites are characterized by a higher population, direct inflow of household sewage, and agricultural runoffs. Temporally TC and FC was having a prominent presence, mostly during summer and autumn seasons. Increased temperature coupled with decreased current velocity and increased nutrient concentration from household and agriculture activities are major reasons for the presence of TC and FC during these seasons (Aram et al., 2021; Qayoom et al., 2022; Soo et al., 2016).