Microbial Water Quality

Bacterial populations inhabiting pharmaceutical grade water systems were investigated over a fifteen year period. The systems analyzed were mains water, purified and Water-for-Injection (WFI). Samples of water were tested by membrane filtration and the samples cultured using R2A agar. Culture based methods and phenotypic identification methods were used to characterize the isolates. The research was undertaken to produce an in-depth study of the microbiota of pharmaceutical grade water systems. The results presented act as a benchmark for industrial and pharmaceutical microbiologists to review comparable systems against, as well as to present a review of the typical culturable microorganisms recoverable from pharmaceutical water systems.

Microbiological quality control of pharmaceutical water systems is of importance in ensuring that trends in contamination are detected and responded to. This is not least because water is a niche environment for many types of microorganisms and a vector for their transfer. Trending relates to actual microbial counts recorded, incidents and the types of species recovered. To facilitate species identification, microorganisms need to be subcultured from the isolation medium (Reasoner’s 2A (R2A) agar in Europe). Transfer onto the wrong media can result in the microorganism not growing. This paper describes research into three different media for subculturing: low nutrient (R2A); highly nutritious (tryptone soya agar) and medium nutrient (R3A) and concludes that a higher recovery is obtained where R3A agar is used.

Supply of safe drinking-water is world-wide considered to be an important issue for public health safety and must
be the key objective of water supply systems. The aim of this research is to analyze the supply water quality in urban
water supply system of Bangladesh. This research was conducted in two Pourashava water supply systems namely
Barguna Pourashava and Faridpur Pourashava of Bangladesh. Some concerned chemical, biological and physical
parameters were tested for an initial assessment of the water quality of the source water. A total of ten ground water
based production well's water samples were examined in those two Pourashava. A total of nine samples, one from
each ward were collected form the entry point of the supply water to the user's house were analyzed for E. coli which
represented the quality of the piped water. A total of three water samples were collected from each of the ward for
microbiological (FC) quality analysis. Millipore microbiological field testing kits was used for E. coli testing, DR 2800
HACH spectrophotometer was used for determination of manganese, iron, and nitrate and Wegtech Digital Arsenator
was used for arsenic determination. Physical parameters were tested by HACH potable instruments. The light brown
yellowish color created an aesthetic problem among the water users of Barguna Pourashava. In addition, the fecal
contamination rate was very high. The findings of E. coli analysis of Barguna Pourashava supply water indicated that
11% have intermediate risk, 37% have high risk and 52% have very high risk considering the health. The water of the
production wells of Faridpur Pourashava has high concentration of the arsenic, iron and E. coli. The household's storage
water sample analysis result indicated that 48%, 44% and 7% have very high risk, high risk and intermediate risk from
the health point of view.

Water is a prime mover of all activities and essential feature for all
modern developments. Water is distributed in different forms, such
as rain water, river water, spring water and mineral water. Rain water
is considered to be the purest form, however, is associated with
dissolved gases such as CO2, SO2, NH3 etc., from atmosphere. Water
used for Industrial development and municipal purposes, it is better
to ensure the quality of water for these purposes. There is influence
of Industrial waste. Sewage on the water quality, the waste products
can change the water Chemistry. Water gives life to Industries, but,
Industries kill the water Chemistry. The waste water which emerges
out after uses from industries have no definite composition, the
pollutants associated with industrial effluents such as organic matter,
inorganic dissolved solids, fertilizer materials, suspended solids,
heavy metals from toxic pollutants and micro organisms and also
pathogens. The industrial wastes are responsible for water color,
turbidity, odour, hardness, toxic elements, bacteria and micro
organisms. Industrial wastes contain poisonous chemicals which are
difficult to remove from its homogeneous solution state.

Increasing human population coupled with their daily activities has continued to impact on the quality of surface and underground water bodies. Hence, the need to assess the portability of some major sources of drinking water. In the study, the two major sources of drinking water (Hand dug wells and boreholes) within Amai Kingdom, one of the major growing communities in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, and currently hosting Novena University Campus, where analysed microbiologically to ascertain their portability. A total of 60 water samples were collected from the available boreholes and hand dug well sited within the five major quarters in Amai town, namely Umuekum, Umubu, Amai-Nge, Ishikaguma and Umuosele, and analysed for total heterotrophic microbial (bacterial and fungal) counts, coliforms and faecal coliforms using standard plate count and most probable number (MPN) techniques. The results where compared with WHO standard for drinking water sources. The mean total heterotrophic bacterial counts (THBC) were found to range from 8.0 x 10 1 – 6.4 x 10 3 cfu/ml for borehole water samples and 1.9 x 10 2 – 2.5 x 10 4 cfu/ml for well water samples. The total heterotrophic fungal counts (THFC) ranged from 0-2.0 x 10 2 cfu/ml and 0 – 6.0 x 10 2 cfu/ml respectively. Statistical analysis revealed that the THBCs were significantly higher (p<0.05) in well waters than in borehole water samples. Coliforms were present in all the water samples examined up to levels of 9-26 MPN/100ml, while a few borehole and entire well waters samples demonstrated positive results to faecal coliform test. The dominant bacterial genera encountered were sp. and Pseudomonas sp., while the fungal isolates were Penicillium sp. and Rhizopus sp. Comparing the findings with zero coliform count per 100 ml of water samples according to WHO standard for portable water, suggest that the microbial qualities of drinking waters from some borehole and majority of hand dug wells in Amai Kingdom are poor and possess threat to public health. Hence, simple water treatment method such as boiling, regular disinfection and cleaning of borehole storage vessels or tanks as well as general public education on proper disposal of sewage are recommended in the study area.

The microbial quality of fifteen pre was analyzed. The distribution of the bacterial isolates were (100%), Pseudomonas spp 13 (86.67%), 6 (40%).The fungi isolates were distributed as follows: Fusarium spp 8 (53.33%) and Saccharomyces cerevisae 1.40 ×10 5 to 2.70 ×10 5 cfu/g, while the total coliform count ranged from 0.33 ×10 Staphylococcal aureus count was 6.0×10 ranged from 2.67×10 3 to 5.67×10 3 . are recommended in order to avoid risks associated with the consumption of contaminated fruits.

Background: The rapid population growth coupled with massive infrastructure development in the city of Lusaka has resulted into the extensive use of contaminated ground water leading to adverse health effects on human health. Aim: This study was conducted to assess the levels of microbial contamination in boreholes water in Libala South of Lusaka District. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Libala South Township involving 64 households. Households were randomly sampled using stratified systematic method. Borehole water samples were collected, and analyzed for microbial contamination at the Food and Drugs Laboratory, Lusaka. The samples were tested for the presence of coliforms and Escherichia coli bacteria by using Colitag™ testing kit and the confirmation was done using multiple tube fermentation method. Results: The study revealed that 31% and 48.5% of the boreholes were contaminated with Escherichia coli and coliforms, respectively. Conclusion: Almost half of the borehole water in Libala South is contaminated with harmful bacteria and poses a public health risk to the residents who opt to use it for drinking and cleaning foods.

The overall quality, anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity of minimally fresh processed arils of the sweet 'Mollar of Elche' pomegranate cv. (Punica granatum, Punicaceae), harvested at two different dates, and stored under modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) at 5 • C was assessed. Hand extracted, chlorine disinfected, rinsed and dried pomegranate arils were exposed to 0.56, 1.13, 2.27, 4.54, 9.08 or 13.62 kJ/m 2 UV-C radiation doses. Minimally fresh processed arils were packed in polypropylene baskets (125 g each), sealed on the top with bioriented polypropylene to generate a passive MAP, and stored up to 13 or 15 days at 5 • C. The respiration rate of fresh processed arils was higher in the late harvested than in earlier harvested fruit. The UV-C radiation did not significantly affect the respiration rate of fresh processed arils. Unclear results were obtained on the effect of the UV-C radiation on the microbial growth of minimally processed arils. Some of the applied UV-C treatments reduced mesophilic, psychrotrophic, lactic acid and Enterobacteriaceae counts. However, microbial counts were not systematically reduced throughout the shelf life. In addition, UV-C treated arils showed higher bacterial counts in a few cases. Yeasts and moulds were unaffected by the UV-C treatments. The limit of visual quality acceptance to consumers was reached after 14 days in arils from earlier harvested fruit and after 10 days in late harvested. In this latter case, the end of the shelf life according to sensory quality was coincident with the end of the shelf life according to the Spanish microbial legal limit. The harvest date of the pomegranates will affect several quality parameters for minimally fresh processed arils at the end of their shelf life.

This paper reviewed aquatic ecosystem pollution with particular reference to pathogens in water, sediment and fish and their human health concerns. It highlighted the historical perspective of the relationship between microbes and humans regarding the "ranging war" between them, arising from the reckless exploitation of the biosphere by humans and the resultant "revolt" by microbes in the form of various pathogenic diseases that now plague mankind. Also highlighted are pathogens and diseases in both wild and cultured fish, citing reported cases in Nigeria to include Samonella, Shigella and Leptospira spp.,

The overall quality, anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity of minimally fresh processed arils of the sweet 'Mollar of Elche' pomegranate cv. (Punica granatum, Punicaceae), harvested at two different dates, and stored under modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) at 5 • C was assessed. Hand extracted, chlorine disinfected, rinsed and dried pomegranate arils were exposed to 0.56, 1.13, 2.27, 4.54, 9.08 or 13.62 kJ/m 2 UV-C radiation doses. Minimally fresh processed arils were packed in polypropylene baskets (125 g each), sealed on the top with bioriented polypropylene to generate a passive MAP, and stored up to 13 or 15 days at 5 • C. The respiration rate of fresh processed arils was higher in the late harvested than in earlier harvested fruit. The UV-C radiation did not significantly affect the respiration rate of fresh processed arils. Unclear results were obtained on the effect of the UV-C radiation on the microbial growth of minimally processed arils. Some of the applied UV-C treatments reduced mesophilic, psychrotrophic, lactic acid and Enterobacteriaceae counts. However, microbial counts were not systematically reduced throughout the shelf life. In addition, UV-C treated arils showed higher bacterial counts in a few cases. Yeasts and moulds were unaffected by the UV-C treatments. The limit of visual quality acceptance to consumers was reached after 14 days in arils from earlier harvested fruit and after 10 days in late harvested. In this latter case, the end of the shelf life according to sensory quality was coincident with the end of the shelf life according to the Spanish microbial legal limit. The harvest date of the pomegranates will affect several quality parameters for minimally fresh processed arils at the end of their shelf life.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the microbial quality and associated health risk of raw milk stored at surrounding intermediaries of Hyderabad Pakistan. The microbial quality assessment of marketed raw milk was undertaking by evaluating 120 raw milk samples from selling points i.e. at farm level, dairies and retailer level each containing (n=40) samples in Hyderabad city. All samples were evaluated for total viable (TV), coliforms and yeasts-molds counts. TV Count appeared significantly (P<0.05) high in milk stored before sale at large dairy farms compared to that of milk at small dairy farms. Total count in dairy farms milk samples (1.08x10 5 ±3.27x10 3 cfu/ml) was comparatively lower than that of retailer shops (1.30x10 5 ±5.80x10 2 cfu/ml) and dairies (1.18 x 10 5 ± 6.56 x 10 2 cfu/ml). Moreover, total viable count of milk samples obtained from dairy farms and dairies was non-significant but significantly lower (P<0.05) than that of retailer shops. The average coliform count of retailer shops milk samples (5.06 x 10 4 ± 8.86 x 10 3 cfu/ml) was comparatively higher (P<0.05) than that of dairies (4.59 x 10 4 ± 6.91 x 10 2 cfu/ml) and dairy farm milk samples (4.24 x 10 4 ± 7.60 x 10 3 cfu/ml), respectively. While the coliform count in all milk samples of different intermediaries was significantly different (P<0.05) Int.

The overall quality, anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity of minimally fresh processed arils of the sweet 'Mollar of Elche' pomegranate cv. (Punica granatum, Punicaceae), harvested at two different dates, and stored under modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) at 5 • C was assessed. Hand extracted, chlorine disinfected, rinsed and dried pomegranate arils were exposed to 0.56, 1.13, 2.27, 4.54, 9.08 or 13.62 kJ/m 2 UV-C radiation doses. Minimally fresh processed arils were packed in polypropylene baskets (125 g each), sealed on the top with bioriented polypropylene to generate a passive MAP, and stored up to 13 or 15 days at 5 • C. The respiration rate of fresh processed arils was higher in the late harvested than in earlier harvested fruit. The UV-C radiation did not significantly affect the respiration rate of fresh processed arils. Unclear results were obtained on the effect of the UV-C radiation on the microbial growth of minimally processed arils. Some of the applied UV-C treatments reduced mesophilic, psychrotrophic, lactic acid and Enterobacteriaceae counts. However, microbial counts were not systematically reduced throughout the shelf life. In addition, UV-C treated arils showed higher bacterial counts in a few cases. Yeasts and moulds were unaffected by the UV-C treatments. The limit of visual quality acceptance to consumers was reached after 14 days in arils from earlier harvested fruit and after 10 days in late harvested. In this latter case, the end of the shelf life according to sensory quality was coincident with the end of the shelf life according to the Spanish microbial legal limit. The harvest date of the pomegranates will affect several quality parameters for minimally fresh processed arils at the end of their shelf life.

In order to investigate the ability of Fluorocult-supplemented TSC agar (TSCF (Fluorocult supplemented TSC-agar): prepared from Tryptose Sulfite Cycloserine Agar Base (Merck), D-cycloserine (Fluka Chemika, USA), and fluorocult TSC-Agar supplement (Merck)) for detecting spores of Clostridium perfringens in water, we analyzed groundwater samples, pretreated by heating to 80 jC/5 min, using this fluorogenic medium together with five other media: mCP agar (Panreac; Cultimed), TSC agar (Merck, Germany), TSN agar (Merck), and SPS agar (BBL, USA) by the membrane filtration technique, and Wilson -Blair agar (WB) following the still-in-force Spanish official method. Variance analysis of the data obtained shows statistically significant differences in the counts obtained between media employed in this work. The C. perfringens spore counts on mCP agar were significantly lower ( P<0.05) than the corresponding values of TSC, TSCF, SPS, and WB media. No statistically significant differences were found between C. perfringens spore counts on TSCF compared with those of other methods used. On the other hand, the identification of typical and atypical colonies isolated from all media demonstrated that fluorogenic TSC agar was the most specific medium for C. perfringens spore recovery in groundwater samples. Additionally, the results obtained indicate that mCP agar, which is the reference method in the European Union, is not suitable medium for recovering C. perfringens spores from groundwater samples. D

The overall quality, anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity of minimally fresh processed arils of the sweet 'Mollar of Elche' pomegranate cv. (Punica granatum, Punicaceae), harvested at two different dates, and stored under modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) at 5 • C was assessed. Hand extracted, chlorine disinfected, rinsed and dried pomegranate arils were exposed to 0.56, 1.13, 2.27, 4.54, 9.08 or 13.62 kJ/m 2 UV-C radiation doses. Minimally fresh processed arils were packed in polypropylene baskets (125 g each), sealed on the top with bioriented polypropylene to generate a passive MAP, and stored up to 13 or 15 days at 5 • C. The respiration rate of fresh processed arils was higher in the late harvested than in earlier harvested fruit. The UV-C radiation did not significantly affect the respiration rate of fresh processed arils. Unclear results were obtained on the effect of the UV-C radiation on the microbial growth of minimally processed arils. Some of the applied UV-C treatments reduced mesophilic, psychrotrophic, lactic acid and Enterobacteriaceae counts. However, microbial counts were not systematically reduced throughout the shelf life. In addition, UV-C treated arils showed higher bacterial counts in a few cases. Yeasts and moulds were unaffected by the UV-C treatments. The limit of visual quality acceptance to consumers was reached after 14 days in arils from earlier harvested fruit and after 10 days in late harvested. In this latter case, the end of the shelf life according to sensory quality was coincident with the end of the shelf life according to the Spanish microbial legal limit. The harvest date of the pomegranates will affect several quality parameters for minimally fresh processed arils at the end of their shelf life.

The primary objective of this study was to identify the influence of rainfall induced overflowed sewer on Tokyo Bay water quality. To attain the objective emphasis was given to numerical simulation using mainly E. coli and Adenovirus as an indicator. Due to difficulties in intensive monitoring, field study was done just 5 days in November 2007 after an antecedent rainfall. But that data was not sufficient to validate the numerical model. So to validate the model a secondary observation data of 2004 was used. The observation result during the present field study in 2007 was used only to understand the general trend and as a supportive data to discuss the research outcomes. From the observed data it was found that water quality parameters, water nutrients and pathogen level in the water column were highly affected after rainfall. After a storm effect the pathogen level in water column increased significantly and in most cases it surpluses the environmental quality standard for coastal water. Observed data after a rain event show a significant relative increase in the pathogen contamination in the Bay water, near to the mouth of Sumida River and adjacent area of STPs. The higher plume remains two to five days after the beginning of the runoff. There are many factors that play a role in the pathogen contamination at the mouth of the river. These include, but are not limited to, rainfall intensity, river flow, tidal level and wind direction and speed. Frequent sampling and intensive monitoring is required to characterize the dynamics and distribution of contaminants adequately. But that is virtually very difficult and nearly impossible. To avoid this, a three dimensional hydrodynamic, water quality model coupled with a pathogen model was used. The simulations were done with two nested domains. The first domain covers the whole bay (grid size was 2km) and the second domains for only Odaiba area using a higher resolution (grid size 100m) with 10 sigma layers. The model was calibrated and validated using observed secondary data. The model performs well in predicting pathogen plumes resulting from the stormwater discharges to the shore area of Odaiba. Field observations for Fecal Coliforms in storm water outfall plumes indicate that the model predicted pathogen concentrations are reasonable. The upper limits predicted by the model and those measured in the field are in good agreement. The model results show the typical two to three-day wet weather effect of stormwater discharges where as observed data shows that the effects remain longer in surface water. Storm induced discharge from river and pumping stations and influence of tide and current was identified as the dominant factor. The distributions and dynamics of pathogen were found very complex. Modeling result shows that high pathogen levels are not necessarily tied with amount of rainfall. Even in small precipitations, pathogen concentration can increase significantly. These kinds of results would be impossible to understand only from observation. The model successfully captured complex distributions of pathogen and helped our understanding of pathogens contaminations.

Drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs) have been thoroughly studied, but the concept of thermal energy recovery from DWDSs is very new and has been conceptualized in the past few years. Cold recovery results in a temperature increase of the drinking water. Its effects on drinking water quality and biofilm development are unclear. Hence, we studied both bulk water and biofilm phases for 232 days in two parallel pilot scale distribution systems with two temperature settings after cold recovery, 25 • C and 30 • C, and compared these with a reference pilot system without cold recovery. In all three pilot distributions systems (DSs) our results showed an initial increase in biomass (ATP) in the biofilm phase, along with occurrence of primary colonizers (Betapro-teobacteriales) and subsequently a decrease in biomass and an increasing relative abundance of other microbial groups (amoeba resisting groups; Xanthobacteraceae, Legionellales), including those responsible for EPS formation in biofilms (Sphingomonadaceae). The timeline for biofilm microbial development was different for the three pilot DSs: the higher the temperature, the faster the development took place. With respect to the water phase within the three pilot DSs, major microbial contributions came from the feed water (17-100%) and unkown sources (2-80%). Random contributions of biofilm (0-70%) were seen between day 7-77. During this time period six-fold higher ATP concentration (7-11 ng/l) and twofold higher numbers of high nucleic acid cells (5.20-5.80 × 10 4 cells/ml) were also observed in the effluent water from all three pilot DSs, compared to the feed water. At the end of the experimental period the microbial composition of effluent water from three pilot DSs revealed no differences, except the presence of a biofilm related microbial group (Sphingomonadaceae), within all three DSs compared to the feed water. In the biofilm phase higher temperatures initiated the growth of primary colonizing bacteria but this did not lead to differences in microbial diversity and composition at the end of the experimental period. Hence, we propose that the microbiological water quality of DWDSs with cold recovery should be monitored more frequently during the first 2-3 months of operation.