Origin of fecal contamination in lettuce and strawberries: From microbial indicators, molecular markers, and H. pylori.

Around 2 billion people utilize a water source contaminated with fecal-origin microorganisms, used for both human consumption and irrigation of crops. In Colombia, the water from the Bogotá River is employed for irrigating agricultural products, including raw-consumption foods like strawberries and lettuce. This poses a risk to the end consumer, as these foods are marketed as fresh products ready for direct consumption without undergoing any disinfection or cooking treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the origin of fecal contamination in strawberries and lettuce irrigated with surface waters from Cundinamarca, Colombia, using non-human and human molecular markers, along with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). A total of 50 samples were collected, 25 of strawberries and 25 of lettuce, taken from crops, markets, and supermarkets. Microbiological indicators (bacterial and viral) were detected through cultivation techniques, and Microbial Source Tracking (MST) markers and H. pylori were detected through PCR. The results of our study demonstrate the presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) (12.5 %), Enterococcus (≥25 %), spores and vegetative forms of Spores of sulphite-reducing Clostridia (SRC) (≥37.5 %), coliphages (≥12.5 %), and Salmonella sp. (≥12.5 %), in both strawberries and lettuce. In the different samples analyzed, molecular markers were detected to differentiate the source of fecal contamination above 12.5 % (HF187, CF128, ADO and DEN) and H. pylori between 0 % and 25 %, highlighting deficiencies in the production chain. of food, and the risks they pose to food security. Highlighting deficiencies in the food production chain and the risks they pose to food safety.

Development and evaluation of a colorimetric LAMP based-assay targeting the Bacteroides HF183 marker for tracking sewage pollution in environmental waters.

Surface waters are vulnerable to contamination by human and animal feces, posing risks to human health due to potential exposure to enteric pathogens. This research developed a colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification (cLAMP) assay to detect sewage associated Bacteroides dorei HF183/BacR287 (HF183) marker in wastewater and environmental water samples. The host sensitivity and host specificity of the assay were evaluated, and their performance was compared to the Bacteroides HF183 qPCR assay using control materials (gBlocks), environmental water samples seeded with untreated sewage, and ambient environmental water samples. In serial dilutions of control materials, qPCR produced quantifiable data across all dilutions, while cLAMP detected the marker down to 0.001 pg/µL of control materials, which was two orders of magnitude less sensitive than qPCR. All untreated sewage samples (n = 12) tested positive for HF183 by both the qPCR and cLAMP assays, demonstrating a host sensitivity value of 1.00 (maximum value of 1.00). The host specificity by analysing 70 non-human fecal nucleic acid samples revealed cLAMP's specificity value of 0.81 compared to qPCR's 0.64. When testing sewage-seeded environmental water samples, both methods detected HF183 for the lowest amount of sewage, indicating similar detection sensitivity. The application of cLAMP for tracking sewage pollution in environmental waters showed promising results, with moderate agreement between cLAMP and qPCR (κ = 0.510). However, cLAMP occasionally missed detections compared to qPCR, particularly in low-concentration samples. Overall, the cLAMP HF183 assay demonstrated promising potential as a rapid and sensitive method for detecting sewage pollution, offering a viable alternative to qPCR in certain environmental monitoring scenarios.

Tracking the sources of Leptospira and nutrient flows in two urban watersheds of Puerto Rico.

This study investigated the relationship between nutrient levels, source of fecal contamination, and pathogenic Leptospira in Puerto Rico's northern coast and San Juan Bay Estuary (SJBE) aquatic ecosystems. Microbial source tracking (MST) was also used to investigate the connections between sources of feces contamination and the presence of Leptospira. Eighty-seven water samples were collected during the June (n=44) and August (n=43) in 2020. To quantify phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations, standard USEPA protocols were utilized, specifically Methods 365.4 for total and dissolved phosphorus, 351.2 for total Kjeldahl nitrogen and ammonium, and 353.2 for nitrate. Lipl32 gene-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to detect the presence of Leptospira. Human (HF183), canine (BacCan-UCD), and equine (HoF597) MST assays were utilized to trace the origins of fecal contamination. Forty one percent of the locations exceeded Puerto Rico's authorized total phosphorus limit of 160 g L-1, while 34% exceeded the total nitrogen limit of 1700 g L-1. Nearly half of the streams examined are affected by eutrophication. The MST analysis identified human and canine feces as the most prevalent contaminants, affecting approximately 50% of the sites. In addition, Leptospira was detected in 32% of the June samples. There was a significant correlation (r = 0.79) between the incidence of pathogenic Leptospira and the human bacterial marker (HF183). This study illuminates the central role of anthropogenic inputs in nutrient enrichment and pathogen proliferation in Puerto Rico's aquatic ecosystems.

Effect of Sewerage on the Contamination of Soil with Pathogenic Leptospira in Urban Slums.

Leptospirosis is an environmentally transmitted zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira spp. that affects poor communities worldwide. In urban slums, leptospirosis is associated with deficient sanitary infrastructure. Yet, the role of sewerage in the reduction of the environmental contamination with pathogenic Leptospira has not been explored. Here, we conducted a survey of the pathogen in soils surrounding open and closed sewer sections in six urban slums in Brazil. We found that soils surrounding conventionally closed sewers (governmental interventions) were 3 times less likely to contain pathogenic Leptospira (inverse OR 3.44, 95% CI = 1.66-8.33; p < 0.001) and contained a 6 times lower load of the pathogen (0.82 log10 units difference, p < 0.01) when compared to their open counterparts. However, no differences were observed in community-closed sewers (poor-quality closings performed by the slum dwellers). Human fecal markers (BacHum) were positively associated with pathogenic Leptospira even in closed sewers, and rat presence was not predictive of the presence of the pathogen in soils, suggesting that site-specific rodent control may not be sufficient to reduce the environmental contamination with Leptospira. Overall, our results indicate that sewerage expansion to urban slums may help reduce the environmental contamination with the pathogen and therefore reduce the risk of human leptospirosis.

Long-term water quality analysis reveals correlation between bacterial pollution and sea level rise in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico.

Long-term assessments are needed to identify water quality trends and their socio-environmental drivers for coastal management and watershed restoration. This study provides the first long-term assessment of fecal bacterial pollution in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico using enterococci data spanning the Texas coast from 2009 to 2020. The data were representative of 66 beaches, 169 stations, and over 75,000 samples. Findings demonstrate that 22 beaches are 'hotspots' of pollution and experienced enterococci levels that frequently exceeded the USEPA beach action value. Further, enterococci were correlated with time, population size, and sea level. Weak correlations detected in some counties highlight the multifactorial nature of water quality; additional factors are likely influencing enterococci levels. The correlation with sea level is concerning, as counties vulnerable to sea level rise frequently reported enterococci concentrations exceeding the beach action value. In consideration of sea level rise predictions, targeted studies are needed to pinpoint drivers of fecal pollution.

Microbiological water quality monitoring of four ponds from Lagoa do Sino Farm located in São Paulo State, Brazil

This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality of the water of four ponds used for irrigation on the Lagoa do Sino Farm, as well as to perform the genotypic characterization of virulence factors in Escherichia coli isolates. Sampling was conducted for 11 months, between 2015 and 2016. Samples were analyzed for the presence of thermotolerant coliforms, E. coli and heterotrophs. DNA was extracted from E. coli isolates, followed by genotypic characterization by polymerase chain reaction. Agricultural activities and pesticides used in the sampling period were documented in order to assess possible relationships between agricultural activities and microbiological water quality. The absence of suitable riparian vegetation around all the ponds was observed, benefiting the entry of organic matter and contaminants in the water body. A high index of thermotolerant coliforms in some months indicated the possibility of the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms in these ponds. The values found in some months were above the regulatory limits for water potability and water intended for irrigation. The agrochemicals used in the period seem to influence the results obtained. All 17 E. coli isolates showed at least one of the virulence genes estA, stx1, stx2, and aatA, indicating enterotoxigenic, enterohaemorrhagic or enteroaggregative nature. The presence of E. coli in the waters may be associated with the presence of animals. The water samples analyzed are not suitable for irrigation of vegetables that are consumed raw and/or low lying fruits ingested without skin removal. It is essential to broaden the control of the use of chemicals, as well as the preservation of riparian vegetation to improve the quality of water used in the farm's agricultural activities.(AU)

Microbiological water quality monitoring of four ponds from Lagoa do Sino Farm located in São Paulo State, Brazil

This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality of the water of four ponds used for irrigation on the Lagoa do Sino Farm, as well as to perform the genotypic characterization of virulence factors in Escherichia coli isolates. Sampling was conducted for 11 months, between 2015 and 2016. Samples were analyzed for the presence of thermotolerant coliforms, E. coli and heterotrophs. DNA was extracted from E. coli isolates, followed by genotypic characterization by polymerase chain reaction. Agricultural activities and pesticides used in the sampling period were documented in order to assess possible relationships between agricultural activities and microbiological water quality. The absence of suitable riparian vegetation around all the ponds was observed, benefiting the entry of organic matter and contaminants in the water body. A high index of thermotolerant coliforms in some months indicated the possibility of the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms in these ponds. The values found in some months were above the regulatory limits for water potability and water intended for irrigation. The agrochemicals used in the period seem to influence the results obtained. All 17 E. coli isolates showed at least one of the virulence genes estA, stx1, stx2, and aatA, indicating enterotoxigenic, enterohaemorrhagic or enteroaggregative nature. The presence of E. coli in the waters may be associated with the presence of animals. The water samples analyzed are not suitable for irrigation of vegetables that are consumed raw and/or low lying fruits ingested without skin removal. It is essential to broaden the control of the use of chemicals, as well as the preservation of riparian vegetation to improve the quality of water used in the farm's agricultural activities.

CrAssphage for fecal source tracking in Chile: Covariation with norovirus, HF183, and bacterial indicators.

Anthropogenic fecal pollution in urban waterbodies can promote the spread of waterborne disease. The objective of this study was to test crAssphage, a novel viral human fecal marker not previously applied for fecal source tracking in Latin America, as a fecal pollution marker in an urban river in Chile. Human fecal markers crAssphage CPQ_064 and Bacteroides HF183, the human pathogen norovirus GII, and culturable fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) were quantified at six locations spanning reaches of the Mapocho River from upstream to downstream of Santiago, as well as in repeated sub-daily frequency samples at two urban locations. Norovirus showed positive correlation trends with crAssphage (τ = 0.57, p = 0.06) and HF183 (τ = 0.64, p = 0.03) in river water, but not with E. coli or enterococci. CrAssphage and HF183 concentrations were strongly linearly related (slope = 0.97, p < 0.001). Chlorinated wastewater effluent was an important source of norovirus GII genes to the Mapocho. Precipitation showed non-significant positive relationships with human and general fecal indicators. Concentrations of crAssphage and HF183 in untreated sewage were 8.35 and 8.07 log10 copy/100 ml, respectively. Preliminary specificity testing did not detect crAssphage or HF183 in bird or dog feces, which are predominant non-human fecal sources in the urban Mapocho watershed. This study is the first to test crAssphage for microbial source tracking in Latin America, provides insight into fecal pollution dynamics in a highly engineered natural system, and indicates river reaches where exposure to human fecal pollution may pose a public health risk.

Fecal Pollution Drives Antibiotic Resistance and Class 1 Integron Abundance in Aquatic Environments of the Bolivian Andes Impacted by Mining and Wastewater.

An increased abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in aquatic environments has been linked to environmental pollution. Mining polluted sites with high concentration of metals could favor the in situ coselection of ARGs, whereas wastewater discharges release fecal antibiotic resistant bacteria in the environment. To study the effect of human fecal contamination and mining pollution, water and sediment samples affected by mining activities and sewage discharges were collected from three lakes in Bolivia, the pristine Andean lake Pata Khota, the Milluni Chico lake directly impacted by acid mine drainage, and the Uru-Uru lake located close to Oruro city and highly polluted by mining activities and human wastewater discharges. Physicochemical parameters, including metal composition, were analyzed in water and sediment samples. ARGs were screened for and verified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) together with the mobile element class 1 integron (intl1), as well as crAssphage, a marker of human fecal pollution. The gene intl1 was positively correlated with sul1, sul2, tetA, and blaOXA-2. CrAssphage was only detected in the Uru-Uru lake, and its tributaries and significantly higher abundance of ARGs were found in these sites. Multivariate analysis showed that crAssphage abundance, electrical conductivity, and pH were positively correlated with higher levels of intl1 and ARGs. Taken together, our results suggest that fecal pollution is the major driver of higher levels of ARGs and intl1 in environments contaminated by wastewater and mining activities.

Fecal pollution source tracking and thalassogenic diseases: The temporal-spatial concordance between maximum concentrations of human mitochondrial DNA in seawater and Hepatitis A outbreaks among a coastal population.

Fecal pollution source tracking (FST) studies the origin of fecal contamination and promotes action to eliminate it to improve human health and environmental sustainability. This work presents the temporal and spatial relations of human mitochondrial DNA (HmtDNA), fecal coliforms (FC) and live microbial biomass (ATP) in seawater during a hepatitis A outbreak among a human coastal population. The study area is approximately 100 km along the coastline of the Biobío Region in the southeastern Pacific (Humboldt Current System, Chile). Total data from the swash zone from summer 2015 to autumn 2016 show there were significant positive log-log correlations between FC and HmtDNA (R = 0.32) and ATP (R = 0.31). These correlations were highest during the austral spring of 2015 (R = 0.53 and 0.58 respectively), when HmtDNA also correlated significantly with ATP (R = 0.86). Maximum average values of the parameters measured in this season showed a temporal-spatial concordance with the peak in the number of hepatitis A cases among the nearby coastal population. FC correlated significantly with HmtDNA (R = 0.98) in the water column of the coastal zone close to Concepción Bay during the austral summer of 2016 and in the swash zone of the bay (R = 0.68) throughout the study period. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) has also been detected in organisms and seawater in Concepción Bay, which is consistent with the high incidence of hepatitis A among the coastal population. The concordance between human fecal pollution in the study area and a seasonal hepatitis A outbreak strongly suggests that HmtDNA and its relation with FC and ATP in the coastal zone of marine environments can be used as a proxy to evaluate the risk of outbreaks of thalassogenic diseases.

Urban sewage lipids in the suspended particulate matter of a coral reef under river influence in the South West Gulf of Mexico.

Nutritional quality of suspended particulate matter (SPM) and the degree of human fecal pollution in the largest coral reef system in the southwest Gulf of Mexico were evaluated using lipid classes, fatty acids (FA) and sterols in the dry and rainy seasons. High proportions of triacylglycerols and saturated and monounsaturated FA were detected in the SPM however it was considered poor quality because it had low proportions of highly unsaturated FA which can be used to determine production of marine biogenic material of dietary value to pelagic and benthic organisms. Urban sewage organic carbon was traced with coprostanol. The reference value of coprostanol from the point source of pollution was set using two samples from a sewage treatment plant processing waste from >140,000 people near the coral reef system, and it was contrasted with one river station and nine marine stations including six coral reefs. The concentration of coprostanol in the SPM was 3621 ± 98 ng L-1 comprising 26% of total sterols. During the dry season, the river was contaminated upstream with human feces as evidenced by coprostanol at 1823 ng L-1, the 5ß-coprostanol: cholesterol ratio at 0.5, and 5ß-coprostanol: [5α-cholestanol+5ß-coprostanol] at 0.7. In contrast, marine stations had concentrations of coprostanol lower than a suggested regulation limit for tropical marine coastal waters (30 ng L-1), ranging between 6 and 28 ng L-1. During the rainy season a dilution effect was detected in the river, however significantly higher concentrations of coprostanol in the marine stations were detected ranging between 15 and 215 ng L-1, higher than the tentative tropical regulation range (30-100 ng L-1). Among the reefs, the nearshore one, 14.3 km from the treatment plant, was more exposed to human-fecal pollution, and offshore reefs, >17.3 km from the plant, had a lower degree of contamination. Finally, only three stations were clearly uncontaminated during both seasons including two reefs in the south located 21.8 and 35.6 km from the plant, with no presence of coprostanol. Contamination in the rainy season likely comes from a village with untreated sewage located 9.3-32 km from the reefs, and from the second largest Mexican river flowing into the Gulf of Mexico which has a watershed covering three states with lower than average sewage treatment. Inclusion of coprostanol monitoring could be a key factor in the management of this coral reef system.

Qualidade microbiológica da água tratada e não tratada da região de Ribeirão Preto, SP

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a qualidade microbiológica de diferentes amostras de água tratada e não tratada provenientes da região de Ribeirão Preto/SP. Foram determinados coliformes totais e coliformes termotolerantes e contagem de micro-organismos heterotróficos aeróbios ou facultativos mesófilos viáveis presentes, verificando se as amostras analisadas atendem às normas da legislação vigente. Os resultados obtidos evidenciaram que as nove amostras de água tratada, atenderam à legislação quanto à potabilidade da água. Das 18 amostras de água não tratada, duas amostras (11,1 %) apresentaram valores superiores a 500 UFC/mL em relação à contagem de micro-organismos heterotróficos aeróbios ou facultativos mesófilos, além de apresentarem coliformes termotolerantes, sendo consideradas impróprias para o consumo humano, representando um risco na disseminação de doenças de veiculação hídrica.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality of different treated and untreated water samples from Ribeirão Preto/SP city. Total and thermotolerant coliforms, and aerobic or facultative heterotrophic microorganisms viable mesophilic present, were valued with respect to current legislation. The test results showed that the nine water samples treated analyzed attending the legislation regarding drinking water quality. Of the 18 untreated water samples analyzed, two samples (11.1%) had values greater than 500UFC/mL compared to microorganisms count heterotrophic aerobic mesophilic or optional and the presence of fecal coliform, being considered unfit for human consumption representing a risk in the spread of waterborne diseases.(AU)

Qualidade microbiológica da água tratada e não tratada da região de Ribeirão Preto, SP / Microbiological quality of treated and untreated water from the region of Ribeirao Preto, SP

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a qualidade microbiológica de diferentes amostras de água tratada e não tratada provenientes da região de Ribeirão Preto/SP. Foram determinados coliformes totais e coliformes termotolerantes e contagem de micro-organismos heterotróficos aeróbios ou facultativos mesófilos viáveis presentes, verificando se as amostras analisadas atendem às normas da legislação vigente. Os resultados obtidos evidenciaram que as nove amostras de água tratada, atenderam à legislação quanto à potabilidade da água. Das 18 amostras de água não tratada, duas amostras (11,1 %) apresentaram valores superiores a 500 UFC/mL em relação à contagem de micro-organismos heterotróficos aeróbios ou facultativos mesófilos, além de apresentarem coliformes termotolerantes, sendo consideradas impróprias para o consumo humano, representando um risco na disseminação de doenças de veiculação hídrica.

Microbial source tracking in shellfish harvesting waters in the Gulf of Nicoya, Costa Rica.

Current microbial water quality monitoring is generally limited to culture-based measurements of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB). Given the many possible sources of fecal pollution within a watershed and extra-intestinal FIB reservoirs, it is important to determine source(s) of fecal pollution as a means to improve water quality and protect public health. The principal objective of this investigation was to characterize the microbial water quality of shellfish harvesting areas in the Gulf of Nicoya, Costa Rica during 2015. In order to achieve this objective, the specificity and sensitivity of 11 existing microbial source tracking (MST) PCR assays, associated with cows (BacCow), dogs (BacCan, DogBac), domestic wastewater (PMMoV), general avian (GFD), gulls (Gull2), horses (HorseBac, HoF), humans (HF183, HPyV), and pigs (PF), were evaluated using domestic wastewater and animal fecal samples collected from the region. The sensitivity of animal-associated assays ranged from 13 to 100%, while assay specificity ranged from 38 to 100%. The specificity of pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) and human polyomavirus (HPyV) was 100% for domestic wastewater, as compared to 94% specificity of the HF183 Bacteroidales marker. PMMoV was identified as a useful domestic wastewater-associated marker, with concentrations as high as 1.1 × 105 copies/ml and 100% sensitivity and specificity. Monthly surface water samples collected from four shellfish harvesting areas were analyzed using culture-based methods for Escherichia coli as well as molecular methods for FIB and a suite of MST markers, which were selected for their specificity in the region. While culturable E. coli results suggested possible fecal pollution during the monitoring period, the absence of human/domestic wastewater-associated markers and low FIB concentrations determined using molecular methods indicated sufficient microbial water quality for shellfish harvesting. This is the first study to our knowledge to test the performance of MST markers in Costa Rica as well as in Central America. Given the lack of wastewater treatment and the presence of secondary sources of FIB, this study highlights the importance of an MST toolbox approach to characterize water quality in tropical regions. Furthermore, it confirms and extends the geographic range of PMMoV as an effective tool for monitoring domestic wastewater pollution.

Detection of human fecal contamination by nifH gene quantification of marine waters in the coastal beaches of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The identification of fecal pollution in aquatic ecosystems is one of the requirements to assess the possible risks to human health. In this report, physicochemical parameters, Escherichia coli enumeration and Methanobrevibacter smithii nifH gene quantification were conducted at 13 marine waters in the coastal beaches of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and conductivity, carried out by mobile equipment, revealed varied levels due to specific conditions of the beaches. The bioindicators' enumerations were done by defined substrate method, conventional, and real-time PCR. Six marine beach sites (46 %) presenting E. coli levels in compliance with Brazilian water quality guidelines (<2500 MPN/100 mL) showed nifH gene between 5.7 × 109 to 9.5 × 1011 copies. L-1 revealing poor correlation between the two approaches. To our knowledge, this is the first inquiry in qPCR using nifH gene as a biomarker of human-specific sources of sewage pollution in marine waters in Brazil. In addition, our data suggests that alternative indicator nifH gene could be used, in combination with other markers, for source tracking studies to measure the quality of marine ecosystems thereby contributing to improved microbial risk assessment.

Detection of Helicobacter pylori in the coastal waters of Georgia, Puerto Rico and Trinidad.

Fecal pollution in the coastal marine environments was assessed at eleven sampling locations along the Georgia coast and Trinidad, and nine sites from Puerto-Rico. Membrane filtration (EPA method 1604 and method 1600) was utilized for Escherichia coli and enterococci enumeration at each location. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) amplification of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene was used to determine the presence of the Helicobacter pylori in marine samples. There was no significant correlation between the levels of E. coli, enterococci and H. pylori in these water samples. H. pylori was detected at four of the 31 locations sampled; Oak Grove Island and Village Creek Landing in Georgia, Maracas river in Trinidad, and Ceiba Creek in Puerto Rico. The study confirms the potential public health risk to humans due to the widespread distribution of H. pylori in subtropical and tropical costal marine waters.

Calidad sanitaria del agua del Parque Natural Chicaque / Sanitary water quality from Chicaque Natural Park

La eutrofización es un proceso natural en los ecosistemas acuáticos, se produce por el enriquecimiento del cuerpo de agua con nutrientes. Durante los últimos años el ser humano ha acelerado estos procesos de eutrofización modificando tanto la calidad de las aguas como la estructura de las comunidades biológicas, debido al aumento en la carga orgánica e inorgánica de los cuerpos de agua. La eutrofización reduce los usos potenciales de los recursos hídricos ya que induce a la mortalidad de especies animales, a la descomposición del agua y al crecimiento de microorganismos. Además, en muchas ocasiones los microorganismos se convierten en un riesgo para la salud humana, como es el caso de los agentes patógenos transmitidos por el agua, que constituyen un problema mundial. Para establecer la calidad microbiológica del agua, se evaluaron once puntos del Parque Natural Chicaque en época de lluvias (noviembre del 2010) y época seca (agosto del 2011). Se emplearon los indicadores coliformes totales, Escherichia coli y Enterococcus, la técnica utilizada fue la filtración por membrana, y la identificación de algunos microorganismos aislados se realizó con pruebas bioquímicas rápidas BD BBL Crystal. El aislamiento de coliformes totales, Escherichia coli y Enterococcus en el agua del Parque, indica la contaminación fecal de las aguas. La presencia de estos grupos de bacterias está relacionada con el impacto de las actividades del hombre y animales sobre los cuerpos de agua y el manejo de las aguas residuales.

Eutrophication is a natural process in aquatic ecosystems; it is produced by the enrichment of the water body with nutrients. In recent years, humans have accelerated the eutrophication process by changing both the water quality and the structure of biological communities due to increased load of organic and inorganic water bodies. Eutrophication reduces the potential uses of water resources and inducing mortality of animal species, the decomposition of water and the growth of microorganisms. In addition, microorganisms often become a risk to human health, such as pathogens transmitted by water, which is a worldwide problem. To establish the microbiological quality of water, eleven points of the Natural Park Chicaque were evaluated during the rainy season (November 2010) and the dry season (August 2011). The indicators used were total coliforms and Escherichia coli and Enterococcus, the technique used was the membrane filtration, and the identification of some isolated microorganisms was carried out with rapid biochemical tests BBL BD Crystal. The isolation of total coliforms and Escherichia coli and Enterococcus in the water of the Park indicates the fecal contamination of the waters. The presence of these groups of bacteria is related to the impact of the activities of man and animals on the bodies of water and wastewater management.

Detección de protozoos parásitos entéricos, bacteriófagos de E. coli y organismos indicadores de contaminación en camarones comercializados en el estado Zulia / Detection of enteric protozoa parasites, E. coli bacteriophages and fecal pollution Indicator organisms in shrimp sold in the state of Zulia

Se determinó la presencia de Giardia intestinalis y Cryptospodidium parvum, bacteriófagos de Escherichia coli y organismos indicadores de contaminación (OIC), en muestras de camarones para el consumo humano comercializados en el estado Zulia. Los parásitos se concentraron a partir de sistemas digestivos de pools de camarones por la técnica de formol-éter y se cuantificaron por inmunofluorescencia directa. La concentración de los bacteriófagos de E. coli F+ y los OIC se evaluó por técnicas estándar. En este trabajo se detectó la presencia de G. intestinalis, C. parvum, bacteriófagos y E. coli en camarones comercializados en el estado Zulia que cumplían los criterios de la normativa venezolana de calidad sanitaria e inocuidad. Del total de muestras analizadas el 91,5% fueron positivas para G. intestinalis (promedio: 36,6 quistes/100g), 95,3% para C. parvum (promedio: 32,8 ooquistes/100g), 100% para los bacteriófagos de E coli F+ (promedio de 2,8 x 103 UFP/100 g) y 71,5% para E. coli (promedio de 4,3 x 104 NMP/g). Los resultados obtenidos indican que los camarones pueden convertirse en un vehículo para la transmisión de patógenos al hombre y dejan en evidencia la necesidad de la inclusión de un parámetro parasitológico y viral en el control de la calidad microbiológica de estos productos alimenticios.

The presence of G. intestinalis and C. parvum, E. coli F+ bacteriophages and fecal pollution indicator organisms was determined in shrimp for human consumption marketed in the State of Zulia. Parasites were concentrated from the digestive systems of shrimp pools, detected by formalin-ether and quantified by direct immunofluorescence. E. coli F + bacteriophage and pollution indicator organism concentrations were determined by standard techniques. In this work, G. intestinalis, C. parvum, E. coli F + bacteriophages and E. coli were detected in shrimp for human consumption marketed in the State of Zulia that met the quality criteria of Venezuelan health and safety regulations. 91.5% of the samples analyzed were positive for G. intestinalis (average: 36.6 cyst/100g), 95.3% for C parvum (average: 32.8 oocyst/100g), 100% for E coli F + bacteriophages (average: 2.8 x 103 FPFU/100g) and 71.5% for E. coli (average: 4.3 x 104 MPN/g). Results of this research indicate that shrimp can become a vehicle for transmitting pathogens to humans and demonstrate the need for including a parasitic and viral parameter in microbiological quality control for seafood.

Dinâmica da poluição fecal nas águas do Córrego Rico, manancial de abastecimento da cidade de Jaboticabal-SP / Fecal pollution dynamics of corrego rico stream and supply water of Jaboticabal city- SP

A qualidade da água in natura é de grande importância nos sistemas de tratamento de águas superficiais, pois uma vez que haja falhas no tratamento pode haver o risco de produzir água contaminada tornando-se prejudicial à saúde dos consumidores. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi conhecer a dinâmica da poluição fecal, durante 24 horas, na água do manancial de abastecimento público da cidade de Jaboticabal, SP. Para isso foram colhidas amostras da água do manancial, com intervalos de 2 horas, durante 24 horas, e foram determinados os Números Mais Prováveis de coliformes totais, Escherichia coli e clostrídios sulfito redutores e as concentrações de amônia nos períodos de chuva e estiagem. Conclui-se que em alguns períodos a água do Córrego Rico não poderia ser utilizada para o abastecimento da população por tratamento convencional, pois com as incidentes chuvas, principalmente no período vespertino, o córrego apresenta contaminação microbiológica acima do limite para sua classe e pode representar risco à saude da população. Os resultados obtidos podem nortear ações visando promover a qualidade da água fornecida à população no sentido de prevenir as enfermidades de veiculação hídrica

The quality of the supply water source is of great importance to surface water treatment systems, since any kind of treatment failure may send contaminated water that can be harmful to consumer health. The present work aims to monitor fecal pollution dynamics of water from the Corrego Rico stream, as well as from the supply source of Jaboticabal city, SP, during 24 hours. Water samples were collected every 2 hours, during 24 hours and the following variables were determined: Most Probable Numbers of total coliforms, Escherichia coli and sulfite reducing Clostridia, as well as ammonia concentrations during the rainy and dry seasons. It was concluded that during some of the periods, the water from Corrego Rico stream cannot undergo conventional water treatment and be supplied to the population. The incident rains, mainly during the evening, brought water contamination level above the limit allowed for its class. This microbiological contamination may pose a health threat to the population. The results of this study can help to devise a strategy to improve the quality of the water supplied to the population and to prevent waterborne diseases.

Dinâmica da poluição fecal nas águas do Córrego Rico, manancial de abastecimento da cidade de Jaboticabal-SP / Fecal pollution dynamics of corrego rico stream and supply water of Jaboticabal city- SP

A qualidade da água in natura é de grande importância nos sistemas de tratamento de águas superficiais, pois uma vez que haja falhas no tratamento pode haver o risco de produzir água contaminada tornando-se prejudicial à saúde dos consumidores. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi conhecer a dinâmica da poluição fecal, durante 24 horas, na água do manancial de abastecimento público da cidade de Jaboticabal, SP. Para isso foram colhidas amostras da água do manancial, com intervalos de 2 horas, durante 24 horas, e foram determinados os Números Mais Prováveis de coliformes totais, Escherichia coli e clostrídios sulfito redutores e as concentrações de amônia nos períodos de chuva e estiagem. Conclui-se que em alguns períodos a água do Córrego Rico não poderia ser utilizada para o abastecimento da população por tratamento convencional, pois com as incidentes chuvas, principalmente no período vespertino, o córrego apresenta contaminação microbiológica acima do limite para sua classe e pode representar risco à saude da população. Os resultados obtidos podem nortear ações visando promover a qualidade da água fornecida à população no sentido de prevenir as enfermidades de veiculação hídrica(AU)

The quality of the supply water source is of great importance to surface water treatment systems, since any kind of treatment failure may send contaminated water that can be harmful to consumer health. The present work aims to monitor fecal pollution dynamics of water from the Corrego Rico stream, as well as from the supply source of Jaboticabal city, SP, during 24 hours. Water samples were collected every 2 hours, during 24 hours and the following variables were determined: Most Probable Numbers of total coliforms, Escherichia coli and sulfite reducing Clostridia, as well as ammonia concentrations during the rainy and dry seasons. It was concluded that during some of the periods, the water from Corrego Rico stream cannot undergo conventional water treatment and be supplied to the population. The incident rains, mainly during the evening, brought water contamination level above the limit allowed for its class. This microbiological contamination may pose a health threat to the population. The results of this study can help to devise a strategy to improve the quality of the water supplied to the population and to prevent waterborne diseases.(AU)