Background
The quality of raw and drinking water is a matter of considerable concern due to the possibility of fecal contamination. To assess the quality and public health risk of different types of water, the fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) are used. However, some pathogens, such as Helicobacter pylori, may be present in water when FIB cannot be found. H pylori is recognized as the causative agent of chronic gastritis, peptic and duodenal ulcers, and gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships among physicochemical parameters, FIB concentrations, and the presence of H pylori DNA in raw and drinking water from Bogotá, Colombia.
Materials and Methods
A total of 310 water samples were collected 1 day per week from July 2015 to August 2016, and physicochemical parameters (pH, turbidity, conductivity, and residual free chlorine) were measured. Presence of H pylori DNA was determined and quantified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Fecal indicator bacteria (total coliforms, Escherichia coli, and spores of sulfite‐reducing Clostridia) were enumerated by using standard culture techniques.
Results
Thirty of 155 (31%) raw water samples and forty‐eight of 155 (38.7%) drinking water samples were positive for the presence of H pylori. No statistically significant relationships were found between physicochemical parameters or FIB with the presence or absence of H pylori in any sample (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
This study provides evidence of the presence of H pylori DNA in raw and drinking water in Bogotá, and shows that the detection and enumeration of FIB and physicochemical parameters in water do not correlate with the risk of contamination with H pylori.
The difficulties in the management and use of biosolids in Colombia make it necessary to evaluate and analyze the factors involved through various methodologies to achieve the effective management and recycling of this type of waste. The objective of this study was to evaluate the management of sludge and biosolids from a WWTP in a Colombian municipality through the application of three methodologies (SWOT/TOWS, surveys, and stakeholder (player) weighing) for their subsequent use in agriculture. As a result, strategies were proposed at the regulatory, organizational policy, and entity integration levels, among others. It was identified that about 93.6% of the people surveyed had a positive attitude towards the use of biosolids in agriculture, despite recognizing the existence of a risk (27.3%) in this type of practice. On the other hand, regarding the communication of WWTP management of these wastes, they perceived that it to be absent (65%) and the lack of knowledge regarding the destination of these wastes was even greater (72.7%). Through the weighting of actors, 16 players were classified with whom it is necessary to work closely, regularly, or occasionally. The methodologies proposed will allow similar WWTPs to optimize their processes through continuous improvement and joint work between the different entities and communities. It is recommended that other methodologies be used to evaluate player position level in relation to planned strategies, as well as the level of associations of one player with another, independent of power and influence.
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