Distribution and seasonality of microbial indicators and thermophilic campylobacters in two freshwater bathing sites on the River Lune in northwest England

Abstract

K . O BI R I-DA N SO AN D K. JO N ES . 1999. Two freshwater bathing sites, the Crook O'Lune and the University Boathouse, on the River Lune in the north-west of England, were monitored over a 2 year period for the faecal indicators, faecal coliforms and faecal streptococci, the pathogens, Salmonella and Campylobacter, and compliance with the EU Directive on Bathing Water Quality. Faecal indicator numbers showed no seasonal variation, with numbers in the bathing season similar to those in the non-bathing season. They were consistently above the EU Guideline and Imperative standards so that if the EU Bathing Water Quality Directive (76/160/EEC) were applied, neither site would comply. Faecal indicator numbers in the sediments were an order of magnitude higher than in the overlying water. Campylobacter numbers showed seasonal variation in the water with higher counts in winter than in the summer, although numbers were low. Higher numbers were found in the sediments but there was no seasonal variation. Analysis of various inputs showed that indicators and campylobacters came from a mixture of sources, namely a sewage treatment works, agricultural run-off, streams and mallards. Microbial numbers in the water at the Crook O'Lune, which is closer to the sources of pollution, were twice those at the Boathouse. In the sediments they were six to eight times higher. Faecal coliforms were all identified as Escherichia coli of which 80% were a single biotype. Faecal streptococci were all enterococci of which 55% were E. avium, 38% E. faecalis and 7% E. durans. Salmonella was not isolated from either the water column or the sediments. Campylobacters were mainly Camp. jejuni, followed by Camp. coli, UPTC and Camp. lari.

An assessment of potential public health risk associated with the extended survival of indicator and pathogenic bacteria in freshwater lake sediments

“…The resuspension of sediment bound bacteria and subsequent pollution of overlying water exceeding regulatory standards has been reported in recreational water (Obiri-Danso and Jones, 1999). The risks associated with swimming in microbiologically polluted Lakes or rivers during recreational activities are usually not life threatening but could take a substantial toll in children and immune-compromised individuals (Clark et al, 2003).…”

Impact of Rurality, Broiler Operations, and Community Socioeconomic Factors on the Risk of Campylobacteriosis in Maryland

“…Starlings were also found to carry strains of Campylobacter (Colles, 2008). Similarly, a study in England pointed to ducks as a source of freshwater Campylobacter contamination at human bathing sites (Obiri-Danso, 1999).…”

“…High levels of Campylobacter species associated with foodborne illness, such as C. jejuni and C. coli, are continually measured in water systems worldwide . Since most species of Campylobacter tend not to exist naturally in the environment, but derive from direct fecal deposition, pasture runoff, and sewage outflow, (Obiri-Danso, 1999;Savill, 2001;Eyles, 2006;Fong, 2007;Sopwith, 2008;Schang, 2012) the potential for human infection remains high. Jones et al (2001) provide an excellent review of research regarding Campylobacter in water, sewage and the environment ).…”

Efeitos ambientais da disposição oceânica de esgotos por meio de emissários submarinos: uma revisão

“…Devido à alta quantidade de detritos orgânicos associados a essas partículas, bactérias podem sobreviver nesse ambiente por longos perío-dos 94,97,98 , por encontrarem condições favoráveis de nutrientes 99,100,101 , proteção contra a luz solar 100,102 e contra a predação por protozoários 103 . A ressuspensão dos sedimentos por intempéries e/ou por ações antropogênicas contribui significativamente para que os microrganismos acumulados nos sedimentos sejam liberados para coluna de água, aumentando suas densidades 94,104,105,106 ; isso faz com que os sedimentos sejam considerados reservatórios para bactérias com potencial para repoluir as águas adjacentes a eles, oferecendo riscos à saúde pública 92,107,108 . …”