Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
for removing bacteria such as
Salmonella
, so it is likely to be used as a
treatment method for bacteria removal in water supplies.
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11.4.8.
Vibrio cholerae
Vibrio cholerae
is another bacterial pathogen, but one that is strictly water-
borne.
39-41
Solar disinfection has been found to be effective in some previ-
ous studies, information that could be incredibly useful in other countries
where treatment resources are scarce but sunlight is abundant. In a more
general sense, the use of chlorine as a disinfectant is found to be generally
effective for treating
V. cholerae.
It was also observed in studies of
V. cholerae
that fluorescence microscopy was more effective for detecting
V. cholerae
than cultivation.
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11.4.9. Enteroviruses
Enteroviruses are a group of viruses that are also found as waterborne patho-
gens and are considered to be “omnipresent” in water, including that from
taps.
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Enteroviruses, including polio and echo viruses, can be transmit-
ted from fecal matter into water supplies. These viruses are considered to
be the cause of between 10 and 15 million viral infections every year in the
United States alone. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods are often
used for detecting enteroviruses.
11.5. PUBLIC HEALTH POLICY IMPLICATIONS FOR
DETECTION AND TREATMENT
The treatment of water is closely regulated in the UK. Both the treat-
ment of wastewater and the supply of potable water for human consump-
tion are subject to regulation and control. The public is at varying risk from
pathogens in water across the UK, and the role of location and supply types
is important in determining risk. It is generally considered that the greatest
microbial risks from water are through the ingestion of water that has been
contaminated with human or animal feces.
Predominantly, contamination is caused when wastewater comes in
contact with fresh or coastal water, contaminating it with fecal microorgan-
isms that include various pathogens.
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Furthermore, there is a potential risk
of microorganisms and pathogens being present in water used for recreation
on beaches that could cause a considerable risk to public health. This may
happen because run-off water from nearby agricultural functions or from
urban areas can bring pathogens into the beach area. Water companies are
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