Microbial indicators and molecular markers used to differentiate the source of faecal pollution in the Bogotá River (Colombia)

Evaluation of the Effect of Gold Mining on the Water Quality in Monterrey, Bolívar (Colombia)

“…The detected concentrations of total coliforms and E. coli in all the drinking water samples and the detection of somatic coliphages in some samples of water used for human consumption confirm the fecal contamination and the possible presence of pathogenic viruses in the drinking water (Table 4). These concentrations of indicators are similar to those detected in river samples as reported by Lucena et al [83], Campos-Pinilla et al [81], and Sánchez-Alfonso et al [82], which could increase the risk for residents.…”

“…This coincides with the values found in this study, which range between 10 3 and 10 5 CFU/100 mL of total coliforms and for E. coli between 10 3 and 10 4 CFU/100 mL (Table 4). Likewise, studies conducted by Lucena et al [83] and Sánchez-Alfonso et al [82] in rivers show average concentrations of somatic coliphages between 10 2 and 10 4 plaque forming unit (PFU)/100 mL, similar to those found in this study with ranges from 1 and 10 3 PFU/100 mL. The concentration of microorganisms in river water varies depending on climatic factors, geographical area, and the amount of organic matter present in water bodies [84,85].…”

“…Campos-Pinilla et al [81] and Sánchez-Alfonso et al [82] in studies carried out in the Bogotá River found a total coliform concentration between 10 3 and 10 6 CFU/100 mL and for E. coli between 10 3 and 10 5 /100 mL. This coincides with the values found in this study, which range between 10 3 and 10 5 CFU/100 mL of total coliforms and for E. coli between 10 3 and 10 4 CFU/100 mL (Table 4).…”

Bacteriophages as Fecal Pollution Indicators

“…Other strains such as B. thetaiotaomicron CW18, B. fragilis PG76, PL122, and PZ8 have been isolated and used to detect phages as markers of bovine, porcine, and aviary fecal contamination [48,49]. Despite their low concentrations in water, Bacteroides-infecting phages are more resistant to most inactivating factors and treatments than coliphages.…”

“…Regarding crAssphage, research is expected to grow in the coming years as new phages from this family are isolated and host strains are described [48,49]. Studies of particular interest will be focusing on the replication cycle of crAss-like bacteriophages, their high persistence in the human gut microbiota, their prevalence in wastewater and other aquatic environments, their significance for human intestinal physiology and disease, and the development of culture techniques.…”