Microbiological Safety of Drinking Water

Abstract

Emerging pathogens in drinking water have become increasingly important during the decade. These include newly-recognized pathogens from fecal sources such as Cryptosporidium parvum, Campylobacter spp., and rotavirus, as well as pathogens that are able to grow in water distribution systems, like Legionella spp., mycobacteria, and aeromonads. To perform a risk analysis for the pathogens in drinking water, it is necessary to understand the ecology of these organisms. The ecology of the drinking-water distribution system has to be evaluated in detail, especially the diversity and physiological properties of water bacteria. The interactions between water bacteria and (potential) pathogens in such diverse habitats as free water and biofilms are essential for the survival or growth of hygienically relevant organisms in drinking water. Results of epidemiological studies together with ecological data are the basis for effective resource protection, water treatment, and risk assessment.

Core-satellite populations and seasonality of water meter biofilms in a metropolitan drinking water distribution system

“…Further, such methano-and methylotrophic primary production may generate organic carbon that supports growth of the observed heterotrophs in this oligotrophic ecosystem. Several core populations were classified to genera that were reported as facultative methylotrophs and also related to pathogenic species (i.e., Acinetobacter spp., Methylobacterium spp., Mycobacterium avium and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) (Szewzyk et al, 2000); thus, groundwatersourced drinking water systems with dissolved methane may expose to risks associated with certain methane-or methanol-utilizing opportunistic pathogens. Among the heterotrophic bacteria potentially supported by the aforementioned primary production, we identified diverse, abundant and prevalent OTUs classified to the family Comamonadaceae (Figures 4a and c).…”

“…Bacteria in this family are known as strictly aerobic, able to form biofilms and often observed in oligotrophic environments (Glaeser and Kampfer, 2014). They have long been observed in the chlorinated water environment (Szewzyk et al, 2000;Koskinen et al, 2000;Vaz-Moreira et al, 2011). Six OTUs were classified to the family Comamonadaceae (Figure 4a, red symbols), a diverse family that has been observed in many aquatic environments.…”

Opportunistic pathogens enriched in showerhead biofilms

“…The reasons for the enrichment of mycobacteria are not clear. Mycobacteria readily form biofilms and, because of their generally waxy quality, may be particularly resistant to shear forces generated in shower operation (28)(29)(30)(31)(32)(33)(34)(35)(36). Furthermore, many species of biofilm-forming mycobacteria are chlorineresistant, and thus potentially can be enriched by chlorine disinfection protocols used by many municipalities (28,29,34,37,38).…”

Review: Microbial biocenoses in pristine aquifers and an assessment of investigative methods

“…bacteriophages to simulate viruses, and microspheres to simulate bacteria and protozoans (e.g. Auckenthaler et al 2002;Craun et al 2002;DeBorde et al 1998;Edberg et al 1997;Flanigan and Rodgers 2003;Flynn 2003;Golas et al 2002;Herwaldt et al 1992;Lillis and Bissonnette 2001;Lisle and Rose 1995;Mahler et al 2000;Nasser et al 1993;Rossi et al 1998;Schaffter and Parriaux 2002;Szewzyk et al 2000).…”