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Evaluation of Bacteroides spp. as Alternative Microbial Indicators and Assessment of Enteric Viruses for Water Quality Determination
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Resumo(s)
From a microbial perspective, routine monitoring and water quality assessment is typically performed using fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) such as Escherichia coli or Enterococcus spp., acting as surrogates for pathogen presence. However, the occurrence of these indicators is not always well correlated with pathogen existence. For this reason, and considering the importance of a sustainable water use, current regulations and legislation require revision to determine safety for water use and reuse.
As part of a sustainable water resources management, the Lisbon municipality identified groundwater and treated wastewater use increase as two opportunities for better and sustainable water use, with safeguard for public health as a priority. To this purpose, a study was designed to include a total of 88 samples collected from drinking, superficial, underground water, and wastewater at different treatment stages. Quantitative Real-time PCR of enteric viruses - norovirus (NoV) genogroups I (GI) and II (GII) and hepatitis A (HepA) - was performed, in addition to the detection of Bacteroides spp., specifically human-associated marker gene HF183 and the bovine-associated CowM2. Traditional FIB concentrations were assessed, as well as some key physical and chemical indicators. HepA virus was detected in one untreated influent sample, whereas NoV GI and GII were detected in untreated wastewater, secondary and tertiary treated effluents. With the obtained results a significant finding was demonstrated - the absence of FIB does not imply the absence of pathogenic microorganisms, namely NoV GI and GII, in tertiary treated wastewater. Notably, our results support the hypothesis that NoV GI and GII may be more suitable indicators for water quality monitoring concerning wastewater treatment efficiency. Our results also demonstrate the advantages of an integrated approach for water quality monitoring, comprising the use of the HF183 gene marker associated with FIB, providing crucial and more adequate information towards mitigation and correction measures.
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Palavras-chave
Qualidade da água Reutilização de água Água subterrânea Vírus entéricos Bacteroides Water Quality Water Reuse Groundwater Enteric viruses