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[Cryptosporidium y Giardia in surface water]
B L Abramovich1, M I Gilli, M A Haye
1Sección Aguas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Paraje El Pozo, 3000 Santa Fe, Argentina. blerman@fbcb.unl.edu.ar
Revista Argentina De Microbiologia
|October 12, 2001
Summary
High levels of Cryptosporidium and Giardia were found in surface waters used for recreation and drinking in Argentina. Water quality indicators like organic matter and turbidity correlated with parasite presence, highlighting contamination risks.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Water quality assessment
- Parasitology
Background:
- Surface waters are crucial for recreation and drinking water supply.
- Contamination of water sources by protozoan parasites poses significant public health risks.
- Understanding the relationship between water quality parameters and parasite presence is essential for risk management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify Giardia and Cryptosporidium levels in recreational and drinking water sources.
- To investigate the correlation between these parasites and key bacteriological and physicochemical water quality indicators.
- To assess the spatial and temporal variations in parasite contamination.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study conducted over 22 months in Santa Fe and Santo Tomé, Argentina.
- Analysis of surface water samples for Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts.
- Measurement of water quality parameters including organic matter, turbidity, Escherichia coli, streptococci, Enterococcus spp., and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Main Results:
- Cryptosporidium was detected in 100% of recreational samples (44-2404 oocysts/100 L) and 92% of drinking water sources (<20-539 oocysts/100 L).
- Giardia was found in 72% of recreational samples (<20-670 cysts/100 L) and 31% of drinking water sources (<20-65 cysts/100 L).
- Significant positive correlations were observed between parasite presence and organic matter, turbidity, and bacterial indicators (E. coli, streptococci, Enterococcus spp., P. aeruginosa), though relationships varied by location and contamination level.
Conclusions:
- Surface waters in the study area are frequently contaminated with Giardia and Cryptosporidium.
- Water quality parameters, particularly organic matter, turbidity, and specific bacterial indicators, are associated with parasite contamination.
- Findings underscore the need for robust water treatment and source protection strategies to mitigate risks from these waterborne protozoa.