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Prevalence and public health implications of mycotoxigenic fungi in treated drinking water systems

Ntombie Thandazile Mhlongo1, Memory Tekere1, Timothy Sibanda2

  • 1Department of Environmental Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, P.O. Box X6, Florida 1710, Johannesburg, South Africa

Journal of Water and Health
|July 18, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Mycotoxigenic fungi in treated drinking water pose significant public health risks, causing allergies and infections. Current regulations inadequately address these fungal contaminants, necessitating updated water quality standards.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental microbiology
  • Public health
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Contaminated drinking water is a leading cause of preventable illness and death globally.
  • Pathogenic microorganisms, including mycotoxigenic fungi, are found in treated drinking water.
  • Mycotoxigenic fungi present risks such as allergies, cancers, and opportunistic infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the prevalence and public health implications of mycotoxigenic fungi in treated drinking water.
  • To discuss factors contributing to fungal presence and resistance to water treatment.
  • To highlight the need for including mycotoxigenic fungi in drinking water quality regulations.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific studies on mycotoxigenic fungi in drinking water.
  • Analysis of factors influencing fungal contamination and treatment resistance.
  • Examination of current treated drinking water quality legislations.

Main Results:

  • Mycotoxigenic fungi are present in treated drinking water systems.
  • Several factors exacerbate fungal presence and resistance to treatment processes.
  • Existing water quality legislation often fails to adequately address fungal contaminants.

Conclusions:

  • Mycotoxigenic fungi represent a significant, under-addressed public health risk in treated drinking water.
  • Enhanced water treatment strategies and regulatory measures are required.
  • Inclusion of mycotoxigenic fungi monitoring in drinking water quality standards is essential.

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