Pathogens & Contaminants Corinne Waelti, seecon international gmbh

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Contents 1. Introduction 2. Characteristics of Pathogens and Contaminants 3. Pathogens 4. Contaminants 5. References

1. Introduction The overall Problem Substances such as pathogens (microorganisms) and contaminants (chemicals and metals) in drinking water may harm both public health and the environment. In developing countries, the contamination of drinking water with pathogens is the major factor for prevalence of diseases. Most often, faeces infiltrating drinking water sources are responsible for contamination with pathogens. Contaminants in drinking water may originate from human activities and natural processes.

Types of Pathogens and Contaminants 2. Characteristics of Pathogens and Contaminants Types of Pathogens and Contaminants Pathogens Bacteria e.g. Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Campylobacter Viruses e.g. Rotavirus, Hepatitis Parasitic protozoa e.g. Giardia Helminths (worms) e.g. Trichuris trichiura  Microorganisms Contaminants Inorganic chemicals e.g. nitrate, arsenic, fluoride, chloride Organic chemicals e.g. petro-chemicals (oil, diesel), solvents, drugs, pesticides (Heavy) metals e.g. cadmium, copper, lead, mercury

Sources of Pathogens and Contaminants 2. Characteristics of Pathogens and Contaminants Sources of Pathogens and Contaminants Source: BUCHANAN et al. (2010) Underground storage tanks Chemical storage Accidental spills of hazardous materials Spreading of sewage treatment sludge Septic systems Animal feedlots Storage and spreading of road salt Underground pipelines or sewers Use and spilling of fertilisers and pesticides Landfills Private and abandoned wells Source: CONSERVATION ONTARIO (2009)

Dispersion of Pathogens and Contaminants 2. Characteristics of Pathogens and Contaminants Dispersion of Pathogens and Contaminants Migration of contaminants in an unconfined (left) and a confined (right) aquifer. Movement of insoluble contaminants in ground water: Oil spills (lighter than water) accumulate on the water table and spread horizontally. Source: WAL (2010) Adapted from FREEZE et al. (n.y.)

General Effects of Pathogens and Contaminants 2. Characteristics of Pathogens and Contaminants General Effects of Pathogens and Contaminants Drinking water contamination: Poor drinking water quality Loss of community’s drinking water supplies High costs for restoration and alternative drinking water supplies Health problems Impacts on the environmental system by contaminants: Loss of ecosystem functions Examples for related economic effects: Higher health expenses Restricted work force Examples for related economic effects: Less revenue by fisheries Less revenue from tourism

Transmission & Health Risks of Disease 3. Pathogens Transmission & Health Risks of Disease Faecal-oral transmission routes: Fingers Flies and other insects Fields (agriculture) Food Fluids Health risks: Gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach cramps Source: HESPERIAN & UNDP (2004)

Probability of Causing Infections 3. Pathogens Probability of Causing Infections Persistence in the environment Low minimal infective doses Amount and variability of pathogens Little or no human immunity Long latency periods SHUVAL et al. (1986)

Probability of Causing Infections 3. Pathogens Probability of Causing Infections Sanitation system Source: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/- 2yIT8xt_stM/TwtB4J9sBqI/AAAAAAAACmY /s_6- 9HHksUA/s1600/Istanbul%20Toilet.gif [Accessed: 05.06.2012] Persistence in the environment Low minimal infective doses Amount and variability of pathogens Little or no human immunity Long latency periods SHUVAL et al. (1986)

Health Risks related to contaminated Groundwater 4. Contaminants Health Risks related to contaminated Groundwater Possible health risks: Cancer Liver, kidney and nerve problems Birth defects Learning disabilities in children Source: WALLIN (1997) Source: http://www.thewaterchannel.tv/tutorial/section_4/6.html

5. References BUCHANAN, B., DE LA CRUZ, N, MACPHERSON, J., WILLIAMSON, K. (2010): Water Wells that Last for Generations. Edmonton: Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. URL: http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/wwg404 [Accessed: 05.06.2012]. CONSERVATION ONTARIO (Editor) (2009): Wellhead Protection Areas. Newmarket: Conservation Ontario. URL: www.conservationontario.ca/source_protection/files/ODWSP%202009%20Finals/ODWSP_FAQS_wellhead_EN_2009_02_27_WEB.pdf [Accessed: 06.06.2012]. FREEZE, R.A., ATWATER, J., LIEBSCHER, H. (n.y.): Water Stewardship . Ground Water Resources of British Colombia. Victoria: The Province of British Columbia. URL: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wsd/plan_protect_sustain/groundwater/gwbc/C05_contamination.html [Accessed: 05.06.2012]. HESPERIAN FOUNDATION (Editor); UNDP (Editor) (2004): Sanitation and Cleanliness for a Healthy Environment. Berkeley: The Hesperian Foundation. URL: www.unwater.org/downloads/EHB_Sanitation_EN_lowres.pdf [Accessed: 05.06.2012]. SHUVAL H.I., ADIN, A., FATTAL, B., RAWITZ, E., YEKUTIEL, P. (1986): Wastewater Irrigation in Developing Countries. Health Effects and Technical Solutions. Washington, D.C.: The World Bank. URL: http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/1986/05/440564/integrated-resource-recovery-wastewater-irrigation-developing-countries-health-effects-technical-solutions [Accessed: 05.06.2012]. WAL, A. van der (2010): Understanding Groundwater & Wells in Manual Drilling. Instruction Handbook for Manual Drilling Teams on Hydro-geology for Well Drilling, Well Installation and Well Development. Papendrecht: Practica Foundation. URL: www.unicef.org/wash/files/04.pdf [Accessed: 06.06.2012]. WALLIN, R. (1997): Wellhead Protection: A Guide for Arizona Communities. TUCSON: Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, Water Quality Division. URL: http://www.unicef.org/wash/files/04.pdf [Accessed: 05.06.2012].

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