Pathogens & Contaminants 1 Corinne Waelti, seecon international gmbh

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Pathogens & Contaminants Find this presentation and more on: Contents 1. Introduction 2. Characteristics of Pathogens and Contaminants 3. Pathogens 4. Contaminants 5. References 3

Pathogens & Contaminants Find this presentation and more on: 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 Introduction

Pathogens & Contaminants Find this presentation and more on: Types of Pathogens and Contaminants 5 2. Characteristics 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

Pathogens & Contaminants Find this presentation and more on: Sources of Pathogens and Contaminants 6 2. Characteristics of Pathogens and Contaminants Source: CONSERVATION ONTARIO (2009) 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: BUCHANAN et al. (2010)

Pathogens & Contaminants Find this presentation and more on: Dispersion of Pathogens and Contaminants 7 2. Characteristics of Pathogens and Contaminants Source: WAL (2010) Migration of contaminants in an unconfined (left) and a confined (right) aquifer. Adapted from FREEZE et al. (n.y.) Movement of insoluble contaminants in ground water: Oil spills (lighter than water) accumulate on the water table and spread horizontally.

Pathogens & Contaminants Find this presentation and more on: General Effects of Pathogens and Contaminants 8 2. Characteristics 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: Less revenue by fisheries Less revenue from tourism Examples for related economic effects: Higher health expenses Restricted work force

Pathogens & Contaminants Find this presentation and more on: Transmission & Health Risks of Disease 9 3. Pathogens Source: HESPERIAN & UNDP (2004) Faecal-oral transmission routes: Fingers Flies and other insects Fields (agriculture) Food Fluids Health risks: Gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach cramps

Pathogens & Contaminants Find this presentation and more on: Probability of Causing Infections Pathogens Amount and variability of pathogens Long latency periods Persistence in the environment Low minimal infective doses Little or no human immunity SHUVAL et al. (1986)

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

Pathogens & Contaminants Find this presentation and more on: Health Risks related to contaminated Groundwater Contaminants Possible health risks: Cancer Liver, kidney and nerve problems Birth defects Learning disabilities in children Source: WALLIN (1997) Source: ection_4/6.html

Pathogens & Contaminants Find this presentation and more on: 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: [Accessed: ]. CONSERVATION ONTARIO (Editor) (2009): Wellhead Protection Areas. Newmarket: Conservation Ontario. URL: [Accessed: ]. FREEZE, R.A., ATWATER, J., LIEBSCHER, H. (n.y.): Water Stewardship. Ground Water Resources of British Colombia. Victoria: The Province of British Columbia. URL: [Accessed: ]. HESPERIAN FOUNDATION (Editor); UNDP (Editor) (2004): Sanitation and Cleanliness for a Healthy Environment. Berkeley: The Hesperian Foundation. URL: [Accessed: ]. 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: countries-health-effects-technical-solutions [Accessed: ]. countries-health-effects-technical-solutions 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: [Accessed: ]. WALLIN, R. (1997): Wellhead Protection: A Guide for Arizona Communities. TUCSON: Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, Water Quality Division. URL: [Accessed: ].

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