학술논문
Are Indicator Microorganisms Predictive of Pathogens in Water?
Document Type
Academic Journal
Source
Water. August 2023, Vol. 15 Issue 16
Subject
Language
English
ISSN
2073-4441
Abstract
Author(s): Lisa Richiardi [1]; Cristina Pignata [1]; Elisabetta Fea [1]; Silvia Bonetta (corresponding author) [2,*]; Elisabetta Carraro [1] 1. Introduction Water safety and quality are essential for human development, well-being, [...]
The microbiological quality assessment of drinking water (DW) and drinking water sources (DWSs) is based on the detection of indicator microorganisms (IMs). However, the relationship between IMs and pathogens has been questioned, as pathogens have been detected even in the absence of IMs, and vice versa. Therefore, the aim of this review was to evaluate the reliability of IMs by analysing the correlation between the presence of IMs and pathogens in water. This review focused on studies that reported statistical analyses of the relationship between traditional and alternative IMs and enteric pathogens in DWSs (groundwater, surface water, and rainwater) and in DW. Additionally, the main DW guidelines and regulations, along with a focus on the application of Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA), were also reported. The overall analysis of publications revealed a controversial correlation, characterised by high spatiotemporal variability, indicating the impossibility of identifying a reliable IM for any specific pathogen or water type. The association was also influenced by numerous factors, such as intrinsic characteristics of microorganisms, seasonal variations, sample number, water sample volume, and the detection method used. In conclusion, the detection of IMs should be considered complementary to, rather than a substitute for, the detection of pathogens.
The microbiological quality assessment of drinking water (DW) and drinking water sources (DWSs) is based on the detection of indicator microorganisms (IMs). However, the relationship between IMs and pathogens has been questioned, as pathogens have been detected even in the absence of IMs, and vice versa. Therefore, the aim of this review was to evaluate the reliability of IMs by analysing the correlation between the presence of IMs and pathogens in water. This review focused on studies that reported statistical analyses of the relationship between traditional and alternative IMs and enteric pathogens in DWSs (groundwater, surface water, and rainwater) and in DW. Additionally, the main DW guidelines and regulations, along with a focus on the application of Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA), were also reported. The overall analysis of publications revealed a controversial correlation, characterised by high spatiotemporal variability, indicating the impossibility of identifying a reliable IM for any specific pathogen or water type. The association was also influenced by numerous factors, such as intrinsic characteristics of microorganisms, seasonal variations, sample number, water sample volume, and the detection method used. In conclusion, the detection of IMs should be considered complementary to, rather than a substitute for, the detection of pathogens.