Water Microbiology, Water Borne Diseases, Infection, Fresh Water, Waste Water microbiology, Fresh water microbiology - some details.

1. WATER MICROBIOLOGY
MAJID MOHIUDDIN

2. Water Microbiology
The study of diversity of microorganisms –
viruses, bacteria, algae, protozoa and
microscopic fungi – which inhabit and
perform activities essential to life in fresh,
estuarine and marine waters, including
springs, lakes, rivers, bays and seas
comes under the umbrella of Water
Microbiology.

3. IMPORTANCE:
 Every thing originated in the water & everything
is sustained by water.
 All life on earth depends on water.
 Man uses water for many purposes.
- drinking
- irrigation
- fisheries
- industrial processes
- transportation
- waste disposal

4. IMPORTANCE OF WATER
• For life
• Inorganic constituent of living matter.
Medium for Growth:
Second natural medium
• Contain mineral nutrients and dissolved oxygen.
• Organic matter = Microbial Population.
• Microbial population higher in Rivers near thickly populated cities
than village.
• PH, Temperature range & inorganic phosphate & situation of the
lake.
• Availability of possible factors (Zinc & Coppers)- limits growth of
Microbes. & Poor quantity of nitrate and nitrogen.
• Calcium-harmful for algae.

5. Water- common source of
Infectious Diseases
• Dysentery - Entamoeba histolytica
• Typhoid Fever – Salmonella typhi
• Cholera – Vibrio cholerae
• Giardiasis – Gardia lamblia
• Legionellosis – Legionella pneumophila
• Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) – Naegleria
fowleri (a Protozoan)
Significant waterborne viral pathogens:
Hepatitis A
Norwalk Viruses

6. Common Waterborne Diseases Caused Due to
Bacteria, Viruses, Protozoa & Algae
WHO estimates, 30,000 people die everyday in developing countries due to lack of clean water
WATERBORNE PATHOGENS DISEASE CAUSED
Bacteria
Salmonella typhi Typhoid fever
Salmonella enteritides Gastroenteritis
Helicobacter pylori (Camphylobacter
pylori)
Stomach (gastric) ulcers, chronic
gastritis, stomach caner
Shigella dysenteria & others Shigellosis (bacillary dysentery)
Vibrio cholerae Cholera (or Asiatic cholera)
Vibrio parahaemolyticus Gastroenteritis
Escherichia coli (enterotoxigenic strain) Gastroenteritis
Campylobacter fetus Gastroenteritis
Legionella pneumophila Legionnaires disease (Pneumonia)
Aeromonas hydrophila Gastroenteritis

7. Common Waterborne Diseases Caused Due to
Bacteria, Viruses, Protozoa & Algae
WHO estimates, 30,000 people die everyday in developing countries due to lack of clean water
WATERBORNE PATHOGENS DISEASE CAUSED
Virus
Hepatitis A Virus Hepatitis
Polio Virus Poliomyelitis
Coxsackie virus Gastroenteritis
PROTOZOA
Giardia intestinalis Giardiasis
Balantidium coli Balantidiasis
Entamoeba histolytica Amoebic dysentery
Cryptosporidium parvum Cryptosporidiosis (gastroenteritis)
Naegleria fowleri Amoebic meningoencephalitis
ALGAE
Gonyaulax catanella Muscular paralysis
Gambierdiscus toxicus Ciguatera fish poisoning

8. HYDEROGEN/WATER CYCLE

9. Hydrogen Cycle

10. Water in Nature
Water exist in 3 states
Gas Solid Liquid
Lithosphere
Atmosphere
Hydrosphere

11. 1. Ocean
2. Polar Ice Caps
3. Glaciers
4. Ice fields
5. Inland surface water – Lakes and
River

12. Ocean – 97% of the Hydrosphere.
Most of this water is cold between 2 and 30
C & high pressure (> 100 atmospheres).

13. Polar ice caps
Ice fields
Glaciers
2% in the form of ice

14. Inland surface water 0.02%
Lake River

15. TYPES OF WATER
1. Atmospheric water: Rain water & Snow water (dust,
soot & suspended particles & Air borne bacteria)
2. Surface water: Mountain, river water also. (organic
matter, Soil microflora). Saprophytic Spp. & Protozoa.
3. Ground water: Water percolates (few bacteria & little
amount of organic matter). (Microbes cannot multiply)
4. Stored water: Pounds, Reservoirs, Lakes & Ocean.
• Microbial Population decreases
X Area
X Types of vegetation
X Seasons
X Individual chemical components
X Total inorganic Salt contents.
• Protozoa Presents.

16. Atmospheric water
Rain water & Snow water (dust, soot & suspended particles & Air borne bacteria)

17. Surface water:
Mountain, river water also. (organic matter, Soil microflora).
Saprophytic Spp. & Protozoa.
Mountain water
River water

18. Ground water:
Water percolates (few bacteria & little amount of
organic matter). (Microbes cannot multiply)

19. Stored water
Pond Reservoirs
Lakes Ocean

20. Classified Based on Suitability for
support of living matter.
Stored Water:
1. Eutrophic Lake: Well nourished
2. Oligotrophic Lake: Poorly nourished
3. Dystrophic Lake: High Organic matter
of special type – Lake dark and acidic.

21. Classified Based on Suitability for
support of living matter.
Stored Water:
1. Eutrophic Lake

22. Classified Based on Suitability for
support of living matter.
Stored Water:
2. Oligotrophic Lake: Poorly nourished

23. Classified Based on Suitability for
support of living matter.
Stored Water:
3.Dystrophic Lake: High Organic matter of
special type – Lake dark and acidic.

24. Water Impurities
• Sea water ( about 3% dissolved mineral
impurities)
• Connote water (Produced with some
crude oils, sometimes 20 to 30%
dissolved salts)
• Brackish water ( Industrial waste water)
• Measured in Parts Per Million (ppm)
- 10,000 ppm = 0.015%

25. FRESH WATER MICROBIOLOGY
Fresh Water Environments are characterized by low
salinity and variability in temperature, PH & oxygen
concentration and contain microorganisms belonging to
all major taxonomic groups.
(eg. Aerobes (bacillus), Anaerobes (Clostridium), Aquatic fungi – Chytrids
(Zoospora), Ingoldian fungi(Detuteromycetes),

26. Fresh Water Aquatic Ecosystems (Lakes & Ponds)
 Littoral/shoreline Zone – area of shallow water near the shore – light
penetrates to the bottom
 Limnetic Zone – sunlight water away from the shore and the resident
microorganisms include algae, cyanobacteria, pseudomonas and
Caulobacter.
 Photic/Profundal Zone- Light penetration (between Limnetic Zone and
Lakee sediment)
 Benthic Zone – composed of organic debris & mud. – Desulfovibrio &
methane bacteria.

28. MICROORGANISMS IN WATER
1. Phytoplankton
2. Zooplankton
3. Periphyton (Biotecton)
4. Benthos (Zoobenthos)
5. Saprotrophs (Bacteria and Fungi)
- Pleosaprophytic Zone
- Mesosaprophytic Zone
- Oligosaphrophytic Zone
6. Sea water Microorganism

29. 1. Phytoplankton:
- Floating microscopic autotrophs
- Cyanobacteria, algae (Chlorophyceae &
Bacillariophyceae)
 Classified based on Size:
- Ultraplankton 0.5 to 10 m
- Nannoplankton 10 to 50 m
- Microplankton 50 to 500 m
- Net plankton
- Macroplankton 500 m
 Primary Producers – indicates water quality
 Biological treatment of Organic wastes in water .

30. 2. Zooplankton:
• Heterogenous assemblage of minute
floating animal forms found in water.
• Locomotary structures
• Primary consumers
• Dominating Members
» Protozoa,
» Ronifera,
» Copepoda
» Cladocera
» Ostracod.

31. 3. Periphyton (Biotecton)
• are the organisms (both plant and animal)
attached or clinging to the submerged
plant or other surfaces projecting above
the bottom
• An organism may remain as periphyton
throughout its life or during some period of
its life cycle.
• Animals may be an obligatory or a
facultative periphyton.

32. Periphytons

33. 4. Benthios (Zoobenthos)
The heterogenous assemblage of
organisms attached or resting on the
bottom or living in the bottom sediments of
a body of water.
Phytobenthos- Benthic Plants.
Zoobenthos – Benthic Animals.

34. Phytobenthos- Benthic Plants

35. Phytobenthos- Benthic Plants

36. Zoobenthos – Benthic Animals

38. 5. Saprotrophs (Bacteria & Fungi):
mud water.
• Saprophytism
– Pleosaprophytic Zone: Heavily Polluted Zone
of water reservoir and contains sufficient
amount of Organic residues of plants and
animals.
– Mesosaprophytic Zone: Less polluted due to
high rate of mineralisation and oxidation of
organic matter.
– Oligosaphrophytic zone: pure and clear water

39. Lakes & Pond of Temperate Region – Based on
Thermal stratification/gradients in temperature
• - Seasonal changes in microbial populations.
• Nutrients & Oxygen exchange.
EPILIMNION: Warmest & aerobic. 250
-220
C
THERMOCLINE:Buffer zone. 200
– 100
c
HYPOLIMNION: Cooler & anaerobic.50
– 40
c
• Upwilling Process: Nutrients up from sediments –
massive growth of one group of microorganisms.

40. • Streams & Rivers: Nutrients from flow of
inorganic and organic materials.
– - effects of agricultural & industrial practiices
– -Chemoorganotrophic Microorganisms
• Estuaries: (a semi enclosed coastal body of
water which has a free connection with the
open sea) – receive inputs from various
sources
– domestic , industrial, agricultural or atmospheric sources
– Coliforms, fecal streptococci, spp. of Bacillus, clostridium,
sphaerotilus, Beggiatoa, Thiothrix, Thiobacillus. (Domestic pollution)
– Hyphomicrobium, Caulobacter Gallionella ( Poor nutritional
estuaries)
– Fungi: Ascomycota, Chytridiomycota & Deuteromycota

41. Hydrothermal Vents
• Deep-sea hot springs where
volcanic activity generates fluids
containing large amounts of
inorganic energy sources that can
be used by chemolithotrophic
bacteria.
• Bacteria fix CO2 into organic
carbon used by deep sea
animals.
• Deep sea hydrothermal vents:
– Warm vents: Emit Hydrothermal fluid
– 6-230
c
– Hot vents: 270-3800
c (Black
smokers)

42. Hydrothermal vent

43. Microorganisms in sea:
– Heliophilic (sunlight)
– Barophilic (high hydrostatic pressure)
– Psychrophilic (low temperature)
– All are decomposed by bacteria and other microbes.
– Contains bacteria, aerobic cellulose fermenters, fibriocolytic
bacteria ad sulphuroxidizing bacteria, Blue green algae, green
algae and diatoms.
– Photosynthetic organisms (Primary Producers, the
phytoplankton (eg., cyanobacteria, diatoms, dinoflagellates,
chalmydomonada, and variety of other protists and eukaryotic
algae)
– Heterotrophic bacteria – at surface and lower strata.
Ocean = High –pressure refrigerator ( 30
C at 100m depth
High salinity ( 3.5% salts) & most below 5 o
C, PH (8.0),
Oxygen concentration

44. MARINE MICROBIOLOGY Contd…..
Deep Sea = Water at > 1000m depth.
Low Temperature
High Temperature
Low nutrient Levels
 Archea at 100 meters Ocean depth
 Barophiles(Piezophiles) = Weight/high pressure loving
 Barotolerant
 Baraophilic
 Extreme obligate barophiles – at 10,000 m depth
 Thiomargarita namibiensis (100x300 µm diameter) 100 time
bigger than common bacterium - World Largest known

45. WATER POLLUTION
- Change in quality or composition
- By Waste disposal and other human activities
- Less suitable or Harmful for drinking, domestic,
agricultural recreational, fisheries or other
purposes.
Water Pollution: The adding to water of any
substance, or the changing of water’s physical
and chemical characteristics in any way which
interferes with its use for legitimate purpose.
WATER: CONTAMINATED, POLLUTED OR
POTABLE

46. • It contain impurities of various kinds- both
dissolved and suspended
• Dissolved gases (H2S, CO2, NH3, N2)
• Dissoved minerals (Calcium, Magnesium,
Sodium)
• Suspended impurities ( clay, silt, sand and
mud)
• Microorganisms.

47. Some different types of Water Pollution
1. Microbiological
2. Chemical
3. Oxygen depleting substances
4. Nutrients
5. Suspended matter

48. Water Pollution categorized:
• Physical Pollution: due to particulate
matter(sand/soil)
• Chemical Pollution: Inorganic & organic
wastes.
• Biological Pollution: Microorganisms –
human wastes, food processing, meat
packing plants and medical facilities.

49. Sources of Water Pollution:
1. Natural Sources: Rain, Snowfall,
Leaching, river, etc.
2. Anthropogenic Sources:
• Industrial sources
• Domestic Sources
• Agricultural Sources
• Mining Sources
• Physical Pollutants (thermal and radioactive
substances).

50. 1. Industrial Sources:
1. Tanneries
2. Sugar mills
3. Pulp and Paper mills,
4. Distilleries, Oil refineries etc.
Tanneries
Sugar mills
Pulp and Paper mills
Distilleries, Oil refineries

51. 2. Domestic Sources:
– From Houses
– Commercial buildings
– Institutions
– Important Pollutants are Biodegradable Organic matter,
coliforms and pathogens.

52. 3. Agricultural Sources:
– Soil and silt removed by erosion
– Agricultural run off
– Synthetic fertilizers, herbicides and
insecticides
– Plant residue.

53. Classification of Water Pollution:
(based on nature of its origin)
1. Point Sources
» From pipes and sewage treatment plants and
industrial facilities.
1. Non Point Sources
» Urban storm water run off, run off from farm fields,
acid rain, etc.

54. • Classified based on their environmental or
health effects:
» Infectious agents.
» Oxygen demanding wastes
» Plant nutrients
» Inorganic pollutants
» Toxic organic chemicals
» Sediment
» Thermal pollutants
» Radioactive pollutants.

55. Wastewater Characterization:
1. Physial
2. Chemical
3. Biological
1.Physical Characteristics:
» Colour
» Odour
» Turbidity
» Temperature
» Solids

56. 2.Chemical Characteristics:
» PH
» Alkalinity
» Inorganic constituents like chlorides, heavy metals,
nitrogen, Phosphorus, etc.
» Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
» Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)
» Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)
3.Biological Characteristics
» Bacteria
» Algae
» Protozoa
» Viruses
» Coliforms
Biodegradation of organic wastes suspended in water is brought about by
aerobic decomposers provided that the water contains sufficient oxygen for
microorganisms to decompose the substances. The Oxygen required for
biodegradation is termed biochemical oxygen demand (BOD).

57. Water Purification
Sedimentation
 Coagulation/
Flocculation
Filtration
Chlorination
Storage
Catch basin in
untreated (or raw)
water
Catch basin in
untreated (or raw)
water
Holding tank or
coagulation basin
Holding tank or
coagulation basin
Sand
Charcoal
Sand
Charcoal
……..
…….000…..@@@@@@@
@
……..
…….000…..@@@@@@@
@
Tank of treated
water
Tank of treated
water
Pumping stationPumping station
Remove sand,
gravel, large
particulates
Formation & removal of floc,
containing insoluble material
& microoganisms
Removal or remaining
particulates, organic &
inorganic compounds
Kill pathogenic microorganisms ie.,
disinfection
Prevent growth of new inoculation
To consumer through domestic water pipes
STEPS
FUNCTIONS

58. WATER QUALITY ASSAYS &
PUBLIC HEALTH
Presence of Indicator Microorganisms
 Standard Plate Count
 The Most Probable Number Methods.
 The Membrane Filter Technique
 The (o-nitrophenyl-ß-D-galactopyrano-side) ONPG and
MUG(4-methylum – bellifery1-ß-D-glucuro-nide) Test.
 Isolation of Aquatic Molds.(Chytridiomycetes &
Oomycetes – Chytridiales Saprolegniales).
 Nuisance Organisms (not harmful to human) in Drinking
Water. (Desulfovibrio, Thiobacillus, Eukaryotic algae,
diatoms & Cyanobacteria.

59. Raw waste
water
Screening Chamber
Grit
Primary
setting
tank
Aeration
Tank
Secondary
Settling
Tank
Effluent
Sludge
thickener
Anaerobic
digestion
Sludge
thickener
Sludge Disposal
Primarysludge
Sludge recycling
(30-40%)
Activated sludge
(Secondary sludge)
Grit Chamber
WASTE WATER TREATMENT

60. END
MAJID MOHIUDDIN