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Finding Fecal and Total Coliforms, and Enterococcus in Water Samples from Cidra

in the River ArroyataBy.

Alejandra GonzalezAngeline Figueroa

Mentor: Prof. Javier Arce

What are Coliforms?

A broad class of bacteria found in our environment, including the feces of man and other warm-blooded animals.

The presence of coliform bacteria in drinking water may indicate a possible presence of harmful, disease-causing organisms.

Total and Fecal

Total coliforms Bacteria that are found in the intestines of animals

and in the environment

Fecal coliforms Are found only in the intestines of animals and these

are endemic in the waters of Puerto Rico It is used to know the presence of pathogenic

organisms

Enterococcus

Is a genus of lactic acid bacteria

Two species are common commensal organisms in the intestines of humans: E. faecalis and E. faecium

Infections caused by Enterococcus include urinary tract infections, bacteremia, bacterial endocarditis, diverticulitis, and meningitis.

Parameters for Water from PRASA

Solids

Color, Odor, Turbid, Taste

Temperature

pH

Problem and Hypothesis

Can we be able to find total and fecal coliforms, and enterococcus in the waters of the river Arroyata?

We will be able to find coliforms and enterococcus in the waters of the mentioned river.

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Location

Cidra

Water Sample 66

Water Sample 69

Water Sample 70

Materials and Methods

Collecting the sample (May 3, 2013)

• 6 of 100mL of water

• GPS to identify:

latitude and longitude

sample number

time

• Multimeter to measure temperature and conductivity

• Turbidmeter to measure the turbidity

Materials and Methods Cont.

Analyzing the samples Colilert (fecal & total coliform) and Enterolert

(enterococcus) Quantity Tray Quantity Tray sealer Colilert was Incubate for 24h at 35C Enterolert was incubated for 24h at 41C

Materials and Methods Cont.

Next Day Take out the quantity trays from incubator Yellow ones identify TC Put them under ultraviolet light to identify FC Blue to identify enterococcus Count for positive and negative results

Results (Location)

ID Time Temp. Conductivity

Turbidity North West

66 14:06 27.5 504 0.88 18.19136

66.19357

69 14:23 25 526 1.41 18.19154

66.19356

70 14:55 28.7 501 1.62 18.2085 66.19356

Results for Fecal and Total Coliforms, and Enterococcus

ID TC MPN C MPN Entero MPN

66 2419.6 307.8 344.8

69 2419.6 172.6 579.4

70 2419.6 210.5 156.5

Results

Enterococcus

Total Coliforms

Fecal Coliforms

First and Second samples

Third Sample

Conclusion

We got positive results in all three samples

Fecal coliforms were present because these are endemic in the waters of Puerto Rico

As far from the town less bacteria we will be able to find

Significance

We can orient people to prevent diseases caused by fecal and total coliforms or enterococcus.

Start campaigns to keep our waters clean for the health of everyone

References

http://www.bfhd.wa.gov/info/coliform.php (Public Health of US)

http://www.gobierno.pr/NR/rdonlyres/BA0D6158-5A70-449A-B385-D55F654720A8/0/EstandaresCalidadAgua.pdf (Junta de Calidad de Ambiental de Puerto Rico)

Thanks for your attention!

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Any Questions?