Evaluation of bio-physical parameters and microbial pollution in water systems

Abstract

This study covers the purification and sterilization stations in different regions of the Iraqi city of Baghdad. To systematically conduct this study, several drinking water samples were collected from various sites in Al-Karkh and Al-Rusafa in Baghdad. These samples were tested bacteriologically, such as Bacterial Total Count, Total Coliform Bacteria, fecal bacteria, and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Furthermore, the physical properties of the total hardness (TH), turbidity, residual chlorine, and pH from June 2021 to July 2022 were measured monthly. The seasonal variation of the research parameters is considered by providing a statistical description. The biological tests indicate that the water is seriously contaminated with fecal coliform in one area of the Al-Karkh region during the months of autumn and summer. Also, the biological tests of the Al-Rusafa region elucidate the dangerous concentrations of plate count bacteria in summer and autumn. Furthermore, the Al-Rusafa region reports cases of E. coli and coliform in the summer, which exceed the Iraqi and WHO guidelines. But, the physical tests ascertain the semi-alkalinity of drinking water with the greatest residual chlorine value of 0.9 ppm in the summer. HIGHLIGHTS The drinking water is semi-alkaline to neutral.; The residual chlorine is within the Iraqi and WHO standards.; The turbidity values are within the allowed limit of 5 Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU).; The water is seriously contaminated with fecal coliform in one area of Al-Karkh in autumn and summer.; The biological examinations of the Al-Rusafa region reveal high dangerous concentrations of plate count bacteria during summer and autumn.;

Keywords

• biological properties
• e. coli
• fecal coliform
• physical properties
• residual chlorine
• water quality