Tag: Bacteria

Coliform Bacteria in water

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What is coliform bacteria
Coliform bacteria are single-celled organisms that are present in the environment such as rivers, lakes and streams and as well as all warm-blooded animals like human. The structure of them is rod-shaped, gram-negative and non-spore forming bacteria. Coliform bacteria can be explained in this way that; it can ferment lactose into acid and gas at 35–37°C. The majority of the coliform bacteria are harmless and certain are harmful. But it is important that it represent the disease-causing organism such as viruses and protozoans might be present in the water. Since both of the organisms come from same sources. Moreover it does not always indicate that pathogenic microorganisms are also present in the water because coliform bacteria can stay alive in tropical condition. However, it indicates that other microorganisms must be checked. The colifoarm bacteria can be classified into three groups or subgroups for example total coliform, fecal coliform and E. coli.

coliform-bacteria

Total coliform Bacteria
The total coliform bacteria are a collection of large number of different types of bacteria in water or soil. Total coliform bacteria are used as the indicator for the source of water so that resolve the problem. If only the total coliform bacteria are present in water and fecal coliform bacteria are absent; it indicates that the source is probably environmental (portable water).

Fecal coliform bacteria
Fecal coliform bacteria are a sub-group of total coliform bacteria that are contamination by warm-blooded animals. If fecal coliform bacteria are present, it indicates that the contamination occur recently. It is larger threatened for human. Moreover it can reduce dissolved oxygen of water which is undesirable for aquatic life. Fecal coliform bacteria test is one of the important water quality tests in many development countries as like USA.

E. coli bacteria
E. coli bacteria are a sub-group of the fecal coliform bacteria that are found in large amount in the intestines of people and warm-blooded animals. Although most of E. coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria are safe but some of them can cause disease; particularly the strain 0157:H7.  If these bacteria are present in water, it indicates recent fecal contamination. It means there is a potential health problem creating pathogens are present. This organism can create some disease for example meningitis, dysentery, typhoid, urinary tract, septicemia, hepatitis and intestinal infections.

How can destroy coliform bacteria
Coliform bacteria are used to study, how the contamination obtained into the water so that eliminate any probable sources. Coliform bacteria can destroy by boiling or treating contamination water including harmful 0157:H7 E. coli bacteria.

Bacteria in water

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Physiologically and morphologically heterogeneous bacteria can create nuisances in water systems. The bacteria are included in this group are slime bacteria, iron bacteria, sulfur bacteria and sulfate bacteria. Bacteria in water systems create taste, order, and produce color in water. Moreover it increases tuberculation, turbidity and decrease in carrying capacity of pipes.

Inorganic and organic substances are the source of food for the bacteria in water. Though the organic materials are small amount in supply water but some bacteria in water are able to collect their food from continuous flow of water. Other parameters that can influence their production and development are temperature, pH and oxygen.

Slime forming bacteria in water

Many industries such as food processing plants, laundries, paper and textile mills are greatly affected by the huge amount of slime. No particular groups of bacteria in water are responsible for slime production. Many bacteria have the general property of this. Bacteria in water growth normally are submerged surfaces and they are attached by mucilaginous material. After such type of film creation the accumulation are increased by production and adsorption of suspended and colloidal materials.

Inorganic compounds are the main source of food for the slime producing bacteria such as ammonia is the source of energy for the nitrifying bacteria’s growths.

Reduce iron compound and reduced sulfur compounds for example sulfur, sulfides, sulfites and thiosulfates also responsible for slime formation.

Iron bacteria in water

Iron bacteria are tiny living organisms and oxidizing agent. They are naturally found in sallow groundwater, soil, and surfaces water. They are mostly responsible for nuisance in water systems. These bacteria in water are enormous slim producers. Moreover they are guilty for many water disasters. It creates the water reddish, yellow or orange color, unpleasant test and bad odor.

Sulfur bacteria in water

There are two types of sulfur bacteria in water systems; sulfur oxidizing and reducing bacteria. But sulfur reducing bacteria are common in water. Sulfur oxidizing bacteria convert sulfide into sulfate and create a dark slime. The sulfur bacteria in water receiving their energy from the oxidation of reduced sulfur compounds. Sulfur reducing bacteria are found in oxygen deficient environments such as ground water, water softener, water filter, hot water heater and plumbing systems. They create hydrogen sulfide gas in water systems; which is corrosive for water pipe lines. Overall the sulfur bacteria in water create black slimes, bad taste, odor and responsible for corrosion of iron pipes.

Sulfate reducing bacteria in water

The sulfate reducing bacteria in water causing the reduction of sulfates they are heterotrophic and anaerobic. Sulfate reduction can happen in the lack of organic matter, if a hydrogen source is present. This type of sulfate reduction can be considered as autotrophic.

In potable water systems the reduction of sulfate is limited significance as the low amount of organic matter is presence in water supplies. In this case autotrophic reduction of sulfates may be larger significance as hydrogen can be derived from metal surface. Sulfate reducing organisms can supply as depolarizing agents under anaerobic conditions. It increases the rate of corrosion of the metal, creating bad tastes and odors.

Whole house effect by the bacteria in water

The following whole house effect can be observed by the bacteria in water:

      A large amount of slime cab be damaging the plumbing systems of the whole house. Even the slime clogged the pipe lines.
      Slime deposits can form in water softener, water filter, hot water heater, toilet tanks etc.
      Can be developed unpleasant taste and odor.
      Hydrogen sulfide can discolor copper, silverware and porcelain.