SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1977
STP34820S

Potential Health Hazards Associated With in Water

Source

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen of man and animals which may be spread by water. The major source of P. aeruginosa in waters appears to be fecal wastes of man and animals associated with man, although growth may occur under certain conditions. The demonstration of the species in surface waters suggests the influence of man, and its numbers reflect the degree of pollution. However, they survive only for short periods, and there frequently appears to be little relation between populations of P. aeruginosa and those of other pathogens or fecal indicators.

The value of P. aeruginosa as an indicator of potential health hazards associated with water must be judged on the basis of its own role as a waterborne pathogen. In this paper, the role of P. aeruginosa as a waterborne pathogen, its sources, and its behavior in aquatic environments are reviewed. Its isolation from drinking waters, farm water supplies, swimming pool waters, whirlpool waters, and surface recreational waters should be regarded with concern. However, while authorities have recommended limitations on P. aeruginosa in waters used for various purposes, few epidemiologic studies have been undertaken upon which to base standards, and few standards have been established.

Author Information

Hoadley, AW
School of Civil Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Ga.
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Details
Developed by Committee: D19
Pages: 80–114
DOI: 10.1520/STP34820S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-4707-2
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-0288-0