Microbial Water Quality

Valley, Nepal. This study was conducted to comprehensively investigate the occurrence of pathogenic bacteria in water samples collected from the valley, most of which were used for drinking and other domestic purposes. The water samples consisted of 10 samples of commercial jar water, 10 of groundwater from shallow dug wells, 3 of groundwater from deep tube wells, 1 of stone spout water, 2 of spring water, and 2 of river water. DNA microarray analysis targeting 941 different pathogenic bacterial species/groups showed the prevalence of Acinetobacter, Arthrobacter, Brevibacterium, Pseudomonas, and Legionella and the presence of biosafety level 3 pathogens in some samples, which were partially confirmed by genus-specific PCR quantification for Legionella and Brucella. Additionally, the occurrence of most pathogens detected via DNA microarray analysis was not correlated with that of fecal indicator bacteria (total coliforms and Escherichia coli). These results will aid in understanding the overall picture of pathogenic bacterial contamination and in screening important pathogens that should be investigated in detail.

Quality of drinking water is very vital to public health. Diarrhea can be caused by poor hygiene practices, inadequate sanitary action and unsafe drinking water. Globally, 1,000 children die annually due to controllable sanitation-related diarrhea diseases. Furthermore, Africa has been classified as the leading continent in cholera disease due to lack of access to safe clean water and basic sanitation. Kenya is a water scarce country in Africa leading to drilling of many boreholes in the country. Almost all the households in Ekalakala ward, Machakos County used borehole water for various activities. This study aimed to determine faecal and pathogenic coliforms in borehole water at source and households in Ekalakala ward, Machakos County. Mixed methods research design was adopted. The most probable number (MPN) technique was used to identify faecal coliforms (Escherichia. coli). Other pathogenic bacteria include Vibrio cholerae and Salmonella species and were isolated using thiosulfate citrate bile salts and deoxycholate citrate agar respectively. MPN results showed that most of the samples were contaminated with faecal coliforms with a mean value of 171.3 MPN/100 ml of water. The proximity of boreholes to pit latrines was assessed using a checklist and confirmed that there was moderate positive correlation of (r) = 0.45. Borehole water in Ekalakala ward was contaminated with bacterial coliforms and faecal coliforms. Water treatment before use in addition to, education on proper water storage methods by community health providers should be emphasized.

In developing countries such as Pakistan, waterborne infections are more common among infectious diseases due to unsafe supply of drinking water and inadequate sanitation systems. In the salt range of Pakistan, sources of drinking water in rural and suburban areas are not protected against microbial contamination resulting from poor sanitation systems and saline water seepage. To assess the bacterial contamination levels and their impact on public health, drinking water samples were collected from various sources in Khewra and Pind Dadan Khan. Total Coliforms including faecal Coliforms, E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus and faecal Streptococcus were determined using the Most Probable Number (MPN) method to quantify the bacterial contamination. The data collected were subjected to statistical analysis to establish the potential relationship between water contamination levels among different sources and health risks posed by different bacterial species. The results revealed the presence of different bacterial species and there was a significant difference in average microbial concentrations among different water supply systems and natural sources. Almost all of the sources were infected either with Coliform group, Staphylococcus aureus or with faecal Streptococcus. An interview-based survey was also conducted to gather information regarding disease incidence rate and results showed a strong relation in the contamination levels and disease prevalence rate.

Ralstonia insidiosa and Chryseobacterium gleum are bacterial species commonly found in potable water systems and these two species contribute to the robustness of biofilm formation in a model six-species community from the International Space Station (ISS) potable water system. Here, we set about characterizing the interaction between these two ISS-derived strains and examining the extent to which this interaction extends to other strains and species in these two genera. The enhanced biofilm formation between the ISS strains of R. insidiosa and C. gleum is robust to starting inoculum and temperature, occurs in some but not all tested growth media, and evidence does not support a soluble mediator or co-aggregation mechanism. These findings shed light on the ISS R. insidiosa and C. gleum interaction, though such enhancement is not common between these species based on our examination of other R. insidiosa and C. gleum strains, as well as other species of Ralstonia and Chryseobacterium. Thus, while the findings presented here increase our understanding of the ISS potable water model system, not all our findings are broadly extrapolatable to strains found outside of the ISS.

The microbial quality of fifteen pre-packaged fruit salad samples containing pineapple, water melon and paw-paw was analyzed. The distribution of the bacterial isolates were Bacillus spp 15 (100%), Staphylococcus aureus 15 (100%) , Pseudomonas spp 13 (86.67%), Escherichia coli 15 (100%) , Streptococcus spp 4 (26.67%), Alkaligenes spp 6 (40%).The fungi isolates were distributed as follows: Aspergillus spp 15 (100%), Penicillium spp 13 (86.67%), Fusarium spp 8 (53.33%) and Saccharomyces cerevisae 6 (46.67%). The total bacterial count was in the range of 1.40 ×10 5 to 2.70 ×10 5 cfu/g, while the total coliform count ranged from 0.33 ×10 3 to 4.66×10 3 cfu/g. The lowest Staphylococcal aureus count was 6.0×10 4 cfu/g while the highest count was 11.33×10 4 cfu/g. The fungal count ranged from 2.67×10 3 to 5.67×10 3 . Good personal hygiene, Proper sanitation practice and the use of clean utensils are recommended in order to avoid risks associated with the consumption of contaminated fruits....

Background: Shallow wells and boreholes are vital sources of potable water in Hargeisa. This water can be polluted by runoff, in particular during the rainy season, causing outbreaks of waterborne infections. Objectives: This research aimed at evaluating the microbial quality of shallow wells and boreholes water around Hargeisa, Somaliland. Methods: The total coliform and Escherichia coli count were done by using the membrane filtration method. Overall, 100 ml of each water sample was filtered via a 0.45 µm membrane filter, and then the filters were put on m-Endo agar plates that were incubated at 37˚C for 24 to 48 hours. Results: The mean value of total coliform counts for the boreholes and shallow wells ranged from 1.288 × 10 3 to 8.8 × 10 3 CFU/100ml, while the mean value of total E. coli counts also ranged from 3.5 × 10 2 to 4.429 × 10 3 CFU/100ml. Results from this study have demonstrated that all water sources (Arabsiyo, Dararweyne, Darasalaam, Dabaraqas, and Jaleelo) don't comply with the WHO guideline for drinking water. Results from the analysis of water samples of 28 wells demonstrated a significant correlation between total coliform and E. coli counts (P = 0.01). Therefore, this water is not fit for human consumption unless it is treated. Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that all results of both mean values of total coliform and E. coli counts from groundwater of selected shallow wells and boreholes were beyond WHO standards, so water from Arabsiyo, Jaleelo, Dabaraqas, Dararweyne, and Darasalaam requires treatment before human consumption.

This study accessed and compared the microbial quality of well water in Bali Metropolis, water samples were collected from sixty (60) selected wells in Ten (10) different geographical zones used for drinking and domestics purpose. Microbial analysis was carried out using Most Probable Number technique for the enumeration of both total coliform and total differential E. coli. The result obtained was then compared with the World health organization (WHO) and Nigerian standard for drinking water quality (NSDWQ) standards for drinking water. All the mean values for the total coliform and E. coli coliform count of all the water samples analyzed were generally high they exceeded the W.H.O. and NSDWQ standard requirement as the value ranges between 12.8cfu/100ml to 92.22cfu/100ml for Total coliforms count and 9.17cfu/100ml to 89.21cfu/100ml for Total Differential E. coli count. This study recorded high number of coliform counts in water samples analyzed, thus making it unsafe for drinking and may pose a serious health threat to consumers and therefore, there is need for treatment of these wells water by the consumers and by simple treatment methods such as boiling, filtration before drinking and agitation by the consumers.

A case study of the indigenous technology for processing white soft cheese was conducted in the town of Lumban in Laguna, Philippines. Information was gathered on the demographic profile of two cheese makers; their indigenous knowledge and practices; and the nature, volume, and marketing system of the kesong puti business. The receptivity of the cheese makers to the DTRI technology on white soft cheese processing and the chemical and microbiological qualities of the kesong puti produced in the town were determined. The cheese making business of the two cheese makers' families dates back to 1900 and 1928, respectively. Cheese making is their main occupation. Both cheese makers use bahay asim (abomasum) to coagulate the milk.The average income from the business ranged from PhP15,000-40,000/month. Only one cheese maker expressed interest in the demonstration of the DTRI method for making white soft cheese. A major constraint to the adoption of the DTRI technology according to the cheese maker was the longer processing time and lower cheese yield obtained. The other cheese maker had confidence in her own traditional cheese making technology and expressed no interest in the DTRI method. Lumban cheese had 65.96-67.27% moisture, 2.20-2.60% ash, 11.49-13.14% total protein, 10.17-10.33% fat and 2.03-2.15% salt. The pH ranged from 6.18 to 6.34. The total bacterial counts and yeast and mold counts ranged from 1.4-8.4 x 10 6 colony forming units (cfu)/g and 1.7-3.4 x 10 4 cfu/g, respectively. The coliform colonies were too numerous to count at 10 -1 dilution, which is beyond the 10 cfu/g coliform count limit set by the Philippine Bureau of Food and Drugs.

A case study of the indigenous technology for processing white soft cheese was conducted in the town of Lumban in Laguna, Philippines. Information was gathered on the demographic profile of two cheese makers; their indigenous knowledge and practices; and the nature, volume, and marketing system of the kesong puti business. The receptivity of the cheese makers to the DTRI technology on white soft cheese processing and the chemical and microbiological qualities of the kesong puti produced in the town were determined. The cheese making business of the two cheese makers' families dates back to 1900 and 1928, respectively. Cheese making is their main occupation. Both cheese makers use bahay asim (abomasum) to coagulate the milk.The average income from the business ranged from PhP15,000-40,000/month. Only one cheese maker expressed interest in the demonstration of the DTRI method for making white soft cheese. A major constraint to the adoption of the DTRI technology according to the cheese maker was the longer processing time and lower cheese yield obtained. The other cheese maker had confidence in her own traditional cheese making technology and expressed no interest in the DTRI method. Lumban cheese had 65.96-67.27% moisture, 2.20-2.60% ash, 11.49-13.14% total protein, 10.17-10.33% fat and 2.03-2.15% salt. The pH ranged from 6.18 to 6.34. The total bacterial counts and yeast and mold counts ranged from 1.4-8.4 x 10 6 colony forming units (cfu)/g and 1.7-3.4 x 10 4 cfu/g, respectively. The coliform colonies were too numerous to count at 10 -1 dilution, which is beyond the 10 cfu/g coliform count limit set by the Philippine Bureau of Food and Drugs.

A microbial colony is a visible cluster of microorganisms growing on the surface of or within a solid medium. This may be from a single cell or an amalgam of the same organism of more than one cell or a mix of different organisms. Bioburden levels are commonly measured when conventional methods are deployed in terms of colony-forming units (CFUs). These units provide an estimation of the number of viable bacteria or fungal cells found on a sample, expressed against a unit of measurement, such as per millilitre or per milligram.

When counting CFUs on solid microbiological culture media (agar) there are some aspects of ‘counting’ that need to be considered. These are:

a) Rounding and averaging

b) Significant figures

c) Countable range

d) Statistical error from low counts


This article looks at each of these aspects of the microbial plate count.

Sandle, T. (2025) Means, Ranges and Replicates: Improving Microbial Plate Counting, European Journal of Parenteral and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 30 (1): https://www.ejpps.online/post/means-ranges-and-replicates-improving-microbial-plate-counting

Karst aquifers can be highly productive water sources but are vulnerable to contamination by pathogens because of integrated surface and subsurface drainage. Our study focuses on the karstic Royal Spring basin in Kentucky, encompassing urban and agricultural land uses. The city of Georgetown distributes treated water from Royal Spring to over 33,000 customers. We examined E. coli dynamics at Royal Spring from June 2021 through June 2022, assessing variability under wet versus dry weather conditions. We also used quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) to estimate potential health risks from the pathogenic bacterium E. coli O157:H7. E. coli concentrations in weekly water samples varied from 12 to 1732.8 MPN/100 mL, with a geometric mean of 117.2 MPN/100 mL. The mean concentration in wet periods was approximately double that during dry conditions. Because the pathogen was not detected by quantitative PCR (qPCR), we conducted QMRA based on literature data for water treatment plant operations (occupational) and recreational activities near the spring. The median probability of annual infection was 5.11 × 10-3 for occupational exposure and 1.45 × 10-2 for recreational exposure. Uncertainty and sensitivity analyses revealed that health risks were most sensitive to the pathogen/E. coli ratio and ingestion rate. Although the pathogen was not detected by qPCR, the presence of E. coli suggests potential fecal contamination. This highlights the importance of continued monitoring and investigation of different detection methods to better understand potential health risks in karst systems.

Environmental isolates are commonly used in the pharmaceutical sector to challenge microbial test methods and to release culture media. Does the use of these organisms add value? There are arguments in favour of this practice (broadening the test panel and with the assumption that some ‘wildtype’ characteristics are retained) and against (such as environmental isolates being difficult to standardise and the expectation that ‘wildtype’ characteristics are lost at some time point or they are not retained at all with the first subculture onto laboratory media). This paper considers these arguments.

It is hereby notified that no part of this thesis maybe reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior consent of the author, except for academic purposes. iv CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION OF DISSERTATION I, Luke John Banda, do hereby certify that this dissertation is the product of my own work and, in submitting it for my MPH (Environmental Health) programme further attest that it has not been submitted in part or in whole to another University. Signature: _________________________ Date: _______________________ Supervisors: I, Allan R. Mbewe, Having submitted and read this dissertation, I am satisfied that this is the original work of the author under whose name it is being presented. I, therefore, confirm that the worker has been completed satisfactorily and is hereby ready for presentation to the examiners. Signature: ______________________ Date: ________________________ I, Dr. S. H. Nzala, Having submitted and read this dissertation, I am satisfied that this is the original work of the author under whose name it is being presented. I confirm that the worker has been completed satisfactorily and is hereby ready for presentation to the examiners. Signature: ____________________ Date: ___________________________ I, Dr. H. Halwindi, Having submitted and read this dissertation, I am satisfied that this is the original work of the author under whose name it is being presented. I, therefore, confirm that the worker has been completed satisfactorily and is hereby ready for presentation to the examiners.

Amidst escalating climate change and food insecurity concerns, exploring the potential of microbes offers a promising and sustainable solution. This review delves into the complex interplay between microbial communities and the dual challenge of environmental crisis and food security. Ubiquitous microorganisms-from bacteria to fungi and archaea-shape our planet's ecosystems, playing a crucial role in soil health, nutrient cycling, and plant-microbe interactions. This review dissects diverse microbial habitats, highlighting their remarkable adaptability to varied environments. It then underscores the reciprocal impacts of human-induced environmental changes on microbes and their habitats. Addressing these challenges, the review presents microbes as powerful allies in mitigating climate change. Their ability to sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance soil fertility is explored. Innovations like biofertilizers and biopesticides demonstrate the potential of microbial technologies to revolutionize agriculture and ensure global food security. Concluding, the review emphasizes the symbiotic link between microbes and sustainable food production. Microbial technologies can adapt agriculture to changing climate conditions, addressing water scarcity and enhancing soil moisture retention. Their potential to boost productivity in both traditional and precision agriculture under diverse climatic conditions is highlighted. This review calls for the urgent recognition and harnessing of microbial power for a sustainable future. Embracing microbial technologies not only fosters environmental stewardship but also paves the way for a resilient and resource-efficient agricultural future.

Abstract
Purpose: This study set out to evaluate the state of the School Health Services SHS in primary schools across the Southwest Districts of Mogadishu, Somalia.
Methods: The Southwest Districts of Mogadishu City, which are made up of the four districts "Wadajir, Dharkenley, Kahda, and Deyniile," served as the study site. In Mogadishu, these four districts rank among the biggest. The population was estimated around a million. A cross sectional descriptive study conducted from January to July 2024. A School Health Evaluation Scale Questionnaire was completed for each school by direct interview, there were about 100 elementary schools in the Area that were officially registered, comprising 60 private and 40 public schools.
Results: Of the Teachers in the schools surveyed, 8 (30.8%) were trained to assess the physical status of children. Only 6 (23%) schools observe and assess health status of school children regularly. Overall, twenty-one schools (80.7%) has no sick bay/health center. 80.8% has no a policy on first aid and emergency treatment. First Aid boxes were present only 2 schools (7.7%). Only 6 schools (23%) used their dispositions to exclude and re-admit students suffering from communicable diseases from school. 7 Schools 26.9% require students to be immunized against communicable diseases.
Conclusion: both public and private elementary schools in Mogadishu southwest districts, the quality of the school health services was generally poor. Thus, we would like to encourage that the management of the elementary schools be given immediate attention. First aid should be taught to at least one member of staff in every elementary school. The Ministry of Education ought to make this a requirement for registration and a policy.
Keywords: Evaluation; Health Services; Primary Schools; Mogadishu; Somalia

Water is an essential element for human life; without water, humans will experience a lack of fluid, the fluid in the human body is around 50-80. Water can fulfill daily needs through human activities such as washing clothes, water for drinking, bathing, and so on. Well, water is suitable for use if it meets water quality standards. This type of research uses descriptive research methods. This research is located in Baruga Market, Anduonohu Market, Lorong Salangga, and Kendari Permai Kendari City in December 2023. the samples used in this study amounted to 4 wells. The results obtained in this study are that all well water is polluted with E. coli, and Baruga Market well water exceeds the quality standards for Coliform parameters. The presence of E. coli in all well water samples indicates fecal contamination, posing severe health risks such as waterborne diseases. Baruga Market's well water exceeds Coliform standards, likely due to sewage runoff, making it unsafe without treatment. Immediate actions, like improving sanitation and providing clean water alternatives, are necessary to prevent further contamination and protect public health.

Water is an important constituent of the living organism. Although, one of the most abundant resources to man, yet it is source of microbial transfers which serves a potential health problem in many rural communities. An evaluation study was undertaken to evaluate boreholes, wells and river waters from Iwochang community of Akwa Ibom was evaluated for microbial quality identifying the prevalent microbes. The result of the evaluation showed Bacillus spp, Fusarium spp and Penicillum spp to be the most prevalent in the community with 100% occurrence in all samples studied. Analysis also showed more of fungi colonies than bacterial. Boreholes water samples however had more bacterial and fungi than the well water. Comparison with the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control and the World Health Organization standard limits indicated most of the borehole samples beyond the microbial standard limits. These waters are potentially unsafe for drinking.

Stem cells are non-specialized cells that have the ability to renew themselves. They can divide indefinitely through mitosis to replenish other cells of multicellular organisms throughout their lives. While, any type of cell in a multicellular organism, except germline cells, is called a somatic cell. In contrast, stem cells are specialized cells with self-renewal capacity that can divide indefinitely to produce new stem cells and can also differentiate into different cells in the body. After stem cell division, each newly produced cell can remain as a stem cell or differentiate and give rise to any other type of cell with more specific functions such as muscle cell, blood cell or nerve cell. One of the important indicators for evaluating the quality and health of milk is the number of somatic cells. These cells are composed of neutrophils, lymphocytes and macrophages. The discussion includes an overview of somatic cell counts, factors influencing SCC, and strategies for managing and reducing SCC in dairy herds.

The need for microbiologists to consider the constant and changing patterns of microorganisms found in water systems are varied. These reasons include the need [3]: a) To understand the most commonly occurring isolates which make up the micro flora in the different water systems and to see if there is any relationship between different grades of water. b) To build up such a picture so that, data can be compared and trended over subsequent years. c) To examine the type of microorganisms to see if the types are similar to those expected to be found in a water system. d) To take from the most commonly occurring isolates microorganisms to become part of a microbiological culture collection for future reference. e) To use the most commonly occurring microorganisms for media growth promotion testing (the periodic challenging of culture media by so-termed environmental isolates is an expectation of regulatory authorities under the auspices of Good Manufacturing Practice). f) To have the information in a format for trending, so that microbiologists and quality personnel can react to any changes to trends. Some or all of the above may be applicable, depending upon the pharmaceutical facility of the different reasons outlined, establishing a benchmark is important. This is not a task that, hitherto this paper, has been aided by literature. There are few published references as to the expected micro flora in processed water and even fewer that pertain to the pharmaceutical industry. The paucity of studies is the reason for developing this review: to enable microbiologists to compare and to contrast these findings when establishing their own similar reviews. As general guidance, water systems should be characterized at least annually, with some reference made to the typical and expected microorganisms every time an action level result is recorded from monitoring.

The isolation and characterisation of oil-degrading microorganisms in spent engine oil-contaminated soil were carried out. The density of heterotrophs ranged from 0.2 × 10 4 cfu/g to 62.5 × 10 6 cfu/g for bacteria and 1.5 × 10 3 cfu/g to 1.5 × 10 5 cfu/g for fungi. The density of oil-degraders in the soil samples ranged from 0.03 × 10 3 cfu/g to 5.0 × 10 3 cfu/g for bacteria and 1.0 × 10 2 cfu/g to 3.0 × 10 3 cfu/g for fungal isolates. Micrococcus species were the best bacterial oil-degraders while Aspergillus and Penicillium species degraded the greatest amount of oil among the fungi. Micrococcus and Pseudomonas species were the most predominant organisms in the soil while Klebsiella and Bacillus species occurred less frequently. The concentration of oil correlated with the density of microorganisms in the soil sample.

Water is an important constituent of the living organism. Although, one of the most abundant resources to man, yet it is source of microbial transfers which serves a potential health problem in many rural communities. An evaluation study was undertaken to evaluate boreholes, wells and river waters from Iwochang community of Akwa Ibom was evaluated for microbial quality identifying the prevalent microbes. The result of the evaluation showed Bacillus spp, Fusarium spp and Penicillum spp to be the most prevalent in the community with 100% occurrence in all samples studied. Analysis also showed more of fungi colonies than bacterial. Boreholes water samples however had more bacterial and fungi than the well water. Comparison with the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control and the World Health Organization standard limits indicated most of the borehole samples beyond the microbial standard limits. These waters are potentially unsafe for drinking.

This work was carried out in collaboration among all authors. Author OECS conceptualized the study, collected water samples, spearheaded microbiological analysis and proof read the manuscript. Author ENA conducted the bacteriological analysis of water samples and data analysis. Author DNA also participated in conducting antibiotic susceptibility testing of the bacterial isolated. Author OLC. conducted the antibiotic susceptibility testing of bacterial isolates and developed the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Among minor fruit tree species, pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) has gained an increased importance since several studies have indicated the health potential of its juice. However the particular structure of the fruit represents a serious obstacle to its utilization since the edible part cannot easily be separated from both exocarp and mesocarp. In the last years increasing attention has been paid to the possibility to offer ready-to-eat products to the market in order to fit the consumer requirements. The potential of pomegranate seeds to be transformed into ready-to-eat products have been investigated by several authors. In the present work we focus our attention on the aptitude of some local varieties grown in Sicily to be used for this purpose and on microbiological profiles of the obtained products. Pomegranate fruits, belonging to two local germplasm accessions from Sicily, namely 'Primosole' and 'PG-CT5', were picked at commercial maturity and stored for 4 weeks at 4°C until processing. After storage, the fruits were rinsed in water, carefully cut at the equatorial zone and processed with a commercial arils separator (Pomeke ltd). The mechanically extracted seeds were collected in a tray, mixed to assure uniformity and subjected to different washing solution treatments (distilled water, chlorinated water and citric acid solution); an unwashed sample was used as control. After washing the seed samples were deprived of water excess by means of a manual spin and packaged in trays under ordinary atmosphere. Packaged samples were stored at 4°C and 75% relative humidity for 15 days. Sampling was carried out on 0, 5, 10 and 15 days of storage to count yeasts and moulds, aerobic mesophilic bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae. Respiration of the processed product was estimated by measurement of CO2 concentration in the packages. As expected, the respiration of the processed product, expressed by CO2 concentration within the package, showed a large increase during the storage period. Despite slight differences found among washing treatments, the microbial counts of minimally fresh processed arils were in compliance with the recommended microbial limits of total plate counts, proposed by CNERNA-CNRS guideline for fresh-cut vegetables, throughout the storage time.

Among minor fruit tree species, pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) has gained an increased importance since several studies have indicated the health potential of its juice. However, its consumption is not very widespread mainly due to the difficulty of extracting the edible part. For this reason, in the last years several studies focused on the possibility to obtain ready-to-eat arils in order to fit the consumer requirements. In the present work we evaluated the aptitude of some local cultivars grown in Sicily to be used for this purpose; also an assessment of the microbiological profiles of the obtained products was performed. Fruits of 'Primosole' and 'PG-CT5' local accessions were processed with a commercial pomegranate arils separator (Pomeke ltd). Arils were subjected to different washing solution treatments (distilled water, chlorinated water and citric acid solution); an unwashed sample was used as control. After washing, arils, packed in polypropylene trays, were sealed under normal atmosphere, stored up to 15 days at 4°C and 75% R.H., and analyzed after 0, 5, 10 and 15 d of storage. The respiration rate of the pomegranate arils in packages, as expected, showed a remarkable increase during the storage period for all samples. Slight differences were observed among washing treatments for qualitative traits. Microbial counts of ready-to-eat arils were in compliance with the recommended microbial limits of total plate counts, proposed by CNERNA-CNRS guideline for freshcut vegetables, throughout the considered storage time.

Poor household water storage is one of the major factors contributing to contamination of drinking water in Nigeria. Studies have shown that sizes of containers opening can affect water quality, but little has been documented on comparative effect of storage containers with different opening sizes in improving drinking water quality in Ibadan. This study was designed to assess the effect of different storage containers on household drinking water quality in selected communities in Ibadan. A quasi-experimental design was adopted. Four communities in Ibadan North Local Government namely; Akewu using protected springs as household drinking water sources were purposively selected. Forty-four households (11 from each community) were selected and randomly assigned to four treatment groups; those with Covered Buckets with Taps (CBT), Covered Buckets without Tap (CB), Covered Kegs with Taps (CKT) and Covered Kegs without Tap (CK). Prior to introducing the treatment containers, water samples were collected from their Regular Storage Containers (RSC) and springs for physicochemical and bacteriological analysis using standard methods. Participants were thereafter encouraged to store drinking water in the treatment containers provided for them. Water samples were later collected from CBT, CB, CKT and CK containers twice daily for 3 alternate days over two weeks for bacteriological analysis. In addition, oldest female of selected households were interviewed using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire to elicit information on their socio-demographic characteristics, storage container cleaning and handwashing practices. Results of physicochemical and bacteriological findings were compared with Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) guidelines. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, t-test and ANOVA at p=0.05. www.rsisinternational.org age of the 44 respondents interviewed was 37.9±10.7years. Seventy-three percent washed their hands with only water after defecation and 95.0% stored water for cooking and drinking in the same container. Sixtyeight percent cleaned their containers weekly while 32.0% cleaned twice weekly.

Amidst escalating climate change and food insecurity concerns, exploring the potential of microbes offers a promising and sustainable solution. This review delves into the complex interplay between microbial communities and the dual challenge of environmental crisis and food security. Ubiquitous microorganisms-from bacteria to fungi and archaea-shape our planet's ecosystems, playing a crucial role in soil health, nutrient cycling, and plant-microbe interactions. This review dissects diverse microbial habitats, highlighting their remarkable adaptability to varied environments. It then underscores the reciprocal impacts of human-induced environmental changes on microbes and their habitats. Addressing these challenges, the review presents microbes as powerful allies in mitigating climate change. Their ability to sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance soil fertility is explored. Innovations like biofertilizers and biopesticides demonstrate the potential of microbial technologies to revolutionize agriculture and ensure global food security. Concluding, the review emphasizes the symbiotic link between microbes and sustainable food production. Microbial technologies can adapt agriculture to changing climate conditions, addressing water scarcity and enhancing soil moisture retention. Their potential to boost productivity in both traditional and precision agriculture under diverse climatic conditions is highlighted. This review calls for the urgent recognition and harnessing of microbial power for a sustainable future. Embracing microbial technologies not only fosters environmental stewardship but also paves the way for a resilient and resource-efficient agricultural future.

Vigilancia de la calidad microbiológica de las aguas de consumo humano y que vayan a ser destinadas a su consumo en la provincia de Valencia durante el período 2002-2010 Microbiological quality surveillance of drinking water and water intended for drinking in the province of Valencia (Spain) during the period 2002-2010 Vigilância da qualidade microbiológica de água de consumo humano e de água destinada ao abastecimento público da província de Valência durante o período 2002-2010

Background: Shallow wells and boreholes are vital sources of potable water in Hargeisa. This water can be polluted by runoff, in particular during the rainy season, causing outbreaks of waterborne infections. Objectives: This research aimed at evaluating the microbial quality of shallow wells and boreholes water around Hargeisa, Somaliland. Methods: The total coliform and Escherichia coli count were done by using the membrane filtration method. Overall, 100 ml of each water sample was filtered via a 0.45 µm membrane filter, and then the filters were put on m-Endo agar plates that were incubated at 37˚C for 24 to 48 hours. Results: The mean value of total coliform counts for the boreholes and shallow wells ranged from 1.288 × 10 3 to 8.8 × 10 3 CFU/100ml, while the mean value of total E. coli counts also ranged from 3.5 × 10 2 to 4.429 × 10 3 CFU/100ml. Results from this study have demonstrated that all water sources (Arabsiyo, Dararweyne, Darasalaam, Dabaraqas, and Jaleelo) don't comply with the WHO guideline for drinking water. Results from the analysis of water samples of 28 wells demonstrated a significant correlation between total coliform and E. coli counts (P = 0.01). Therefore, this water is not fit for human consumption unless it is treated. Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that all results of both mean values of total coliform and E. coli counts from groundwater of selected shallow wells and boreholes were beyond WHO standards, so water from Arabsiyo, Jaleelo, Dabaraqas, Dararweyne, and Darasalaam requires treatment before human consumption.

The current study was designed to assess the microbial safety status of rice dishes offered for sale at various local and branded restaurants. Purposely, 30 samples of rice dishes were collected from 16 local and 14 branded restaurants of Baghdad city for two seasons, summer and winter. All the collected samples were subjected to microbiological examination to determine the prevalence and comparative enumeration of: total count, Bacillus cereus, coliform and forming spores in rice. Results pertaining to the enumeration of: total count, Bacillus cereus, coliform and spores forming bacteria exhibited highest count Logarithmic: for summer from collected from: branded restaurants F.S (5.81), and local restaurants coliform (7.82). And winter from collected from: branded restaurants T.C (7.81), and local restaurants coliform (4.44). Highest count observed Bacillus cereus in branded restaurants, and coliform in local restaurants. Further, the results of current study revealed that 42% of rice samples collected from local restaurants and 58% from branded restaurants have unsatisfactory safety status for B. cereus. 38% of rice samples collected from local restaurants and 62% from branded restaurants have unsatisfactory safety status for forming spores. Similarly, for coliform 63 and 42% samples were found unsatisfactory from local and branded restaurants, respectively.

This study examined the bacteriological quality of hand-dug well water from five selected areas in Zaria, Nigeria considering the popularity of hand-dug well water as a source of domestic water supply in most homes across the metropolis. The total heterotrophic bacterial (THB) counts of well water samples obtained during the dry season ranged from 1.4 × 103 to 2.7 × 104 CFU per ml while the THB of well water samples obtained during the rainy season ranged from 3.1 × 103 to 1.1 × 105 CFU per ml. Coliform count ranged from 350 to 2400 MPN per 100 ml for well water samples obtained during both the wet and dry seasons. The result of the study revealed that water from all the wells under study did not meet minimum permissible THB standard (100CFU/ml) and total coliform standards (10/100 ml) set aside by the world health organization (WHO) and therefore not safe for drinking or for other domestic purposes. Extraction and use of such water without some forms of physical and chemical treatm...

Background: Diarrhoea is the second leading cause of childhood mortality in children under five years old. Water is a major contributing risk factor for this disease that is a common illness and a global killer. Material and Methods: Water samples from different areas of Karachi were collected and were processed by MPN technique to evaluate the presence of microbiological substances. Results: Out of the processed samples, 64% were positive for the presence of mix enteric pathogen from different areas of Karachi; from Bhens colony, 74% were positive for the presence of fecal coli forms, among which 4% were positive for EHEC isolated from storage tank and water tank. Conclusion: The abovementioned results reflect the presence of organisms of public health importance in different sources of drinking water. According to WHO guidelines, there should be zero tolerance of these organisms in water.

Ice cream is a milk-enriched nutritious food, containing significant amounts of saturated fat, protein, calcium as well as vitamin C, making it a suitable media for the growth of microorganisms. The microbial assessment of five (5) pairs of randomly purchased flavoured ice cream samples (Banana flavour, Chocolate flavour, Vanilla flavour, Strawberry flavour, Fan ice vanilla) consumed in various eateries within Auchi metropolis were analyzed using standard methods. The samples were divided into two treatment groups (refrigeration and room temperature) respectively. Thereafter, 1g of each sample was weighed and subjected to a 10-fold serial dilution. A measured volume was inoculated into four different agars: Nutrient Agar (NA), MacConkey Agar (MCA), De Mann Rogosa and Sharpe Agar (MRS) and Potato Dextrose Agar for their Total bacteria count (TBC), coliform, lactobacilli and fungi load respectively. Total bacteria count (TBC) were enumerated after the bacteria plates were incubated at 37 o C for 24 hours, and Total fungi count (TFC) was enumerated after incubating the plates at room temperature for 3-5 days. The results showed the genera of Bacteria isolated were Staphylococcus spp, Bacillus spp, and Micrococcus spp., while fungi isolated includes yeast cells, Aspergillus Spp, Mucor spp, Zoophage spp, Brachysporium spp, This results indicates that although most commercial ice creams in Auchi did not meet the national minimum food safety standard limits for microorganisms in food products, the microbial isolates were mainly spoilage organisms. Close monitoring and good manufacturing practices are needed in order to protect the general public from possible food borne infection at all times to safe guide the health of the individuals consuming ice cream and also extend the products shelf-life.

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are an effective barrier in the protection of human and environment health around the world, although WWTPs also are suggested to be selectors and-or reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) before entering the environment. The dogma about WWTPs as "ARG selectors" presumes that biotreatment compartments (e.g., activated sludge; AS) are single densely populated ecosystems with elevated horizontal gene transfer. However, recent work has suggested WWTP biotreatment compartments may be different than previously believed relative to antibiotic resistance (AR) fate, and other process factors, such as bacterial separation and specific waste sources, may be key to ARGs released to the environment. Here we combined 16S rRNA metagenomic sequencing and high-throughput qPCR to characterise microbial communities and ARGs across a wastewater network in Spain that includes both community (i.e., non-clinical urban) and hospital sources. Contrary to expectations, ARGs found in downstream receiving waters were not dominated by AS biosolids (RAS), but more resembled raw wastewater sources. In fact, ARGs and microbial communities in liquid-phase WWTP effluents and RAS were significantly different (BrayeCurtis dissimilarity index ¼ 0.66 ± 0.11), with a consequential fraction of influent ARGs and organisms passing directly through the WWTP with limited association with RAS. Instead, ARGs and organisms in the RAS may be more defined by biosolids separation and biophysical traits, such as flocculation, rather than ARG carriage. This explains why RAS has significantly lower ARG richness (47 ± 4 ARGs) than liquid-phase effluents (104 ± 5 ARGs), and downstream water column (135 ± 4 ARGs) and river sediments (120 ± 5 ARGs) (Tukey's test, p < 0.001). These data suggest RAS and liquid-phase WWTP effluents may reflect two parallel ecosystems with potentially limited ARG exchange. As such, ARG mitigation in WWTPs should more focus on removing bacterial hosts from the liquid phase, AR source reduction, and possibly disinfection to reduce ARG releases to the environment.

Rigorous control of water quality in hemodialysis services is extremely important in order to guarantee a better quality of life of the patients submitted to this treatment. The lack of adequate water monitoring has caused the death of various patients in the past. The objective of the present study was to determine the physicochemical and bacteriological characteristics of water used by hemodialysis services in hospitals of the city of São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil. Bacteriological analyses included the membrane filter method for the determination of total coliform bacteria, the Cult-Dipcombi-TTC-agar method for heterotrophic bacteria and the limulus amebocyte lysate method for the determination of endotoxins. Eighteen water samples obtained from three hospital units, six samples per hemodialysis service, collected directly at the pre-and posttreatment points, were analyzed. Microorganisms were detected in the water used by the hemodialysis services in two of the three hospital units (B and C) studied. No contamination with heterotrophic bacteria was observed in pretreatment samples, while endotoxin production was detected in 100% of the samples. In post-treatment samples, heterotrophic bacteria were detected in 66.6% of the samples and endotoxins in 33.3%. The microorganisms identified in unit B were Burkholderia cepacia, Alcaligenes xylosoxidans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. In unit C Flavimonas oryzihabitans, Ralstonia pickettii and Burkholderia cepacia were identified. A significant correlation was observed between the presence of endotoxins and the physicochemical characteristics of water such as turbidity and conductivity. These data indicate that two of the three hospital units studied should revise the control of their hemodialysis water system.

The work describes both the characterization carried out and the experimental results from an innovative device allowing the gas exchange across a sealed package. The device is especially suitable for fresh fruit and vegetable preservation during cold storage, as it allows for the management of the headspace atmosphere inside sealed packages containing food products presenting metabolic activity. Characterization results confirm the device's suitability for managing the bidirectional gas flow. For each tested device, the hydro-dynamical parameter and the diffusion parameter have been measured to define its steady-state behaviour. The steady-state gas concentrations reached in the package show the aptness of the devices for use with specific products; these equilibrium gas concentrations depend on the device type and on the mass of product contained in the package. The results of simulated storage demonstrate that some products (pomegranate arils and table grapes) require preconditioning of the package free volume to reach the optimal gas concentrations in a short time. Other products (black truffle) with very high metabolic activity could reach the optimal condition without package preconditioning depending on the free volume.

The need for microbiologists to consider the constant and changing patterns of microorganisms found in water systems are varied. These reasons include the need [3]: a) To understand the most commonly occurring isolates which make up the micro flora in the different water systems and to see if there is any relationship between different grades of water. b) To build up such a picture so that, data can be compared and trended over subsequent years. c) To examine the type of microorganisms to see if the types are similar to those expected to be found in a water system. d) To take from the most commonly occurring isolates microorganisms to become part of a microbiological culture collection for future reference. e) To use the most commonly occurring microorganisms for media growth promotion testing (the periodic challenging of culture media by so-termed environmental isolates is an expectation of regulatory authorities under the auspices of Good Manufacturing Practice). f) To have the information in a format for trending, so that microbiologists and quality personnel can react to any changes to trends. Some or all of the above may be applicable, depending upon the pharmaceutical facility of the different reasons outlined, establishing a benchmark is important. This is not a task that, hitherto this paper, has been aided by literature. There are few published references as to the expected micro flora in processed water and even fewer that pertain to the pharmaceutical industry. The paucity of studies is the reason for developing this review: to enable microbiologists to compare and to contrast these findings when establishing their own similar reviews. As general guidance, water systems should be characterized at least annually, with some reference made to the typical and expected microorganisms every time an action level result is recorded from monitoring.

Microbiological health risks due to environmental pollution are major concerning issue in all over the world. In Bangladesh, almost all the major water bodies (lake/khal) particularly in the urban or semi-urban area have been suffering severely pollutions. Therefore if we manage to safe our surface water in and around the city, we can reduce the demand of ground water for the city dwellers by the proper use of these lakes and ponds. This study was conducted to evaluate the microbial condition of Hatirjheel water located in Dhaka City. The microbial analysis was performed to trace the presence of bacterial and other pathogens. In 5 samples, total viable bacteria and fungi were found up to 2.0×106 cfu/ml and 3.4×102 cfu/ml, respectively. Specific pathogens such as Klebsiella spp. (3.0×102 cfu/ml), Salmonella spp. (2.0×102 cfu/ml), Pseudomonas spp. (8.3×102 cfu/ml) and Vibrio spp. (6.0×102 cfu/ml.) were also isolated. The findings of the study revealed that the water of Hatirjheel migh...

Correcting impairments in surface water quality in the U.S due to the presence of bacterial pathogens is a key water quality management challenge. Difficulties associated with costs of correcting sewer overflows, uncertainties in the science and human risk from recreation, rapidly changing surface water conditions (physical and bacteriological), limitations in technology, and contributions from unregulated sources collectively make achievement of water quality goals controversial. Among the activities currently underway are municipal long term sewer correction programs, development of regulatory policies to align water quality goals with achievability and programs of scientific study and review. Efforts by the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO) for the Ohio River are illustrative of the difficulties in policy development. Public opposition to a perceived downgrading in water quality requirements, combined with a lack of documentation of extent of recreation use, resulted in adoption of a limited wet weather-based Ohio River bacterial standard in 2006. ORSANCO is committed; however, to continuing efforts to enhance public education and better understand Ohio River recreation use. These initiatives, combined with national level efforts in science, should position ORSANCO to refine and enhance its wet weather bacterial standard.

Water is an important constituent of the living organism. Although, one of the most abundant resources to man, yet it is source of microbial transfers which serves a potential health problem in many rural communities. An evaluation study was undertaken to evaluate boreholes, wells and river waters from Iwochang community of Akwa Ibom was evaluated for microbial quality identifying the prevalent microbes. The result of the evaluation showed Bacillus spp, Fusarium spp and Penicillum spp to be the most prevalent in the community with 100% occurrence in all samples studied. Analysis also showed more of fungi colonies than bacterial. Boreholes water samples however had more bacterial and fungi than the well water. Comparison with the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control and the World Health Organization standard limits indicated most of the borehole samples beyond the microbial standard limits. These waters are potentially unsafe for drinking.

The increase in cases of food borne illnesses related to street vended fruit salad in developing countries is of serious public health concern. This study was, therefore, conducted on street-vended fruit salad, to determine their microbial quality. A total of twenty (20) fruit samples, comprising five each of fresh Apple (Malus domestica Borkh), Pineapple (Ananas comosus L.), Pawpaw (Carica papaya) and Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) were collected from 3 different locations (Watt, Marian and Goldie) in Calabar and were evaluated by way of standard plate techniques, for microbial contaminants. The specific microbial genera were enumerated on appropriate selective media and identified using standard identification parameters with the aid of identification and taxonomic manuals. The results revealed that the mean total bacterial counts of all the fruit samples ranged from 1.07 × 10 to 3.4 × 10CFU/g, whereas, the mean total coliform counts ranged from 0.9 × 10 to 2.05 × 10 CFU/g, respec...

Due to its selectivity and specificity, the Colilert methodology allows one to detect the sanitation indicators of water quality, total Coliforms and Escherichia coli. The aim of this study was to test the Colilert methodology applied to a natural water matrix. With a variation coefficient (CV) less than 6% and 7% for total Coliforms and E. coli respectively, this methodology has proven its repeatability. For both indicators, the middle accuracy was CV < 6% and percentages of recuperation were between 80-120%. The results proved that this method is precise, repeatable and accurate, according to the acceptance criteria entered in the Colombian Technique Guide GTC 84 from 2003; the Standard methods for the examination of water and the International Rule ISO/9308-2:2012. Thus, the method is suitable for detecting and quantifying total Coliforms and E. coli, while providing truthful and timely results for customers.

Douala is the economic capital of Cameroon situated between latitude 4.00-4.15 and longitude 9.65-9.95 with an estimated population of over two million and 65,000 households connected to the water supply network. The Douala/Kribi-Campo Basin is a divergent, marginal rift basin and one of the two Atlantic coastal basins of Cameroon, the other being the Rio del Rey Basin. This study evaluates the quality of packaged (Bottled/Sachet/Refilled) groundwater in Douala using hydrogeochemical tools: Gibbs diagrams, Piper diagrams, Durov diagrams, water quality indices and microbial (Coliform Count) analysis. Twenty packaged groundwater samples were sent for chemical and microbial analysis during two seasons.

One of the environmental determinants of health is the quality of drinking water. Good quality water is devoid of impurities and pathogenic microbes. Water samples from 12 boreholes at two locations in Etsako East Local Government Area (LGA) were analyzed to evaluate their quality. The physicochemical parameters were measured using standard methods and Total Heterotrophic Bacterial Count (THBC) was performed using nutrient agar. The Total Coliform Count (TCC) was performed using the multiple tube technique also called the most probable number (MPN). The physicochemical properties of all the borehole water samples analyzed were within the WHO permissible limits except pH, which was acidic in Agenebode region. The heavy metal concentrations did not conform to the WHO recommended standards, e.g., in Agenebode, Lead was 0.62±0.00 mg/L and Cadmium 0.01±0.00 mg/L and in Okpella it was 0.43±0.00 mg/L and 0.02±0.00 mg/L, respectively. The bacteriological parameters such as total coliform counts and total heterotrophic bacteria counts in Agenebode (277±406.57 MPN/100mL), (34.67 × 10 3 ±23.67 CFU/mL) and Okpella (786.67±583.19 MPN/100mL), (41.50 × 10 3 ±24.09 CFU/mL), respectively, also exceeded the WHO permissible limits. In one of the locations (Agenebode) a total of four bacterial groups were isolated from the water samples, i.e., Staphylococcus spp., Neisseria spp., Streptococcus spp., and E. coli, while in the other location (Okpella) a total of five bacteria were isolated from the water samples, i.e., Staphylococcus spp., Klebsiella spp., Enterococcus spp., Enterobacter spp., Yersinia spp. The heavy metals contamination and high bacteria load of the water samples render them unfit for human consumption.

role in shaping resilient and balanced ecosystems for present and future generations. As we strive for a more sustainable future, harnessing the potential of these tiny yet powerful creatures can significantly contribute to achieving a harmonious coexistence between humanity and the natural world. Further research is needed to investigate ways to engineer and optimize microbial processes for enhanced nutrient cycling, bioremediation, and waste management.

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are an effective barrier in the protection of human and environment health around the world, although WWTPs also are suggested to be selectors and-or reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) before entering the environment. The dogma about WWTPs as "ARG selectors" presumes that biotreatment compartments (e.g., activated sludge; AS) are single densely populated ecosystems with elevated horizontal gene transfer. However, recent work has suggested WWTP biotreatment compartments may be different than previously believed relative to antibiotic resistance (AR) fate, and other process factors, such as bacterial separation and specific waste sources, may be key to ARGs released to the environment. Here we combined 16S rRNA metagenomic sequencing and high-throughput qPCR to characterise microbial communities and ARGs across a wastewater network in Spain that includes both community (i.e., non-clinical urban) and hospital sources. Contrary to expectations, ARGs found in downstream receiving waters were not dominated by AS biosolids (RAS), but more resembled raw wastewater sources. In fact, ARGs and microbial communities in liquid-phase WWTP effluents and RAS were significantly different (BrayeCurtis dissimilarity index ¼ 0.66 ± 0.11), with a consequential fraction of influent ARGs and organisms passing directly through the WWTP with limited association with RAS. Instead, ARGs and organisms in the RAS may be more defined by biosolids separation and biophysical traits, such as flocculation, rather than ARG carriage. This explains why RAS has significantly lower ARG richness (47 ± 4 ARGs) than liquid-phase effluents (104 ± 5 ARGs), and downstream water column (135 ± 4 ARGs) and river sediments (120 ± 5 ARGs) (Tukey's test, p < 0.001). These data suggest RAS and liquid-phase WWTP effluents may reflect two parallel ecosystems with potentially limited ARG exchange. As such, ARG mitigation in WWTPs should more focus on removing bacterial hosts from the liquid phase, AR source reduction, and possibly disinfection to reduce ARG releases to the environment.

A study was conducted to assess the bacteriological quality of sliced fruits vended in three markets within Sabon Gari local government area. Zaria, Kaduna state. A total of forty five fresh sliced vended fruits were randomly procured comprising of pawpaw, pineapple and water melon. Samples were taken from the fruits, inoculated on nutrients agar, mannitol salt agar and macConkey agar and incubated for 24 hours. Serial dilution technique was used for isolation and enumeration of the bacterial species present in the fruits. Data obtained analyzed using analysis of variance with Duncan's new multiple range test used to separate significant means at 5% level. Five bacterial species: Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis., Citrobacter freundi, Staphylococcus aureus and Providencia sp were found to be associated with the fruits with E. coli having the highest prevalence. The result obtained revealed significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) in bacterial loads among the sliced fruits. Highest bacterial load is found in pawpaw. Therefore, hygienic practices should be ensured for the safety of consumers as well as to prevent food borne illnesses.

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are an effective barrier in the protection of human and environment health around the world, although WWTPs also are suggested to be selectors and-or reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) before entering the environment. The dogma about WWTPs as "ARG selectors" presumes that biotreatment compartments (e.g., activated sludge; AS) are single densely populated ecosystems with elevated horizontal gene transfer. However, recent work has suggested WWTP biotreatment compartments may be different than previously believed relative to antibiotic resistance (AR) fate, and other process factors, such as bacterial separation and specific waste sources, may be key to ARGs released to the environment. Here we combined 16S rRNA metagenomic sequencing and high-throughput qPCR to characterise microbial communities and ARGs across a wastewater network in Spain that includes both community (i.e., non-clinical urban) and hospital sources. Contrary to expectations, ARGs found in downstream receiving waters were not dominated by AS biosolids (RAS), but more resembled raw wastewater sources. In fact, ARGs and microbial communities in liquid-phase WWTP effluents and RAS were significantly different (BrayeCurtis dissimilarity index ¼ 0.66 ± 0.11), with a consequential fraction of influent ARGs and organisms passing directly through the WWTP with limited association with RAS. Instead, ARGs and organisms in the RAS may be more defined by biosolids separation and biophysical traits, such as flocculation, rather than ARG carriage. This explains why RAS has significantly lower ARG richness (47 ± 4 ARGs) than liquid-phase effluents (104 ± 5 ARGs), and downstream water column (135 ± 4 ARGs) and river sediments (120 ± 5 ARGs) (Tukey's test, p < 0.001). These data suggest RAS and liquid-phase WWTP effluents may reflect two parallel ecosystems with potentially limited ARG exchange. As such, ARG mitigation in WWTPs should more focus on removing bacterial hosts from the liquid phase, AR source reduction, and possibly disinfection to reduce ARG releases to the environment.