Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science

Department of Medical Microbiology

and Public Health

Course: MCB 201 – INTRODUCTION TO

MICROBIOLOGY (Dr. J.C. Akulue)

200 Level
Group 6

Title of Presentation: MICROBES IN

WATER

Date: 12th March, 2025

Group Members
1. Anyiam Chibudom Izunna 2023614150
2. Alpha Chinonye N. 2023614152
3. Ezekwe Lawrence Chijindu 2023614154
4. Iweha Chisom Nora 2023614155
5. Nwafor Chinaza Favour 2023614156
6. Anikwe Onyedika Godwin 2023614157
7. Nwankwo Chisom Faustina 2023614158
8. Emelue Nelson Chimdalu 2023614159
9. Agah Chigozirim Kennedy 2023614160
10. Chijiokwu Joy Oluebube 2023614161
11. Asogwa Chidubem Victor 2023614162
12. Eke Adaobi Ruth. 2023614163
13. Asogwa Chidiebele Catherine. 2023614165
14. Ibezim Chioma Rosemary 2023614166
15. Donatus Chinemerem Victory 2023614167
16. Ernest Kindness Chimeremma 2023614168
17. Sobannadi Ruth Tochukwu 2023614169
18. Anyaoha Ebubechukwu Israel 2023614170
19. Ikpegbu Belinda Chibugo 2023614172
20. Ikpegbu Benita Chizoba 2023614173
21. Ike Chisom Lucy. 2023614174
22. Onwuzuruike Ebube Anthony 2023614175
23. Arinze Chidiebere James 2023614176
24. Ekwebelam Jennifer Chidera. 2023614177
25. Nwali Chidimma Perpetual. 2023614178
MICROBES IN WATER

A Presentation by Group 6

Course: MCB 201 – Introduction to General Microbiology

INTRODUCTION
Microbes, or microorganisms, are microscopic living organisms that exist as single cells or
cell clusters. They include bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and algae. These organisms are
found everywhere, including water, soil, air, and even within other living beings. In
microbiology, microbes are studied for their roles in various ecosystems, their interactions
with humans, and their industrial applications. In water, microbes can be beneficial by
aiding in nutrient cycling and wastewater treatment, but some are harmful, causing
waterborne diseases.
Water is essential for life, but it can also carry harmful microorganisms that cause serious
diseases. In Nigeria, waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery remain
major public health challenges, especially in areas with poor sanitation and inadequate
water treatment.
This presentation will cover:
1. Where microbes in water come from
2. Types of microbes found in water and common water borne diseases
3. Roles of microbes in water and Effects on human health and the environment
4. How we can detect and remove them
5. Applications in Public health and medicine

SOURCES OF MICROBES IN WATER

Microbes enter water through various means, including:

1. Human and animal waste – Open defecation, leaking sewage, and improper waste
disposal introduce bacteria and viruses into water.

2. Rainfall and surface runoff – Floods and erosion wash microbes from soil, garbage dumps,
and latrines into rivers and wells.

3. Agricultural activities – Animal waste and fertilizers from farms contribute to bacterial
contamination in rivers and lakes.

4. Stagnant water – Untreated wells, ponds, and standing water become breeding grounds
for dangerous microbes.

TYPES OF MICROBES FOUND IN WATER

Water is home to a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, protozoa,
algae, and fungi. Some of these microbes contribute to ecological balance, while others are
harmful and cause diseases. Below is a detailed discussion of these microbes.
 1. Bacteria: Bacteria are among the most common microorganisms found in water.
Some species play vital roles in nutrient cycling, while others are pathogenic.
• Escherichia coli (E. coli): An indicator of fecal contamination in water. Some strains cause
severe diarrhea.
• Vibrio cholerae: The causative agent of cholera, leading to severe dehydration and death if
untreated.
• Salmonella typhi: Responsible for typhoid fever, which spreads through contaminated
drinking water.
• Legionella pneumophila: Causes Legionnaires’ disease, a severe respiratory infection.
2. Viruses: Viruses in water are usually of fecal origin and are responsible for various
gastrointestinal and systemic diseases.
• Hepatitis A Virus: Causes liver disease and is transmitted through contaminated water.
• Norovirus: A leading cause of viral gastroenteritis, characterized by vomiting and diarrhea.
• Rotavirus: Primarily affects children, causing severe dehydration and diarrhea.
3. Protozoa: Protozoan parasites often survive in harsh environments and can resist
conventional water treatment methods.
• Giardia lamblia: Causes giardiasis, a diarrheal disease with prolonged symptoms.
• Cryptosporidium: Resistant to chlorine and responsible for cryptosporidiosis.
• Entamoeba histolytica: Causes amoebic dysentery and liver abscesses.
4. Algae & Cyanobacteria: Algae are photosynthetic microorganisms found in
freshwater and marine environments. Some species cause harmful algal blooms.
• Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae): Produce toxins that can cause liver and neurological
damage.
• Diatoms: Important for oxygen production but can cause biofouling in water systems.
5. Fungi: Fungi in water include molds and yeasts, some of which are opportunistic
pathogens.
• Aspergillus spp.: Common in damp environments; can produce harmful mycotoxins.
• Candida spp.: Can cause infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.

Common Waterborne Diseases and Their Causes

1. Cholera
Cause: Vibrio cholerae (a bacterium)
How It Spreads: Drinking water or eating food contaminated with feces carrying the
bacteria
Symptoms: Severe watery diarrhea (often called “rice-water stools”), dehydration, vomiting,
and muscle cramps
How to Prevent It:
Drink only treated or boiled water
Maintain good sanitation
Get vaccinated if you’re in a high-risk are
2. Typhoid Fever
Cause: Salmonella typhi (a bacterium)
How It Spreads: Consuming food or water contaminated with infected human waste
Symptoms: High fever, stomach pain, fatigue, constipation or diarrhea, and sometimes pink
spots on the skin
How to Prevent It:
Drink safe, clean water
Practice proper hygiene
Get vaccinated
3. Dysentery
Cause: Shigella spp. (bacterial dysentery)
Entamoeba histolytica (amoebic dysentery)
How It Spreads: Drinking contaminated water or poor hand hygiene
Symptoms: Painful diarrhea with blood and mucus, abdominal cramps, fever, and nausea
How to Prevent It:
Wash hands regularly
Drink only clean water
Improve sanitation practices
4. Hepatitis A
Cause: Hepatitis A virus (HAV)
How It Spreads: Consuming food or water contaminated with fecal matter
Symptoms: Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, and
stomach pain
How to Prevent It:
Get vaccinated
Wash hands thoroughly before eating
Avoid eating raw or unclean food in areas with poor sanitation
5. Giardiasis
Cause: Giardia lamblia (a protozoan parasite)
How It Spreads: Drinking water from contaminated lakes, rivers, or unclean pipes
Symptoms: Chronic diarrhea, bloating, nausea, fatigue, and weight loss
How to Prevent It:
Filter or boil drinking water
Avoid untreated water from streams or lakes
Maintain good sanitation
6. Cryptosporidiosis
Cause: Cryptosporidium parvum (a protozoan parasite)
How It Spreads: Drinking or swimming in contaminated water
Symptoms: Watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and mild fever
How to Prevent It:
Avoid swallowing water from lakes and pools
Drink properly filtered or boiled water
Wash hands after using the toilet
7. Poliomyelitis (Polio)
Cause: Poliovirus
How It Spreads: Fecal-oral route through contaminated water
Symptoms: Fever, sore throat, muscle weakness, and in severe cases, paralysis
How to Prevent It:
Get vaccinated (the polio vaccine is highly effective)
Improve hygiene and sanitation
Ensure safe drinking water

ROLE OF MICROBES IN WATER

Microbes in water play important roles in ecosystems, ranging from decomposition to
disease causation.
• Decomposition and Nutrient Cycling: Bacteria and fungi help break down organic matter,
recycling nutrients.
• Symbiotic Relationships: Certain bacteria fix nitrogen, making it available for aquatic
plants.
• Pathogenicity: Some microbes cause waterborne diseases, posing public health risks.
EFFECTS OF MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION
When harmful microbes contaminate water, they lead to serious health and environmental
issues:
• Waterborne diseases – Cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery.
• Gastrointestinal infections – Vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.
• Malnutrition – Continuous diarrhea weakens the body, especially in children.
• Economic impact – Frequent disease outbreaks increase hospital expenses and reduce
workplace productivity.
Poor water quality also affects agriculture and fisheries, leading to food shortages and
economic losses.
DETECTION AND CONTROL OF MICROBES IN WATER
Detection Methods
Coliform Testing – Identifies fecal contamination.
Microscopic analysis: Protozoa like Giardia and Cryptosporidium are identified via
microscopy.
Culture-based methods: Bacteria like E. coli are identified through selective media.
PCR Testing – Detects specific pathogens in water. PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a
laboratory technique used to amplify and detect the DNA of microbes, making it highly
effective for identifying waterborne pathogens.
Control & Purification Methods
1. Boiling – The simplest and most effective method to kill bacteria and viruses.
2. Chlorination – Commonly used in water treatment plants and boreholes.
3. Filtration – Removes microbes through physical barriers.
4. UV Treatment – Uses ultraviolet light to kill pathogens.
Many Nigerians rely on sachet and bottled water, but not all brands meet safety standards.
Proper monitoring and testing are necessary to ensure public health.

Microbial Applications In Water Treatment And Public Health

A. Waterborne Disease Diagnosis and Prevention: Bacteria like Escherichia coli and
Enterococci are used as indicator organisms to detect fecal contamination in
drinking water sources, helping prevent outbreaks of cholera, typhoid, and
dysentery.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) are
used to detect microbial pathogens like Salmonella, Vibrio cholerae, and Cryptosporidium in
water samples.

B. Antibiotic and Pharmaceutical Production: Waterborne microbes (e.g.,

Streptomyces, Penicillium, and marine Actinobacteria) are used in the production of
antibiotics like penicillin, streptomycin, and tetracycline for treating infections.
Certain fungi and cyanobacteria produce bioactive compounds used in antiviral, anticancer,
and anti-inflammatory drugs.

C. Medical Wastewater Treatment: Hospitals and pharmaceutical industries release

wastewater containing antibiotic residues, disinfectants, and drug metabolites.
Microbes such as Pseudomonas and Bacillus help degrade these pharmaceutical
pollutants, preventing antimicrobial resistance.

Microbial biofilters are used to remove drug residues before wastewater is discharged into
the environment.

D. Vaccine Development and Production: Some waterborne viruses (e.g., Hepatitis A,

Rotavirus, Poliovirus) are studied in microbiology laboratories to develop vaccines
for disease prevention.

Recombinant DNA technology uses microbial systems (e.g., Escherichia coli and
Saccharomyces cerevisiae) for mass-producing vaccines.

E. Waterborne Disease Research and Epidemiology: Studying waterborne

pathogens like Vibrio cholerae (cholera), Giardia, and Cryptosporidium helps
develop better diagnostic tools and treatment strategies.

Water monitoring programs use indicator microbes like E. coli to assess contamination and
prevent disease outbreaks.

F. Biofilm Research for Medical Equipment and Water Purification

Some microbes in water form biofilms (thin microbial layers) on hospital surfaces and
medical devices, leading to infections. Understanding these microbes helps in designing
antimicrobial coatings for catheters and implants.

Microbial biofilms are also used in water filters to remove contaminants in medical
facilities.

G. Wastewater-Based Epidemiology (WBE)

Scientists analyze hospital wastewater to track disease outbreaks by detecting microbial

DNA and RNA, such as for COVID-19, polio, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

These applications highlight how microbes in water contribute to medicine, both in health
risks and in advancing medical technology. Would you like to add more examples or
simplify any part?