Escherichia coli as a potential indicator of Biebrza River enrichment sources / Escherichia coli jako potencjalny wskaźnik wzbogacania wód rzeki Biebrzy
2013
Frąk, Magdalena
The number of Escherichia coli cells in the waters of the Biebrza River was analyzed. The results were compared with the values of select chemical water quality indicators and with the Biebrza River catchment development. Organic contamination was detected along the entire run of the River and was caused by the presence of substances washed off the adjacent marshy areas and the influx of household and agricultural wastewaters. The highest number of bacteria was found in the Middle and Lower Basins of the Biebrza River. The incease in the number of E. coli in the spring to over 24 MPN·cm-3 is a result of the numerous presence of water birds in the area of the National Park. Of consequence are also meltwaters that introduce contamination from peat lands into the watercourse. The increased number of E. coli cells in the summer is related to runoff from the areas along the River with numerous farms and dairy cattle pastures. The number of bacteria in the river is most probably influenced by changes in water levels and types of accumulated sediment. The Escherichia coli count allows determining the source of the contamination of surface waters, which is of particular significance for planned water management on protected areas. The number of E. coli below 7 MPN·cm-3 in the waters of the Biebrza River is at the natural background level, whereas counts of over 24 MPN·cm-3 are related to the influx of household wastewaters.
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