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Title: Assessment of the microbial quality of irrigation water in a prairie watershed. Author: Fremaux B, Boa T, Chaykowski A, Kasichayanula S, Gritzfeld J, Braul L, Yost C. Journal: J Appl Microbiol; 2009 Feb; 106(2):442-54. PubMed ID: 19054231. Abstract: AIMS: To assess levels of faecal contamination in the Qu'Appelle River (Saskatchewan, Canada) and its suitability for irrigation, by using the Colilert-18/Quanti-Tray technology. METHODS AND RESULTS: Various sites located along the Qu'Appelle River were sampled weekly from May to August 2005-2007. A total of 594 freshwater samples were collected and analysed for enumeration of Escherichia coli using the Colilert-18. The false-positive rate for E. coli detection using Colilert-18 was at most 1.5%. Throughout the irrigation period (June to August), up to 85% of the water samples collected from one of the irrigation water-pumping sites exceeded the recommended limit of 100 CFU per 100 ml. Spikes in E. coli counts were generally concomitant with the sudden rise in river flows. A sub-sample of confirmed E. coli isolates were typed by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). RAPD analysis revealed a high degree of genetic diversity among E. coli isolates. A significant association between RAPD patterns and the month of E. coli isolation was demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: Colilert-18 provides an effective means for assessing microbial quality of irrigation water. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Qu'Appelle River is subject to variability of faecal contamination during irrigation times and monitoring throughout irrigation season is important for ensuring safe production practices.[Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]