Who Pollutes Waters

Researchers have developed two tests capable of determining, in just 48 hours, the exact source of contamination of rivers and lakes.

Animals and humans differently contaminate lakes and rivers, and to determine accurately the origin of microbiological pollution of water is not an easy job. Researchers at Cemagref (Research Institute for Environmental Sciences and Technologies of France) have been identified but some chemical and genetic markers reveals the origin of pollutants. Techniques used so far for microbiological quality control laboratories of surface waters is based on analysis of gut bacteria such as Escherichia coli “or” Enterococcus “that does not identify the origin of contamination.

The project “Traceur” and “Marquopoleau, French researchers have developed tests capable of determining, in just 48 hours, if pollution is human or animal origin, and even to distinguish between the pig and cattle produced. To obtain this result, scientists have developed two methods. The first is to identify genetic sequences of microorganisms that colonize the intestine specifically cows, pigs and human beings. The second method is a chemical, setting membership molecules – natural or synthetic – in different organisms. According to the researchers, these markers identifying various categories of “polluters” in part to help local governments and institutions to improve controls under the new European directive on the matter. By 2011, EU countries must equip itself with monitoring systems for surface waters to identify local sources of pollution, their environmental impact and measures to be taken to improve water quality.