Author(s)

D. K. Fayzieva, I. A. Usmanov, E. E. Bekzhanova, F. B. Kadirkhodjaeva & F. B. Shadijanova

Abstract

Hygienic standards of microbial contamination of water in water-bodies for different types of water consumption have been developed to prevent intestinal infections amongst the population. The current methods of microbiologic examination of water in water-bodies used for different types of water sources in Uzbekistan do not always meet the ISO requirements. This sets the goals of studying the validity of the bacteriological and viral indicators as well as implementing appropriate methods of laboratory analysis. Timely identification of microbial contamination of water is of special importance for correct and quick arrangement of anti-epidemic and sanitation activities. Among all other activities aimed at the reduction and prevention of viral infections, early and prompt identification of viral pollution of water is of top priority. According to the Uzbek State Standard 950:2000 \“Drinking Water” a number of plague forming units (PFU) of coliphages in water was recommended as an indirect indicator of water pollution by enteroviruses. The study conducted in Khorazm and Karakalpakstan (in the Aral Sea area) could find no correlation between the rate of viral hepatitis A (VHA), percentage of tap-water samples that do not meet the standard and the quality of water from surface water-bodies tested for coliphages. This makes questionable the sanitary-indicative value of coliphages and their usefulness for evaluation of epidemiological safety of water regarding viral infection. It is necessary to set modern and more representative direct methods revealing the indicators of viral pollution of water in water-bodies and tap-water in Uzbekistan. Keywords: water pollution, indirect indicators of viral contamination, coliphages, the Aral Sea area.

Keywords

water pollution, indirect indicators of viral contamination, coliphages, the Aral Sea area.