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Life Science Archives (LSA)

ISSN: 2454-1354
Volume 1; Issue - 3; Year 2015; Page: 204 - 207

Research Article

BACTERIAL ENUMERATION IN SURFACE AND BOTTOM WATERS

OF TWO DIFFERENT FRESH WATER AQUATIC ECO SYSTEMS IN
ARIYALUR, TAMIL NADU
N. Shakila1, C. Sivasubramanian1, P. Satheeshkumar1, M. Jeganathan2 and Balakumari2
1

Department of Environmental and Herbal Science, Tamil University, Thanjavur - 613 010, Tamil Nadu,
India.
2
Designed Environment Academy and Research Institute, Trichy - 621 213, Tamil Nadu, India.
E.mail: jegann1978@gmail.com
Abstract
Individual bacteria were first seen by humans about 325 years ago when they were magnified by the
first microscope. It's only been a little over 100 years since a bacterium was first implicated as a causal agent
in a plant disease. Bacteria were shown in 1878 to be associated with fire blight of apples and pears in
Illinois and New York, USA. Hence, attempts were made to study the bacterial profile in the waters of two
different systems (Chettieri and Kallankuruchi mines ponds) in Ariyalur. Thus, it was clear that the
Kallankuruchi lake water recorded more population when compared to the Chettieri lake water. Further, it
was observed that throughout the period of study the bacterial population was more than Kallankuruchi lake
when compared to Chettieri lake.
Key words: Bacteria, Bottom water, Fresh water,
Chettieri lake and Aquatic ecosystem.

Article History
Received : 02.04.2015
Revised : 10.05.2015
Accepted : 15.05.2015
1. Introduction

Fecal coli form are bacteria that live in

the digestive tract of warm-blooded animals
including humans, horses, cows, chickens, cats,
dogs, and water fowl. The bacteria are excreted in
the solid waste of humans and other animals and
enter water ways via failing septic systems, sewer
overflows, inadequate treatment of municipal
waste, runoff from animal pastures, or inadequate
human waste disposal associated with camping or
other outdoor activities. Unless human sewage is
being discharged into the lake from failing septic
systems or sanitary sewer overflows, most bacteria
* Corresponding author: N. Shakila, Department of
Environmental and Herbal Science, Tamil University,
Thanjavur

present are typically assumed to be of non-human

origin. For most lakes, geese, gulls, and ducks are
speculated to be a major source of bacteria,
especially where large resident bird populations
have become established.
Fecal coli form bacteria is a good indicator
of sewage pollution of water and is routinely
monitored as an indicator of the possible health
risk to people who may be swimming in or
drinking contaminated water. When sewage is
present in the waters, elevated counts of fecal
coliform bacteria occur. However, the source of
the high bacteria counts may not originate with
human sewage. Many other mammals as well as
birds can also contribute this type of bacteria to
the water. To identify if the bacteria are from
human sewage, tests for more specific bacteria

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N. Shakila / Life Science Archives (LSA), Volume 1, Issue 3, Page 204 to 207, 2015
types or analysis of genetic material must be
completed. Through additional testing, the species
of animal that added the bacteria to the water can
sometimes be determined.
2. Materials and Methods
The two small tropical fresh water lentic
systems chosen for the present investigation are
located in the southern suburbs of the town of
Ariyalur. It is located 250 km south west of
Chennai and 60 km from Trichy towards north
east. Ariyalur is 900 meters above the sea level
and covers about 2 lakhs hectares of Tamilnadu.
Of these, one was located in Chettieri pond.
The second pond is located in
kallenkuruchi mines pond. Both the pond are
located at an elevation of about 85 m are situated
on the Eastern side of Ariyalur to Kallankuruchi
road. The distance between these two ponds is
about 2 kilometers and hence the general weather
conditions of the ponds are similar.
The water samples from both the ponds
were collected separately in 3 liter polythene
canes from six different sites of each pond
between 7 and 8 am during the second week of
every month and immediately brought to the
laboratory for analysis. Simultaneously, water
samples were also collected in sterilized bottles
for bacterial studies and transferred to the
laboratory in compact thermo cold ice box without
exposure to light, temperature and undue shaking.
The temperature pH, Carbon dioxide, Phosphate,
Iron, Total hardness, Oxidizing organic matter,
Nitrogenous organic matter and Suspended solids
were done by following APHA (1995). Trivedi
and Goel (1986) and Tylor (1949). Phytoplankton
and zooplankton count were done by APHA
(1989).
To collect water in the bottle with the
green label (bacteria bottle), the largest sample
bottle with the yellow label is used for all
chemical analyses except bacteria. If you have
selected EITHER of the pond/lake water test
packages, you will need to collect water in this
sample container. This sample should be collected
at a location that was representative of the water in
the pond or lake. This is most often found at a
deeper location away from these sources of water

205

(i.e. away from the stream, spring or other source

of water feeding into the pond or lake). Two good
locations to collect the sample would be from a
dock or swimming platform or at the pipe or
stream leading out of the pond/lake. Rinse the
bottle three times with pond/lake water. After
rinsing, submerge the bottle below the water level
and allow it to fill completely to the top. Screw the
lid on tightly to prevent leakage. Place the bottle
in the bubble wrap sleeve provided and place it in
the mailing box. Refrigerate the sample until you
are ready to send it to the laboratory.
Bacteria Sample Bottle (Green Label)
If you have selected the WP02 package
that includes testing for E. coli bacteria, you
should collect water in the clear bottle with the
green label for bacteria analysis. It is important
that you use the correct bottle for the bacteria
sample because only the bottle with the green
label has been sterilized to prevent bacterial
contamination of the sample. Use the same
location to collect this sample as you did for the
larger, yellow labeled bottle explained above (well
mixed, deeper location away from source of
water). Carefully twist the lid to break the seal and
remove the lid from the sample container. Hold
the cap by the outside of the cap (if you touch the
inside of the cap or bottle, you could contaminate
the sample with bacteria). Fill the container with
water to the line marked 100 ml. Screw the lid
on tightly to prevent leakage. It is important that
you do not touch or lay the lid down on the ground
to prevent bacterial contamination on the inside of
the bottle or cap.
3. Results and Discussion
In the present study details of the bacterial
population and related parameters in the vertical
profile of the two water bodies are presented in
Table - 1.
Thus, it was clear that the Kallankuruchi
lake water recorded more population when
compared to the Chettieri lake water. Further, it
was observed that throughout the period of study
the bacterial population was more than
Kallankuruchi lake when compared to Chettieri
lake. This may be due to the increased

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N. Shakila / Life Science Archives (LSA), Volume 1, Issue 3, Page 204 to 207, 2015
concentration of oxidizable and nitrogenous
organic matters and suspended solids present in
Chettieri lake water.
Table 1: Water quality parameters of the Chettieri lake
and Kallankuruchi lake
Details
Bacterial 105 (cfu/ml)
Oxidizable organic
matter (mg/l)
Nitrogenous organic
matter (mg/l)
Suspended solids (mg/l)
Dissolved oxygen (mg/l)
CO2 (mg/l)
C/N ratio (%)
Phytoplankton (org/l)
Zooplankton (i/l)
PO4 (mg/l)
Fe (mg/l)
CaCO3 (mg/l)

Chettieri
lake
5.2
4.1

Kallankuruchi
lake
6.5
4.23

2.8

2.6

320
4.2
Nil
1.8
4.0
320
0.04
0.23
104

310
3.4
Nil
2.9
7.0
230
0.07
0.32
123

Mechanisms of pathogenicity of bacterial

plant pathogens are becoming well known
(Ahlemeyer and Eichenlaub 2001; Burger and
Eichenlaub 2003). Virulence and pathogenicity
genes may be harbored in different replicons
(independent replicating units), such as spread
throughout the chromosomes or in specialized
areas termed genomic or pathogenicity islands
(Arnold et al., 2003), in bacterial viruses
integrated in the chromosome or in a 'carrier' state,
and on one or more extra-chromosomal elements
(plasmids). The functions of most genes, including
those on extra-chromosomal elements, aren't
known and it's estimated that each bacterium has
about 40 % of its genome devoted to unique
genes.
Population development must normally
occur for many bacteria to survive and infect
plants. Infectious doses normally are in the
millions of cells. In several cases, and perhaps all,
the cells communicate chemically with one
another (quorum sensing) and with other species.
These chemical sensing molecules are under
intensive study (Federle and Bassler, 2003). In
some cases, and perhaps most, microorganisms
organize in dense growths to form biofilms that

206

tightly adhere to surfaces, serving as protectants

against the elements and enabling cells to produce
a favorable environment for survival and spread.
Some structures used by bacteria to insert
chemical compounds into plant cells are well
studied, such as the so-called Type III secretion
system (five types are currently known). The Type
III system operates somewhat like a syringe and
plunger to transport pathogen-produced proteins
that effect disease or trigger defense (Pociano et
al., 2003). These mechanisms have sometimes
shown surprising and unexpected similarity to
those found in animal and human pathogens (Cao
et al., 2001). There are even a few strains of
bacteria that cross kingdoms: they can infect both
plants and humans. The genetic basis for such
novelty is of immense interest and significance
regarding the basis of infectious disease.
Commercial transgenic plants and those in
development depend heavily on the use of a
'disarmed' pathogen, Agrobacterium tumefaciens,
as a vector to insert a genes of interest. Many
challenges remain in transformation of certain
plant varieties and species, as well as predictable
and stable expression of transgenes (Gelvin,
2003). Challenges and opportunities for the future
in plant microbiology abound (Vidaver, 1999).
The best is yet to come. For example, one of the
current challenges is providing healthy plants for
humans during long-term space travel and
exploration (Ferl et al., 2002).
On the plant side, many avenues are being
explored (Vidhyasekaran, 2002). Understanding
and manipulating resistance in host plants is
extremely important. Host resistance may be due
to one or several resistance genes (or R genes) to
specific pathogens harboring virulence genes. If
the virulence genes trigger a host defense
response, they are termed avirulence (avr) genes.
If the resistance is more general, a variety of
preformed defense mechanisms, both structural
and chemical, may be involved with induced
chemicals as well (local or systemic acquired
resistance) (Phuntumart, 2003). Studies of
pathogen interactions in model systems,
particularly Arabidopsis thaliana, are enabling

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N. Shakila / Life Science Archives (LSA), Volume 1, Issue 3, Page 204 to 207, 2015
clearer understanding of susceptibility and
resistance applicable to more complex plants
(Heath, 2002). Sequencing of major plant
genomes is underway as well, with rice being
completed. Multiple alleles and chromosomes, as
well as complex traits are challenges in
understanding and managing host resistance.
Compiling information from sequencing and
functional analysis of both pathogens and major
crop plants is expected to bring new insights
useful for sustained disease management. The
forgoing depends on a basic knowledge of these
bacteria, which follows.
4. Conclusion
The quality of water is of vital concern for
mankind since it is directly linked with human
welfare. It is a matter of history that faucal
pollution of drinking water caused water-borne
diseases which wiped out entire populations of
cities. The major sources of water pollution are
domestic waste from urban and rural areas, and
industrial wastes which are discharged into natural
water bodies. One of the most important factors of
organic pollutions is microbial contamination,
especially of pathogenic micro organisms.
Pathogenic bacteria are a serious concern in
managing water resources because higher density
has been known to induce illness in humans.
Hence, attempts were made to study the bacterial
profile in the waters of two different systems
(Chettieri and Kallankuruchi mines ponds) in
Ariyalur. Thus, it was clear that the Kallankuruchi
lake water recorded more population when
compared to the Chettieri lake water. Further, it
was observed that throughout the period of study
the bacterial population was more than
Kallankuruchi lake when compared to Chettieri
lake. This may be due to the increased
concentration of oxidizable and nitrogenous
organic matters and suspended solids present in
Chettieri lake water.

207

2) Arnold, D.L., Pitman, A., and Jackson, R.W.

2003. Pathogenicity and other genomic islands
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