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Adenovirus for Detection of Fecal Pollution in Santa Clara River, Rumiñahui - Ecuador

Abstract:

River water quality is affected by wastewater discharged and the lack of treatment plants. Contaminants include high organic loads and fecal microorganisms that may be a risk to human and animal health. Adenoviruses (AdV) are an appropriate indicator of viral contamination in water bodies due to its stability, persistence and resistance to UV light. Santa Clara River crosses Valley of the Chillos in Rumiñahui, as well as four other rivers, supporting domestic discharges, accumulation of garbage and waste. The objective of this research was to evaluate the presence of AdV as indicators of water contamination. Three water samples from Santa Clara River were taken, and molecular and bioinformatics techniques were used to identify AdV. Human AdV, serotypes 41 and 31 related to gastrointestinal diseases were found as well as porcine AdV 5, which is associated to diarrheal and respiratory diseases; and murine AdV 2, which can be asymptomatic. All these viruses are transmitted via fecal-oral route. Biochemical oxygen demand test was also performed. Results confirmed the pollution of Santa Clara River. The identification of four adenovirus species suggests fecal contamination by human and animal feces.