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Pathogenic microorganisms in thermally altered reservoirs and other waters

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Microbial Processes in Reservoirs

Part of the book series: Developments in Hydrobiology ((DIHY,volume 27))

Abstract

A variety of naturally and artificially heated waters were studied for the presence of the causative agent of Legionnaires’ Disease, i.e. Legionella and the encephalitic free-living amoebae Naegleria fowleri. In addition to temperature effects, a variety of other physical and chemical parameters were also analyzed for possible correlation with the presence of Legionella and N. fowleri. Results of these various analyses showed a statistically significant correlation between thermal additions and the presence of Legionella and N. fowleri. To date, two species of Legionella,i.e. L. oakridgensis and L. cherrii have only been isolated from thermally altered waters. No correlation has yet been consistently found between the presence of Legionella and N. fowleri and various other physical/chemical parameters.

In addition to thermal effects on the presence of Legionella and N. fowleri in reservoirs and other natural waters, thermal additions may also affect and amplify the presence these microbial pathogens in potable water. Ensuing public health consequences of such amplification and dispersion have been documented.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Zoology Department, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37916, USA

    R. L. Tyndall

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  1. R. L. Tyndall
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  1. Ecosystem Research and Simulation Division/EL, USAE Waterways Experiment Station, P.O. Box 631, 39180, Vicksburg, MS, USA

    Douglas Gunnison

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© 1985 Dr. W. Junk Publishers

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Tyndall, R.L. (1985). Pathogenic microorganisms in thermally altered reservoirs and other waters. In: Gunnison, D. (eds) Microbial Processes in Reservoirs. Developments in Hydrobiology, vol 27. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-5514-1_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-5514-1_8

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-010-8933-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-009-5514-1

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