Spatial Variability Analysis of Enteric Bacteria Species in Water Contamination (Tap and Filtered) Using GIS: A Case Study of Maysan District, Najaf, Iraq

Abstract

This study aims to determine the concentrations of E. coli and Proteus mirabilis bacteria in water and assess the extent of water contamination. It also seeks to determine their impact on humans. The most common symptoms of enterobacteria infection are diarrhea, which can range from mild and watery to severe and bloody, as well as stomach cramps, pain or tenderness upon touch, nausea, and vomiting in some individuals. This infection is caused by contaminated water, as animal and human feces pollute surface water, including streams and rivers. Outbreaks of these bacteria have been linked to the pollution of local water resources. Eight water samples were collected from the study area, representing two types of water (tap and household filter). Laboratory testing revealed the presence of two highly pathogenic bacteria: E. coli and Proteus mirabilis. Based on spatial and numerical analysis of the studied samples using the ARCGIS Pro system to map the study area, the results of the spatial modeling of E. coli and Proteus mirabilis bacteria showed varying concentrations in terms of their spatial distribution. The study concluded that, according to laboratory results, the studied area may be contaminated with enteric bacteria. One of the most important causes of contamination of household water is its contamination with sewage and wastewater, and the inadequate filtration of the main treatment plants in the area. This contaminated water has several effects, the most common of which is diarrhea, which can range from mild and watery to severe and bloody, as well as stomach cramps, pain or tenderness upon touch, nausea, and vomiting in some individuals.