Opening the black box of spring water microbiology from alpine karst aquifers to support proactive drinking water resource management.

摘要: Over the past 15 years, pioneering interdisciplinary research has been performed on microbiology of hydrogeologically well-defined alpine karst springs located in Northern Calcareous Alps (NCA) Austria. This article gives an overview these activities and links them to other relevant research. Results from NCA comparable sites revealed that spring water harbors abundant natural microbial communities even aquifers with high residence times absence immediate surface influence. Apparently, hydrogeology a strong impact concentration size observed microbes, total cell counts (TCC) were suggested as useful means for type classification. Measurement at extremely low growth rates base flow component studied waters indicated importance biofilm-associated sediments rock surfaces. Based genetic analysis, autochthonous endokarst community (AMEC) versus transient (TMEC) concept was proposed springs, further details within this are given prompt its future evaluation. In regard, it is well known during high-discharge situations, surface-associated microbes nutrients such soil habitats or human settlements-potentially containing fecal-associated pathogens most critical water-quality hazard-may be rapidly flushed into vulnerable aquifers. context, framework comprehensive analysis pollution support sustainable management drinking safety accordance recent World Health Organization guidelines. Near-real-time online quality monitoring, source tracking (MST) MST-guided quantitative microbial-risk assessment (QMRA) examples analytical tools. also provides short introduction recently emerging methodologies microbiological diagnostics reading practitioner. Finally, highlights development needs. categorized under: 1Engineering Water > Water, Health, Sanitation2Science Extremes3Water Life Nature Freshwater Ecosystems.