Analysis of drinking water sources in Ankara city with PCR method

Abstract

Recai Ogur

Aim:  We  aimed  to  analyze  drinking  and  use  waters  of  the  Ankara  Provincial  Center  by  the polymerase  chain  reaction  (PCR)  technique  which  was  widely  used  in  many  areas  of  health sciences. Methods:  Tap  water,  well  water,  and  bottled  water  samples  are included in this  study.  A  total  of 111  water  samples  were  taken  from  different  locations.  Water  samples  were  analyzed  using  a quadruplex  PCR  technique  for  the  availability  of  thermotolerant  coliform, Escherichiacoli, Shigella  and Salmonella  bacteria.  Also, Giardia  parasite  was  investigated  using  standard  PCR technique in water samples. The “freezing and thawing” method was used for the isolation of DNA in microorganisms. Mini-gel electrophoresis was used to show results. Results:  No  cross-reactions  have  occurred  between  the  primers.  In  33.3%  of  water  samples  (tap water  25.9%,  well  water  50.0%,  and  bottled  waters  32.0%), E.  coli  was  identified.  None  of  the water  samples  contained Salmonella, Shigella  bacteria,  and Giardia  parasites.  Although  the standard  bacteriological  water  analysis  methods  are  completed  in  24–48  hours  and  a  single microorganism group is investigated, we completed analyses of four different bacteria in 4 hours by using quadruplex PCR technique. Conclusion: Our results showed that quadruplex PCR could be used in the microbiological analysis of  water  samples  in  the  epidemic  and  other  emergencies  when  you  need  to  examine  waters  in hours. Also, analyses have shown that not all water resources used as drinking water are safe. The relevant segments should be informed and more effective measures should be taken regarding the drinking water quality control that is closely related to community health.