Microbial Agents and Activities to Interfere with Groundwater Quality

Abstract

Deterioration of groundwater quality either an accidental or intentional= one may cause a severe harrn to tile affected hurnan population. Different= pathogenic bacteria as well as viruses are capable of surviving rather lon=g upon physical-chernical conditions that govern in a groundwater aquifer, =and also they could be transported long distances from the site of contamin=ation. The activity of natural bacterial predators such as Bdellovibrio sp.= might fail under an ambient temperature of about 10 degrees C. Since bacte=ria autochtlionous to groundwater aquifer have been found resistant to vari=ous chemical contarninants, a natural attenuation of polluted groundwater r=esources might be possible, though time consuming. In some groundwater aqui=fers, humic substances occur that can be formed in situ or released from a =fossil wood deposited in the aquifer. These substances are capable of bindi=ng, transporting and releasing again of chemical pollutants. Due to its hig=h importance as drinking water resource, groundwater deserves a priority pr=otection against bacteriological and chemical contamination.