Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to examine the bacteriological quality of the drinking water samples to evaluate the results with the Algeria and international standards for drinking water quality, as well as the identification of the dominant microflora. The water samples (groundwater) are collected monthly from six sites in Béni-Abbés district. Most of the samples have shown the occurrence of Escherichia coli, in addition to Salmonella sp and Clostridium sp. Out of 300 water samples collected, 126 (42%) were contaminated with either one or more than one type of microorganisms: Enterobacter gergoviae detected in 26 samples (11.06%), E. coli in 63 (22.98%), Citrobacter freundii in 16 (6.81%), Vibrio vulnificus in 2 (0.85%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 19 samples (8.09%) and Serratia liquefaciens in 22 (9.36%). Clostridium was the common cause of contamination, about 45 (16.60%), and Salmonella sp was detected in 66 (24.25%), Salmonella typhi in 44 samples (18.72%) and Salmonella paratyphi in 13 samples (5.53%). The ï¬ndings of this study highlight the need for a more stringent self-control of drinking water. In addition, a more systematic surveillance by the official authorities of drinking water is also necessary.
Key words: Bacteria, Béni-Abbès, drinking water, groundwater quality, indicators, microbial analysis, Escherichia coli.
