INVESTIGATION OF FAECAL POLLUTION AND OCCURRENCE OF ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANT BACTERIA IN THE MOOI RIVER SYSTEM AS A FUNCTION OF A CHANGED ENVIRONMENT

The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of some physico-chemical parameters as well as faecal pollution in the Mooi River system as a function of a changed environment. It also investigated occurrence of antibiotic resistant bacteria in this river system. Eight sites along the Mooi River system were selected and monitored monthly for 1 year. Three samples per site were collected from the pre-determined sites along the Mooi River system from the Klerkskraal Dam to the North (site1) and several points along Mooi River passing through Potchefstroom to points on the southern side of Potchefstroom before Mooi River enters the Vaal River. These water samples were subjected to physico-chemical analyses and faecal indicator bacterial levels were determined. Faecal coliforms to enteroccoci levels were used to determine the ratio between these groups. Results indicated seasonal and locational variation in most of the physico-chemical parameters and faecal indicators studied. Rainfall was an important factor which strongly influenced the characteristics of these parameters. Also temperature, pH and rainfall influenced the elevated levels of the microbiological indicators observed. High levels of the faecal indicator bacteria were observed in the Potchefstroom urban area when compared to upstream and downstream river segments. Similar observation were made for antibiotic resistant indicator bacteria. Results of faecal coliform to enteroccoci ratio suggested that non-human sources contributed greater towards faecal pollution. Furthermore, an urban-rural gradient was recognized in terms of faecal indicator bacteria levels an