Abstract Summary
Studying the microbiological quality of urban surface water in cities like Amsterdam is essential for ensuring safe recreational activities, promoting multifunctional water use, and developing relevant regulations to create sustainable urban environments. Exposure to water contaminated with pathogens can lead to various serious health issues, including gastroenteritis, fever, skin, ear, and eye infections, as well as respiratory diseases. The primary objective of the present research was to improve our understanding of the microbiological water quality during peak recreational seasons in the city of Amsterdam. Additionally, the study aimed to gain a comprehensive understanding of pollution sources for microbiological water quality and correlate these findings with the physicochemical properties of urban surface water in Amsterdam. Hence, we conducted a preliminary assessment of the microbiological water quality along the Amstel River, inner city canals, and key connection points between important surface water ways within Amsterdam. Specifically, locations along the Amstel River and inner canals that receive wastewater treatment plant effluent, sewage overflow following heavy rainfall, and areas with intense swimming activities were chosen for monitoring. In addition, surface water which enters Amsterdam via the Amstel River was monitored for comparison purposes. Throughout the summer, monthly sampling was carried out at six locations, from which a 50-liter water sample was transported to the lab. These samples were concentrated using a Hemoflow system, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was employed to analyze ten potential pathogens, including bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. These pathogens were selected because they have been reported with high concentrations in urban surface water bodies in Europe, posing high infectious and severe disease risks in Netherlands, and being persistence in the environment. Simultaneously, physicochemical water quality parameters were analyzed to identify potential correlations between the microbiological water quality and physiochemical water quality. Our study provides valuable insights for regulators in the persistence of pathogens in surface water used for recreational activities, enabling these regulators to effectively manage urban surface water and ensure the safety of recreational activities.
