Publication Details
Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1111/j.1753-318x.2009.01017.x
Title (Primary) Increased incidence of saprophytic bacteria, coliforms and E. coli following severe flooding requires risk assessment for human health: results of the River Elbe flood in August 2002
Author Karrasch, B.; Mehrens, M.; Link, U.
Source Titel Journal of Flood Risk Management
Year 2009
Department FLOEK
Volume 2
Issue 1
Page From 16
Page To 23
Language englisch
Keywords Coliform bacteria; E. coli; flood risk; river flood; saprophytes; sewage treatment plants
Abstract In August 2002, flooding in the Elbe valley caused severe damage of sewage treatment plants and networks. We investigated the impact of flooding on the bacteriological water quality (colony-forming units of saprophytic bacteria, coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli) compared with levels from previous and subsequent years. The flood introduced organic matter and elevated saprophytic bacteria levels, and a general increase of coliform bacteria. Markedly high loads of coliforms and E. coli were detected in the water column in areas where damage to sewage treatment plants was rife, exceeding the European Commission's Bathing Water Directive. The rapid disappearance from the water column may partly be caused by sedimentation creating deposits on pasture, farmland and in built-up areas, which could represent a health hazard. Future flood risk reduction should therefore be focused on the protection of sewage systems and hygienic monitoring of floodwater and flood sediments.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=308
Karrasch, B., Mehrens, M., Link, U. (2009):
Increased incidence of saprophytic bacteria, coliforms and E. coli following severe flooding requires risk assessment for human health: results of the River Elbe flood in August 2002
J. Flood Risk Manag. 2 (1), 16 - 23 10.1111/j.1753-318x.2009.01017.x