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BIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Water quality is a crucial factor in environmental health, influencing both human populations and ecosystems. Biological water quality specifically refers to the presence and concentration of living organisms in water bodies, including microorganisms, algae, and aquatic animals. Assessing biological water quality is vital for ensuring safe drinking water, maintaining aquatic ecosystems, and preventing waterborne diseases. This study explores the various biological indicators of water quality, the impact of these indicators on environmental and public health, and the methodologies employed in their assessment.

Biodiversity of freshwater ecosystems are under increasing influence of negative anthropogenic activity. Consequently, there are more visible changes in biota and biological processes in water (NORRIS and BARBOUR, 2009). The traditional water quality assessment has been based exclusively on measuring physical and chemical parameters of water, but later this was not enough and biological parameters were included. Organisms community in freshwater ecosystems are sensitive indicators of water status, because they integrate and maintain the influence of various environmental factors, various types of contamination, degradation, fragmentation of habitats and etc. (NORRIS and BARBOUR, 2009).

According to The Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC), the most important part of the EU legislation on the water, all the EU member states are required to make an assessment of the status of water bodies as well as their classification. Goals of water protection and management in FB&H are defined by the Water Act FB&H (Official Newspaper FBiH, No. 70/06) and Water management strategy FB&H (adopted by The House of Representatives and The House of Peoples of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Parliament 2010, respectively 2011 with plan valid until 2022).

The Water Framework Directive is the most important part of the EU legislation on water. It designed to improve and integrate the way water bodies across Europe are managed, ensure sustainable management, prevent further destruction of the surface and groundwater and ensure the least good status of all water bodies (HERCEG, 2013). According to WFD the ecological status of surface water involves the analysis of biological elements of water quality, basic chemical and physical and-chemical elements supporting the biological elements and hydromorphological elements. If the status of the biological and physical and-chemical element is assessed as good, and of the hydromorphological as moderate, total ecological status will be estimated as moderate. The ecological status is esteemed on the basis of the worst rated component. 

Phytobenthos represents the community composition of algae, cyanobacteria and heterotrophic microorganisms, who cover free object surface within the water (PLENKOVIĆ-MORAJ et al., 2009). Benefits of phytobenthos as indicators of the ecological status and monitoring are: the great taxonomic diversity, short generation time and a quick response to stress, respectively to changes in ecological conditions. Phytobenthos communities are the first to react to the change that has occurred in the water, respectively they behave as early detectors of the problem. 

Benthic macroinvertebrates, especially aquatic insects, represent a choice group of organisms used in the biological monitoring programs.  Macroinvertebrates within the same system may be residents for several months to multiple years, depending on the lifespan of the particular organism. Macroinvertebrate communities therefore reside in an aquatic system long enough to reflect the chronic effects of pollutants, and yet short enough to respond to relatively acute changes in water quality. Thus, because of the limited mobility of macroinvertebrates and their relative inability to move away from adverse conditions, the location of the chronic sources of pollution often can be pinpointed by comparing communities of these organisms. Benthic macroinvertebrates are used as a bioindicators for environmental stress in aquatic ecosystems at different levels, including morphological deformities.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite advancements in water treatment and monitoring technologies, many regions still face challenges in maintaining adequate biological water quality. Issues such as pollution, climate change, and inadequate infrastructure contribute to deteriorating water quality. This problem is compounded by a lack of comprehensive data on biological indicators and their effects on health and the environment. This study seeks to address the gaps in understanding biological water quality and its implications for public health and environmental sustainability.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to determine the impact of biological indicators on water quality and their implications for public health and environmental management. Specific objectives include:

i. To evaluate the impact of different microorganisms on the biological quality of water.

ii. To determine the relationship between biological water quality indicators and the occurrence of waterborne diseases.

iii. To find out the effectiveness of various assessment methods in monitoring biological water quality.

1.4 Research Questions

i. What is the impact of different microorganisms on the biological quality of water?

ii. What is the relationship between biological water quality indicators and the occurrence of waterborne diseases?

iii. How does the effectiveness of various assessment methods compare in monitoring biological water quality?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

Hypothesis I

H0: There is no significant impact of different microorganisms on the biological quality of water.

H1: There is a significant impact of different microorganisms on the biological quality of water.

Hypothesis II

H0: There is no significant relationship between biological water quality indicators and the occurrence of waterborne diseases.

H2: There is a significant relationship between biological water quality indicators and the occurrence of waterborne diseases.

Hypothesis III

H0: There is no significant difference in the effectiveness of various assessment methods in monitoring biological water quality.

H3: There is a significant difference in the effectiveness of various assessment methods in monitoring biological water quality.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study is significant as it provides insights into the biological aspects of water quality and their implications for human health and the environment. By understanding the impact of microorganisms and other biological indicators, stakeholders can develop more effective water management practices and policies. The findings could help improve public health outcomes, guide regulatory frameworks, and enhance the sustainability of water resources.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on assessing biological water quality across various water bodies, including rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. It covers a range of biological indicators such as microorganisms, algae, and aquatic organisms. The study will evaluate the impact of these indicators on water quality and their correlation with waterborne diseases, as well as the effectiveness of different assessment methods.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

Limitations of the study include potential variations in water quality due to seasonal changes and geographical differences. There may also be constraints in accessing diverse water sources and collecting representative samples. Additionally, the study may be limited by the availability of resources and technologies for comprehensive biological assessments.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Biological Water Quality: The condition of water based on the presence and concentration of living organisms, including microorganisms, algae, and aquatic animals.

Microorganisms: Tiny organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa that can affect water quality and human health.

Waterborne Diseases: Illnesses caused by pathogens in contaminated water, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

Assessment Methods: Techniques used to evaluate and measure biological indicators in water, including microbiological tests, algae counts, and bioassays.