Bacterial Analysis of Dump Leachates and Irrigation Water from a Canal in Deir Kanoun Ras El Ain in Lebanon

The village is home to a significant underground water resource used for both domestic and irrigation purposes, as well as one of the worst dumps in the country. Leachates from the dump flood into the canal, posing health hazards to both local inhabitants and Syrian refugees living in camps in the region. The study collected samples from three sites along the canal and four sites surrounding the dump during the winter and summer seasons of 2017. The samples were analyzed for pH, selected physico-chemical parameters, and bacterial load. The isolated bacteria were identified via 16S rRNA sequencing, revealing the presence of Enterobacter, Serratia, Shigella, Citrobacter, Bacilli, Vibrio, Klebsiella, and Escherichia species. The results showed a significant increase in bacterial count along the canal, attributed to anthropogenic activities rather than the dump's leachates. The study emphasized the need for immediate action to alleviate additional health risks to Lebanese and Syrian refugees living in the area due to bacterial contamination in canal water used for irrigation and drinking. The researchers used a range of methods to analyze the samples, including measurement of physical parameters such as pH and electrical conductivity, as well as bacterial count and identification. The study employed the membrane filtration technique to enumerate total, fecal coliform, and E. coli in water samples, and isolated and identified water pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus group, and Staphylococcus aureus. The study's findings highlight the importance of addressing the issue of dump leachates and their impact on water quality in Deir Kanoun Ras El Ain. The presence of microbial pathogens in contaminated water poses a significant health risk to the local population and Syrian refugees living in the area. The study's results emphasize the need for immediate action to alleviate these health risks and ensure the safe use of canal water for irrigation and drinking. The researchers used a range of techniques to identify and characterize the bacteria isolated from the dump leachates and canal water, including 16S rRNA sequencing and biochemical analysis. The study's findings provide valuable insights into the bacterial composition of the canal water and the potential health risks associated with its use. The study's results have important implications for the management of waste and the protection of water resources in Deir Kanoun Ras El Ain and other areas affected by similar issues.