Analysis of drinking water sources in Ankara city with PCR method

Aim: We aimed to analyze drinking and use waters of the Ankara Provincial Center by the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique which widely used in many areas of health sciences. Methods: Tap water, well water and bottled water samples are included in this study. A total of 111 water samples were taken from different locations. Water samples were analysed using a quadruplex PCR technique for availability of thermotolerant coliform, Escherichia coli, Shigella and Salmonella bacteria. Also Giardia parasite was investigated using standard PCR technique in water samples. The "freezing and thawing" method was used for the isolation of DNA in microorganisms. Mini-gel electropheresis was used to show results. Results: No cross-reactions have occurred between the primers. In 33.3% of water samples (tap water 25.9%, well water 50.0%, bottled waters 32.0%) E. coli was identified. None of the water samples contained Salmonella, Shigella bacteria and Giardia parasites. Although the standard bacteriological water analysis methods are completed in 24 – 48 hours and a single microorganism group is investigated, we completed analyses of four different bacteria in four hours by using quadruplex PCR technique. Conclusion: Our results showed that quadruplex PCR could be used in the microbiological analysis of water samples in the epidemic and other emergencies when you need to examine waters in hours. Also analyses have shown that not all water resources used as drinking water are safe. The relevant segments should be informed and more effective measures should be taken regarding the drinking water quality control that is closely related to community health.