Spatial Analysis of Surface Water Contamination with Pathogenic Fungi Resulting from Sewage Sites in Najaf Al-Ashraf Governorate

Abstract

The research aims to study the contamination of surface water with pathogenic fungi in Najaf Al-Ashraf Governorate and to determine the microbiological characteristics of the water. This was achieved through the results of laboratory analyses of sewage water samples that were collected and analyzed. Forty samples were collected from 40 locations within the study area, and 10 types of bacteria were identified for four seasons (summer, winter, spring, and autumn). These bacteria include Aspergillus spp, Aspergillus Niger, Aspergillus oryzae, Candida spp, Candida albicans, Filamentous fungi, Microconidia, Mucor, Microsporum, and Trichophyton interdigitale. The study found that pollutant concentrations vary both spatially and temporally, with spatial variations observed from one location to another and temporal variations across seasons. It was also revealed that the majority of the studied sites are not suitable for human use due to exceeding the permissible limits.