The effect of environmental conditions on the occurrence of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli in wastewater and surface waters.

Aims The purpose of the study was to evaluate the occurrence of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli in the aquatic environment based on the water origin, seasonality and physico-chemical properties. Methods and results The occurrence of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli was determined in waste (29) or surface (56) waters in 4 different seasons. The air and water temperatures were measured during sampling and chemical analyses of water samples for ammonium, chloride, chlorine, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, and iron were performed. The thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. were more frequently detected in wastewater (59%; 17 positive samples) compared to surface water (38%; 21 positive samples), with the highest rate in autumn (67% of samples positive) and with a higher Campylobacter coli occurrence than Campylobacter jejuni (31% vs. 26%). Ammonium (above 0.2 mg/L) and chloride ion concentrations (above 60 mg/L) favour Campylobacter jejuni. Similarly, Campylobacter coli occurrence in water was supported by ammonium (above 0.2 mg/L), chloride (above 60 mg/L) and in addition by phosphate ion concentrations (below 0.7 mg/L). Conclusions Campylobacter presence in water is influenced by physico-chemical parameters such as concentrations of ammonium and chloride ions. Significance and impact of study Water environment is an alternative source of Campylobacter. The concentration of ammonium and chloride ions can be used as a basis for successful prediction of the potential occurrence of C. jejuni and C. coli in wastewater and surface water in future.