Clostridium perfringens

Among the microorganisms considered indicators of fecal pollution that are commonly sought to define the quality of water of different types and intended uses is Clostridium perfringens.

It is present in human, canine and swine feces and is less common or even absent in the feces of other warm-blooded animals.

In wastewater, concentrations of the microorganism can reach values ​​around 10⁵ CFU/100 mL and the reduction of its concentrations, during water purification treatments, can reach 95-98%. In water intended for human consumption, the presence of Clostridium perfringens is rarely reported but its interest in the Water Safety Plans for raw water is increasingly growing.

However, its concentration levels are widely heterogeneous, ranging from <1 CFU/100 mL in uncontaminated waters to values ​​above 3000 CFU/100 mL in waters receiving sewage effluents.

The determination of Cl. perfringens is considered a good supplement for assessing the quality of environmental matrices such as chlorinated water, untreated water, and wastewater. In water intended for human consumption, the parameter can provide information both on the organoleptic and microbiological quality of the water and on the efficiency of the water treatment.

* Rapporti ISTISAN 07/5 ISSN 1123-3117  ** Licenze di brevetto WO 00/28082, WO 01/34790, WO 01/77317, WO 02/24902, WO 01/34838  *** Brevetto per invenzione industriale n. 0001425753 del 09.11.2016