Determination of microbiological quality of agricultural surface water sources in Muş plain

Agricultural waters may be a source of contamination for produce. The microbiological quality of agricultural water resources is important in order to produce healthy and reliable products for consumers. Thepurpose of this study was to determine microbiological quality of agricultural surface water sources in Muş plain. Physical (air temperature, water temperature, pH, conductivity) and microbiological analyses (total coliform, fecal coliform, Escherichia coli, Salmonella) were examined for previously determined four different agricultural surface water resources during the agricultural season. The population of microbological indicators was analyzed with Most Probable Number in 100 mL water samples (MPN/100 mL). The presence of Salmonella was also determined in 100 mL water samples with confirmation of InvA gene after isolation of presumptive colonies. Total Coliform population was the highest values among all microbiological indicators reaching >2.96 log MPN/100 mL. The highest E. coli population was observed in Karasu Stream. The presence of Salmonella was found to be positive in a total of three water samples, two of which were Karasu Stream (K) and one was Pond Yurt (GY). Based on these results, waters collected samples from Mus Plain may contain pathogenic bacteria and could be a source of contamination for the vegetables and fruits produced.