During the 18-month study period, HAdV, JCPyV, MCPyV, NoV
GGII and HEV together with two faecal indicator bacteria (FIB)
(Escherichia coli (EC) and intestinal enterococci (IE)) were surveyed
in a Mediterranean river catchment. Given that the main viral inputs
were likely derived from raw or treated effluents, raw and
treated water samples were also tested. In this study, we also
assessed the repeatability of the skimmed milk flocculation protocol
used to concentrate viruses from different water matrices,
designed a new qPCR method for the specific detection of MCPyV in
water and finally discussed further trends of virus pollution
considering climate projections for the Llobregat river basin.
Climate change models continue to predict higher stress on
water resources that may contribute to pathogen dispersion,
including bacteria, viruses and protozoa (IPCC, 2007). The overall
goal of this investigation was to provide empirical data on the
spatial and temporal patterns of viral pathogens and indicators in a
changing river basin to allow public health managers to assess risks
in future scenarios.