Fresh water Nematodes
Nematodes can be found in drinking water which have waters sources such as springs, cisterns, dug wells, ponds,reservoirs and lakes. Amounts found in water plants in eastern United States, when monitored have averaged between 0.13 and 0.4 nematodes per Liter. Live nematodes can be found in residential faucets and fire hydrants within the distribution system. The significance of nematodes in source and potable water which have not been identified as the pathogenic forms do not uassully present a health threat. However there presence portrays poor product quality and may compromise the microbiological integrity of the water. For example, nematodes are capable of ingesting human pathogens such as E coli 0157: H7, Salmonella and viruses. Many of these pathogens can survive in the worms for days. Such may allow passage into the water system.
Nematodes are very resistant to the most commonly used disinfectant , free chlorine. They are three to four orders of magnitude more resistant than most bacteria. They have even a greater resistance to free chlorine than Cryptosporidium and Giardia.
Identification is based upon the illustrated key to Freshwater Nematodes in Standard Methods For The Examination of Water and Wastewater 18th Edition 1992 ( method #9810C)
Fresh Water Nematodes- 101 different speices identified via key- below is list
Dolichodorus
Tetylenchus
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