Research progress in quantitative monitoring and risk assessment of pathogenic microorganisms in drinking water

Abstract:

The health risks posed by pathogenic microbial contamination in drinking water are becoming increasingly apparent. Following exposure to pathogens via water, the human body may experience reactions ranging from infection and illness to death. However, the current Standards for Drinking Water Quality (GB 5749—2022) primarily rely on indicator microorganisms to evaluate water quality, lacking precise targets for pathogen control and load levels, which makes it difficult to accurately assess the actual hazards posed by microorganisms in drinking water. Therefore, clarifying the relationship between the intake dose of pathogenic microorganisms in drinking water and the risk of human infection is of great significance for safeguarding public health. Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) can be employed to evaluate the health risks posed by pathogenic microorganisms in drinking water. It is currently combined with high-throughput molecular technologies such as real-time quantitative PCR, digital quantitative PCR, metagenomics, and metaviromics, overcoming the limitations of conventional culture-based methods in identifying pathogenic hazards and demonstrating significant advantages in pathogen hazard identification and multidimensional traceability. This paper reviews the research progress in the quantitative monitoring and risk assessment of pathogenic microorganisms in drinking water. On the basis of the distribution patterns and quantitative detection of pathogenic microorganisms, QMRA is employed to conduct risk prediction, screen high-risk pathogens, and identify critical control points, and thus a systematic approach for precise prevention and control and full-chain governance is ultimately established. This approach integrates multi-omics technologies, big data analysis, and health impact assessment, achieving a transition in water quality safety management from reactive response to proactive prevention and providing robust scientific support for ensuring drinking water safety and the health of vulnerable populations.