Bacteriological Assessment of Natural Spring Waters in the Al Jabal Al Akhdar Region, Libya: A Field Study of Biological Indicators of Fecal Contamination and Their Suitability for Human Consumption

Abstract

This study aims to assess the microbial quality of water from selected natural springs in the Al Jabal Al Akhdar region of eastern Libya, given the importance of these sources as a primary supply of drinking water in arid and semi-arid areas. The study was based on the analysis of water samples collected from ten springs during the autumn of 2024. The numbers of fecal coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli were estimated using the Most Probable Number (MPN) method in accordance with approved standard procedures. The results revealed variation in contamination levels among the study sites, with E. coli counts ranging from 0–1 to 7–12 MPN/100 mL, while fecal coliform counts ranged from 0–1 to 12–79 MPN/100 mL. In most springs, these values exceeded the permissible limits established by the World Health Organization and the Libyan drinking water standards. The findings also indicate that the presence of E. coli reflects recent fecal contamination and the potential health risks associated with it. The study confirms that some of these springs are unsuitable for direct human consumption without treatment, highlighting the need for regular monitoring, identification of contamination sources, and the implementation of preventive measures to ensure water safety and protect public health.