Portable water purification: Difference between revisions

In most parts of the world, water may contain [[bacterium|bacterial]] or [[protist]] contamination originating from human and animal waste or pathogens which use other organisms as an intermediate host.  ''[[Giardia lamblia]]'' and ''[[Cryptosporidium]] spp.'', both of which cause [[diarrhea]] (see [[giardiasis]] and cryptosporidiosis) are common pathogens. Less commonly in developed countries are organisms such as ''[[Vibrio cholerae]]'' which causes [[cholera]] and various strains of ''[[Salmonella]]'' which cause [[typhoid]] and para-typhoid diseases. Pathogenic [[virus]]es may also be found in water.  The larvae of [[Fasciola hepatica|flukes]] are particularly dangerous in area frequented by [[sheep]], deer or [[cattle]]. If such [[Microscope|microscopic]] larvae are ingested, they can form potentially life threatening [[cyst]]s in the [[brain]] or [[liver]]. This risk extends to plants grown in or near water including the commonly eaten [[watercress]].