Geospatial Modeling and Spatial Autocorrelation of Enteric Bacterial Contamination in Water Networks: A GIS-Based Risk Mapping of Al-Nidaa District, Najaf, Iraq

Abstract

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are considered an unconventional and effective tool for determining the spatial extent of pollutants and their impact on populated areas. Water quality is one of the most important factors for population stability, given its direct impact on human life and health. In this research, the study area was defined as the Al-Nidaa neighborhood, and the samples were specifically from filtered and tap water. The study area is one of the northern neighborhoods of Najaf Governorate and is a densely populated area. A total of (8) samples were taken for each type of water, for a total of (16) samples taken from different locations in the study, according to some established criteria. Pathogenic E. coli and Mirabilis Proteus bacteria were detected, as the samples were taken from the source at a rate of three replicates per location. Laboratory results obtained in this study revealed high levels of E. coli bacteria in samples taken from the identified sampling sites, as well as very high levels of Mirabilis Proteus botulism bacteria. These bacteria are primarily harmful to human health, as the water in these samples is considered unclean and contaminated with sewage and other sources such as domestic wastewater and fecal matter. Furthermore, spatial distribution maps were created for these samples, showing the areas with high, medium, and low concentrations of these types of bacteria.