What are microbiological contaminants?

Microbiological contaminants refer specifically to biological agents that can compromise the safety of water and pose health risks. These include bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and other microorganisms that can enter water supplies through various pathways, such as agricultural runoff or inadequate sanitation practices. When these agents are present in drinking water, they can lead to infections and diseases, highlighting the importance of monitoring and managing water safety to protect public health.

In contrast, harmful substances in drinking water may encompass a wide range of pollutants, including chemical and physical contaminants, but do not specifically address microorganisms. Chemical synthesis products refer to man-made chemicals created through various industrial processes and are classified separately from microbiological contaminants. Physical impurities in water typically involve non-living particles, such as sediment or debris, rather than biological pathogens. Thus, focusing on biological agents helps define and understand the risks associated with microbiological contaminants more accurately.