Sanitary survey of hot spring bathing spots in Changping district, Beijing

ObjectiveTo investigate the sanitary status of the hot spring bathing spots in Changping district in Beijing and protect the peoples health. MethodsSanitary detection of hot spring water samples was performed. ResultsAmong 108 water samples, the coliform group count in 72 samples (66.67%) exceeded the limit, the total bacterial count in 74 samples (68.52%) exceeded the limit, the content of urea in 7 samples (6.48%) exceeded the limit. The detection rate of legionella was 55.56%, and no Escherichia coli and Vibrio cholerae were detected. For 21 water samples, the detection of coliform group decreased obviously at water temperature 44 ℃, and no coliform group were detected at water temperature 60 ℃. The detection rates of total bacterial count and legionella at water temperature 60 ℃ were 14.29% and 19.05% respectively, and at water temperature 70 ℃ the results were negative. The results of Escherichia coli and Vibrio cholerae detection at all above temperatures were negative. The pH of the water at 5 hot spring bathing spots ranged from 6.4 to 7.3. Environment temperature at 26-28 ℃ and relative humidity of 56%-81% are favorable for the growth of bacteria. Chlorine was the disinfectant used at 5 hot spring bathing spots, and the residual chlorine content was in normal (0.3-0.5 mg/L). ConclusionThe water contamination at 5 hot spring bathing spots was severe, the environment temperature, pH and water temperature were suitable for the growth of bacteria, so measures should be taken to prevent diseases outbreak by hot spring water. Because of higher temperature, chlorine would lose strength quickly in hot spring water, so elevating the water temperature properly would be the effective way to inhibit the growth of bacteria including legionella.