51
|
Butler AJ, Pintar K, Thomas JL, Fleury M, Kadykalo S, Ziebell K, Nash J, Lapen D. Microbial water quality at contrasting recreational areas in a mixed-use watershed in eastern Canada. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2021; 19:975-989. [PMID: 34874904 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2021.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Recreational water use is an important source of human enteric illness. Enhanced (episodic) surveillance of natural recreational waters as a supplement to beach monitoring can enrich our understanding of human health risks. From 2011 to 2013, water sampling was undertaken at recreational sites on a watershed in eastern Canada. This study compared the prevalence and associations of human enteric pathogens and fecal indicator organisms. Beach water samples had lower pathogen presence than those along the main river, due to different pollution sources and the hydrological disposition. Pathogen profiles identified from the beach sites suggested a more narrow range of sources, including birds, indicating that wild bird management could help reduce public health risks at these sites. The presence and concentration of indicator organisms did not differ significantly between beaches and the river. However, higher concentrations of generic Escherichia coli were observed when Salmonella and Cryptosporidium were present at beach sites, when Salmonella was present at the river recreational site, and when verotoxigenic E. coli were present among all sites sampled. In this watershed, generic E. coli concentrations were good indicators of potential contamination, pathogen load, and elevated human health risk, supporting their use for routine monitoring where enhanced pathogen testing is not possible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Janis L Thomas
- Environmental Monitoring and Reporting Branch, Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks, Toronto, Canada
| | - Manon Fleury
- Centre for Food-borne, Environmental and Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Public Health Agency of Canada, Guelph, Canada E-mail:
| | - Stefanie Kadykalo
- Centre for Food-borne, Environmental and Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Public Health Agency of Canada, Guelph, Canada E-mail:
| | - Kim Ziebell
- National Microbiology Laboratory at Guelph, Public Health Agency of Canada, Guelph, Canada
| | - John Nash
- National Microbiology Laboratory at Toronto, Public Health Agency of Canada, Toronto, Canada
| | - David Lapen
- Science and Technology Branch, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0C6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
52
|
Biological Indicators for Fecal Pollution Detection and Source Tracking: A Review. Processes (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/pr9112058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fecal pollution, commonly detected in untreated or less treated sewage, is associated with health risks (e.g., waterborne diseases and antibiotic resistance dissemination), ecological issues (e.g., release of harmful gases in fecal sludge composting, proliferative bacterial/algal growth due to high nutrient loads) and economy losses (e.g., reduced aqua farm harvesting). Therefore, the discharge of untreated domestic sewage to the environment and its agricultural reuse are growing concerns. The goals of fecal pollution detection include fecal waste source tracking and identifying the presence of pathogens, therefore assessing potential health risks. This review summarizes available biological fecal indicators focusing on host specificity, degree of association with fecal pollution, environmental persistence, and quantification methods in fecal pollution assessment. The development of practical tools is a crucial requirement for the implementation of mitigation strategies that may help confine the types of host-specific pathogens and determine the source control point, such as sourcing fecal wastes from point sources and nonpoint sources. Emerging multidisciplinary bacterial enumeration platforms are also discussed, including individual working mechanisms, applications, advantages, and limitations.
Collapse
|
53
|
Ngasala TM, Phanikumar MS, Masten SJ. Improving safe sanitation practices using groundwater transport modelling and water quality monitoring data. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2021; 84:3311-3322. [PMID: 34850729 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2021.428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In many developing countries, poorly constructed pit latrines are the primary source of groundwater contamination. Approaches are needed to identify site-specific separation distances between domestic wells and pit latrines. In this study, tracer transport simulations are combined with water quality monitoring data to identify separation distances in peri-urban Dar es Salaam. Bivariate correlation and linear regression models were used to find the relationships between (1) simulated tracer and distances from the wells to the nearest pit latrines (2) simulated tracer and observed contaminants (nitrate, E. coli, and total dissolved solids). The results showed a strong correlation between tracer with nitrate and E. coli, with Pearson coefficient (r) values of 0.80 and 0.79, but a weak correlation with total dissolved solids (TDS) (r = 0.23). A strong correlation between tracer and distance for shallow and deep wells (r = -0.96, -0.76) was found. Based on the soil type and aquifer properties in the area, wells must be placed at least 34 m from a pit latrine to minimize contamination. With recent advances in sensor technologies and the availability of low-cost sensors, linking simulated tracer with observed contaminant levels may provide an alternative first approach to quickly assess human health risks associated with groundwater contamination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tula M Ngasala
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48823 USA E-mail:
| | - Mantha S Phanikumar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48823 USA E-mail:
| | - Susan J Masten
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48823 USA E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
54
|
Akita LG, Laudien J, Biney C, Akrong MO. A baseline study of spatial variability of bacteria (total coliform, E. coli, and Enterococcus spp.) as biomarkers of pollution in ten tropical Atlantic beaches: concern for environmental and public health. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:50941-50965. [PMID: 34386920 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15432-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Coastal water quality in urban cities is increasingly impacted by human activities such as agricultural runoff, sewage discharges, and poor sanitation. However, environmental factors controlling bacteria abundance remain poorly understood. The study employed multiple indicators to assess ten beach water qualities in Ghana during minor wet seasons. Environmental parameters (e.g. temperature, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids) were measured in situ using the Horiba multiple parameter probe. Surface water samples were collected to measure total suspended solids, nutrients, and chlorophyll-a via standard methods and bacteria determination through membrane filtration. Environmental parameters measured showed no significant variation for the sample period. However, bacteria loads differ significantly (p = 0.024) among the beaches and influenced significantly by nitrate (55.3%, p = 0.02) and total dissolved solids (17.1%, p = 0.017). The baseline study detected an increased amount of total coliforms and faecal indicator bacteria (Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp.) in beach waters along the coast of Ghana, suggesting faecal contamination, which can pose health risks. The mean ± standard deviations of bacteria loads in beach water are total coliforms (4.06 × 103 ± 4.16 × 103 CFU/100 mL), E. coli (7.06 × 102 ± 1.72 × 103 CFU/100 mL), and Enterococcus spp. (6.15 × 102 ± 1.75 × 103 CFU/100 mL). Evidence of pollution calls for public awareness to prevent ecological and health-related risks and policy reforms to control coastal water pollution. Future research should focus on identifying the sources of contamination in the tropical Atlantic region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lailah Gifty Akita
- Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 99, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Juergen Laudien
- Alfred Wegner Institute Helmholtz Centre of Polar and Marine Research, Am Alten Hafen 26, 27568, Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Charles Biney
- Ecosystems Environmental Solutions, GD-213-5404, Accra, Ghana
| | - Mark Osei Akrong
- CSIR-Research Institute, P.O. Box M 32, GP-018-964, Accra, Ghana
| |
Collapse
|
55
|
Korajkic A, McMinn BR, Herrmann MP, Pemberton AC, Kelleher J, Oshima K, Villegas EN. Performance evaluation of a dead-end hollowfiber ultrafiltration method for enumeration of somatic and F+ coliphage from recreational waters. J Virol Methods 2021; 296:114245. [PMID: 34310974 PMCID: PMC8982549 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2021.114245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Dead-end hollow fiber ultrafiltration combined with a single agar layer assay (D-HFUF-SAL) has potential use in the assessment of sanitary quality of recreational waters through enumeration of coliphage counts as measures of fecal contamination. However, information on applicability across a broad range of sites and water types is limited. Here, we tested the performance of D-HFUF-SAL on 49 marine and freshwater samples. Effect of method used to titer the spiking suspension (SAL versus double agar layer [DAL]) on percent recovery was also evaluated. Average somatic coliphage recovery (72 % ± 27) was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) compared to F+ (53 % ± 19). This was more pronounced for marine (p ≤ 0.0001) compared to freshwaters (p = 0.0134). Neither method affected somatic coliphage, but DAL (28 % ± 12) significantly (p < 0.0001) underestimated F + coliphage recoveries compared to SAL (53 % ± 19). Overall, results indicate that, while D-HFUF-SAL performed well over a wide variety of water types, F + coliphage recoveries were significantly reduced for marine waters suggesting that some components unique to this habitat may interfere with the assay performance. More importantly, our findings indicate that choice of spike titer method merits careful consideration since it may under-estimate method percent recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asja Korajkic
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, USA.
| | - Brian R McMinn
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, USA
| | - Michael P Herrmann
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, USA
| | - Adin C Pemberton
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, USA
| | - Julie Kelleher
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, USA
| | - Kevin Oshima
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, USA
| | - Eric N Villegas
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, USA
| |
Collapse
|
56
|
Bacteriophages as Fecal Pollution Indicators. Viruses 2021; 13:v13061089. [PMID: 34200458 PMCID: PMC8229503 DOI: 10.3390/v13061089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages are promising tools for the detection of fecal pollution in different environments, and particularly for viral pathogen risk assessment. Having similar morphological and biological characteristics, bacteriophages mimic the fate and transport of enteric viruses. Enteric bacteriophages, especially phages infecting Escherichia coli (coliphages), have been proposed as alternatives or complements to fecal indicator bacteria. Here, we provide a general overview of the potential use of enteric bacteriophages as fecal and viral indicators in different environments, as well as the available methods for their detection and enumeration, and the regulations for their application.
Collapse
|
57
|
Tiwari A, Oliver DM, Bivins A, Sherchan SP, Pitkänen T. Bathing Water Quality Monitoring Practices in Europe and the United States. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:5513. [PMID: 34063910 PMCID: PMC8196636 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Many countries including EU Member States (EUMS) and the United States (U.S.) regularly monitor the microbial quality of bathing water to protect public health. This study comprehensively evaluates the EU bathing water directive (BWD) and the U.S. recreational water quality criteria (RWQC) as regulatory frameworks for monitoring microbial quality of bathing water. The major differences between these two regulatory frameworks are the provision of bathing water profiles, classification of bathing sites based on the pollution level, variations in the sampling frequency, accepted probable illness risk, epidemiological studies conducted during the development of guideline values, and monitoring methods. There are also similarities between the two approaches given that both enumerate viable fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) as an index of the potential risk to human health in bathing water and accept such risk up to a certain level. However, enumeration of FIB using methods outlined within these current regulatory frameworks does not consider the source of contamination nor variation in inactivation rates of enteric microbes in different ecological contexts, which is dependent on factors such as temperature, solar radiation, and salinity in various climatic regions within their geographical areas. A comprehensive "tool-box approach", i.e., coupling of FIB and viral pathogen indicators with microbial source tracking for regulatory purposes, offers potential for delivering improved understanding to better protect the health of bathers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ananda Tiwari
- Expert Microbiology Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 95, FI-70701 Kuopio, Finland;
| | - David M. Oliver
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK;
| | - Aaron Bivins
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering & Earth Science, University of Notre Dame, 156 Fitzpatrick Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA;
| | - Samendra P. Sherchan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Tulane University, 1440 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Tarja Pitkänen
- Expert Microbiology Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 95, FI-70701 Kuopio, Finland;
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
58
|
Topić N, Cenov A, Jozić S, Glad M, Mance D, Lušić D, Kapetanović D, Mance D, Vukić Lušić D. Staphylococcus aureus-An Additional Parameter of Bathing Water Quality for Crowded Urban Beaches. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18105234. [PMID: 34069077 PMCID: PMC8156458 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18105234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
During the last years, the report of the occurrence of waterborne disease symptoms related to non-enteric pathogens has increased, without any record of higher levels of indicator bacteria (Escherichia coli and intestinal enterococci). Therefore, the use of current indicators is not always adequate when assessing the overall potential health risk and the inclusion of additional parameters needs to be examined. This paper reports on the incidence and levels of Staphylococcus aureus at 258 locations in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County (Croatia) recorded by official bathing water quality monitoring, as well as supplemental monitoring carried out at the two most frequented beaches in the City of Rijeka. The number of bathers was found to be the main factor affecting S. aureus levels (r = 0.321, p < 0.05). The share of S. aureus positive samples from the official monitoring was significantly lower, when compared to the share of samples from supplemental monitoring (2.2% and 36.3%, respectively; p < 0.01). Besides the number of bathers, one of the main reasons is likely the higher sampling frequency. No correlation was found between S. aureus levels and the indicator bacteria. The results indicate that the determination of S. aureus and increased sampling frequency is recommended for overcrowded beaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Topić
- Department of Environmental Health, Teaching Institute of Public Health of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Krešimirova 52a, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (N.T.); (A.C.); (M.G.); (D.V.L.)
| | - Arijana Cenov
- Department of Environmental Health, Teaching Institute of Public Health of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Krešimirova 52a, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (N.T.); (A.C.); (M.G.); (D.V.L.)
| | - Slaven Jozić
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, P.O. Box 500, 21000 Split, Croatia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +385-(0)-2140-8052
| | - Marin Glad
- Department of Environmental Health, Teaching Institute of Public Health of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Krešimirova 52a, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (N.T.); (A.C.); (M.G.); (D.V.L.)
| | - Diana Mance
- Department of Physics, University of Rijeka, Radmile Matejčić 2, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia;
| | - Dražen Lušić
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia;
- Faculty of Health Studies, University of Rijeka, Viktora Cara Emina 5, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Damir Kapetanović
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Bijenička Cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Davor Mance
- Faculty of Economics, University of Rijeka, Ivana Filipovića 4, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia;
| | - Darija Vukić Lušić
- Department of Environmental Health, Teaching Institute of Public Health of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Krešimirova 52a, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (N.T.); (A.C.); (M.G.); (D.V.L.)
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia;
| |
Collapse
|
59
|
Denissen JK, Reyneke B, Waso M, Khan S, Khan W. Human Pathogenic Bacteria Detected in Rainwater: Risk Assessment and Correlation to Microbial Source Tracking Markers and Traditional Indicators. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:659784. [PMID: 34025613 PMCID: PMC8138566 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.659784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Roof-harvested rainwater (RHRW) was investigated for the presence of the human pathogenic bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis), Yersinia spp. and Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes). While Yersinia spp. were detected in 92% (n = 25) of the RHRW samples, and L. monocytogenes and M. tuberculosis were detected in 100% (n = 25) of the samples, a significantly higher mean concentration (1.4 × 103 cells/100 mL) was recorded for L. monocytogenes over the sampling period. As the identification of appropriate water quality indicators is crucial to ensure access to safe water sources, correlation of the pathogens to traditional indicator organisms [Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Enterococcus spp.] and microbial source tracking (MST) markers (Bacteroides HF183, adenovirus and Lachnospiraceae) was conducted. A significant positive correlation was then recorded for E. coli versus L. monocytogenes (r = 0.6738; p = 0.000), and Enterococcus spp. versus the Bacteroides HF183 marker (r = 0.4071; p = 0.043), while a significant negative correlation was observed for M. tuberculosis versus the Bacteroides HF183 marker (r = −0.4558; p = 0.022). Quantitative microbial risk assessment indicated that the mean annual risk of infection posed by L. monocytogenes in the RHRW samples exceeded the annual infection risk benchmark limit (1 × 10–4 infections per person per year) for intentional drinking (∼10–4). In comparison, the mean annual risk of infection posed by E. coli was exceeded for intentional drinking (∼10–1), accidental consumption (∼10–3) and cleaning of the home (∼10–3). However, while the risk posed by M. tuberculosis for the two relevant exposure scenarios [garden hosing (∼10–5) and washing laundry by hand (∼10–5)] was below the benchmark limit, the risk posed by adenovirus for garden hosing (∼10–3) and washing laundry by hand (∼10–3) exceeded the benchmark limit. Thus, while the correlation analysis confirms that traditional indicators and MST markers should be used in combination to accurately monitor the pathogen-associated risk linked to the utilisation of RHRW, the integration of QMRA offers a more site-specific approach to monitor and estimate the human health risks associated with the use of RHRW.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia K Denissen
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Brandon Reyneke
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Monique Waso
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, South Africa
| | - Sehaam Khan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, South Africa
| | - Wesaal Khan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
60
|
Crain C, Kezer K, Steele S, Owiti J, Rao S, Victorio M, Austin B, Volner A, Draper W, Griffith J, Steele J, Seifert M. Application of ddPCR for detection of Enterococcus spp. in coastal water quality monitoring. J Microbiol Methods 2021; 184:106206. [PMID: 33766607 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2021.106206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) was evaluated for the detection of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), Enterococcus spp., in San Diego County beach water samples collected under diverse conditions, from multiple pollution sources, as part of regulatory monitoring activities over 20 months. Two US EPA-approved methods, qPCR (EPA 1609.1) and Enterolert (SM9230D), were used as reference comparator methods. A total of 361 samples were assayed by both ddPCR and qPCR and yielded an acceptable Index of Agreement (IA) of 0.89, based on EPA Site-Specific analysis guidelines. A Pearson's correlation coefficient of r = 0.87 (p < 0.001), further indicated a strong relationship between the methods results. From the 361 samples, 185 split samples with ddPCR and Enterolert values within the limits of quantification, were used as a 'training' data set to derive an intrinsic copy number equation (ICE) for scaling ddPCR gene copy number to Enterolert most probable number (MPN). Of the 1993 samples that comprised the complete 'test' data set assayed by ddPCR and Enterolert, 1086 generated results that fell within the limits of quantification for Enterolert and yielded an overall IA of 0.64. Re-analysis using median as a measure of central tendency to account for significant skewing of Enterolert data yielded an IA of 0.72. Beach grouping-specific IA values ranged from 0.63 to 0.93. Pearson's correlation coefficient, r, ranged from 0.13 to 0.94 within beach groupings and generated a combined value of 0.60 for all groupings. Using the ICE, a ddPCR advisory threshold of 1413 DNA copy number/100 mL was empirically determined to be the equivalent to the California Enterolert beach action threshold of 104 MPN/100 mL, based on comparison with all 1993 paired ddPCR and Enterolert results. Using the 1413 DNA copy number/100 mL as a beach action threshold for ddPCR resulted in a 90.4% agreement with Enterolert (6.0% false negative and 3.7% false positive). Together these findings support the conclusion that ddPCR readouts align closely with Enterolert MPN for identifying FIB exceedance levels of Enterococcus spp. in coastal waters of San Diego, CA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chad Crain
- California Department of Public Health, Drinking Water and Radiation Laboratory Branch, 850 Marina Bay Pkwy G164, Richmond, CA 94804, United States of America.
| | - Keith Kezer
- San Diego County Department of Environmental Health, 5500 Overland Ave #170, San Diego, CA 92123, United States of America
| | - Syreeta Steele
- San Diego County Public Health Laboratory, 3851 Rosecrans St, San Diego, CA 92110, United States of America
| | - Judith Owiti
- California Department of Public Health, Drinking Water and Radiation Laboratory Branch, 850 Marina Bay Pkwy G164, Richmond, CA 94804, United States of America
| | - Sphoorthy Rao
- California Department of Public Health, Drinking Water and Radiation Laboratory Branch, 850 Marina Bay Pkwy G164, Richmond, CA 94804, United States of America
| | - Maria Victorio
- San Diego County Public Health Laboratory, 3851 Rosecrans St, San Diego, CA 92110, United States of America
| | - Brett Austin
- San Diego County Public Health Laboratory, 3851 Rosecrans St, San Diego, CA 92110, United States of America
| | - Alon Volner
- California Department of Public Health, Drinking Water and Radiation Laboratory Branch, 850 Marina Bay Pkwy G164, Richmond, CA 94804, United States of America
| | - William Draper
- California Department of Public Health, Drinking Water and Radiation Laboratory Branch, 850 Marina Bay Pkwy G164, Richmond, CA 94804, United States of America
| | - John Griffith
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, 3535 Harbor Blvd. Suite 110, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, United States of America
| | - Joshua Steele
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, 3535 Harbor Blvd. Suite 110, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, United States of America
| | - Marva Seifert
- University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
61
|
Lappan R, Henry R, Chown SL, Luby SP, Higginson EE, Bata L, Jirapanjawat T, Schang C, Openshaw JJ, O'Toole J, Lin A, Tela A, Turagabeci A, Wong THF, French MA, Brown RR, Leder K, Greening C, McCarthy D. Monitoring of diverse enteric pathogens across environmental and host reservoirs with TaqMan array cards and standard qPCR: a methodological comparison study. Lancet Planet Health 2021; 5:e297-e308. [PMID: 33964239 PMCID: PMC8116308 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(21)00051-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple bacteria, viruses, protists, and helminths cause enteric infections that greatly impact human health and wellbeing. These enteropathogens are transmited via several pathways through human, animal, and environmental reservoirs. Individual qPCR assays have been extensively used to detect enteropathogens within these types of samples, whereas the TaqMan array card (TAC), which allows simultaneous detection of multiple enteropathogens, has only previously been validated in human clinical samples. METHODS In this methodological comparison study, we compared the performance of a custom 48-singleplex TAC relative to standard qPCR. We established the sensitivity and specificity of each method for the detection of eight enteric targets, by using spiked samples with varying levels of PCR inhibition. We then tested the prevalence and abundance of pathogens in wastewater from Melbourne (Australia), and human, animal, and environmental samples from informal settlements in Suva, Fiji using both TAC and qPCR. FINDINGS Both methods exhibited similarly h specificity (TAC 100%, qPCR 94%), sensitivity (TAC 92%, qPCR 100%), and quantitation accuracy (TAC 91%, qPCR 99%) in non-inhibited sample matrices with spiked gene fragments. PCR inhibitors substantially affected detection via TAC, though this issue was alleviated by ten-fold sample dilution. Among samples from informal settlements, the two techniques performed similarly for detection (89% agreement) and quantitation (R2 0·82) for the eight enteropathogen targets. The TAC additionally included 38 other enteric targets, enabling detection of diverse faecal pathogens and extensive environmental contamination that would be prohibitively labour intensive to assay by standard qPCR. INTERPRETATION The two techniques produced similar results across diverse sample types, with qPCR prioritising greater sensitivity and quantitation accuracy, and TAC trading small reductions in these for a cost-effective larger enteropathogen panel enabling a greater number of enteric pathogens to be analysed concurrently, which is beneficial given the abundance and variety of enteric pathogens in environments such as urban informal settlements. The ability to monitor multiple enteric pathogens across diverse reservoirs could allow better resolution of pathogen exposure pathways, and the design and monitoring of interventions to reduce pathogen load. FUNDING Wellcome Trust Our Planet, Our Health programme.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Lappan
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Rebekah Henry
- Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Steven L Chown
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephen P Luby
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ellen E Higginson
- Cambridge Institute for Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lamiya Bata
- Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Thanavit Jirapanjawat
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Christelle Schang
- Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - John J Openshaw
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Joanne O'Toole
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Audrie Lin
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Autiko Tela
- School of Public Health, Fiji National University, Suva, Fiji
| | | | - Tony H F Wong
- Water Sensitive Cities Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew A French
- Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Rebekah R Brown
- Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Karin Leder
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Chris Greening
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - David McCarthy
- Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
62
|
Powers NC, Pinchback J, Flores L, Huang Y, Wetz MS, Turner JW. Long-term water quality analysis reveals correlation between bacterial pollution and sea level rise in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 166:112231. [PMID: 33798816 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Long-term assessments are needed to identify water quality trends and their socio-environmental drivers for coastal management and watershed restoration. This study provides the first long-term assessment of fecal bacterial pollution in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico using enterococci data spanning the Texas coast from 2009 to 2020. The data were representative of 66 beaches, 169 stations, and over 75,000 samples. Findings demonstrate that 22 beaches are 'hotspots' of pollution and experienced enterococci levels that frequently exceeded the USEPA beach action value. Further, enterococci were correlated with time, population size, and sea level. Weak correlations detected in some counties highlight the multifactorial nature of water quality; additional factors are likely influencing enterococci levels. The correlation with sea level is concerning, as counties vulnerable to sea level rise frequently reported enterococci concentrations exceeding the beach action value. In consideration of sea level rise predictions, targeted studies are needed to pinpoint drivers of fecal pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole C Powers
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA
| | | | - Lucy Flores
- Texas General Land Office, Austin, TX 78701, USA
| | - Yuxia Huang
- School of Engineering and Computing Sciences, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA
| | - Michael S Wetz
- Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Turner
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
63
|
Li X, Kelty CA, Sivaganesan M, Shanks OC. Variable fecal source prioritization in recreational waters routinely monitored with viral and bacterial general indicators. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 192:116845. [PMID: 33508720 PMCID: PMC8186395 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.116845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Somatic and F+ coliphage methods are under consideration as potential routine surface water quality monitoring tools to identify unsafe levels of fecal pollution in recreational waters. However, little is known about the cooccurrence of these virus-based fecal indicators and host-associated genetic markers used to prioritize key pollution sources for remediation. In this study, paired measurements of cultivated coliphage (somatic and F+) and bacterial (E. coli and enterococci) general fecal indicators and genetic markers indicative of human (HF183/BacR287 and HumM2), ruminant (Rum2Bac), canine (DG3), and avian (GFD) fecal pollution sources were assessed in 365 water samples collected from six Great Lakes Basin beach and river sites over a 15-week recreational season. Water samples were organized into groups based on defined viral and bacterial fecal indicator water quality thresholds and average log10 host-associated genetic marker fecal score ratios were estimated to compare pollutant source inferences based on variable routine water quality monitoring practices. Eligible log10 fecal score ratios ranged from -0.051 (F+ coliphage, GFD) to 2.08 (enterococci, Rum2Bac). Using a fecal score ratio approach, findings suggest that general fecal indicator selection for routine water quality monitoring can influence the interpretation of host-associated genetic marker measurements, in some cases, prioritizing different pollutant sources for remediation. Variable trends were also observed between Great Lake beach and river sites suggesting disparate management practices may be useful for each water type.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China 518055
| | - Catherine A Kelty
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Mano Sivaganesan
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Orin C Shanks
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
64
|
Mitwally HM, Hamdan AM. Environmental drivers of meiofaunal natural variability, Egypt, Southeastern Mediterranean. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2021; 193:185. [PMID: 33713203 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-021-08927-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Sandy beaches are challenging ecosystems, in which biota experience extreme physical conditions. We sampled meiofauna in conjunction with environmental factors that are well-known to affect faunal associations to describe the ecological state of sandy beaches that experience natural and human-made disturbances. We applied a random stratified sampling design with monthly collections (1800 cores) at three beaches on the Alexandria, Egypt, coast during two sampling periods over 1 year from November to April and May to September. We used multivariate analyses to compare beaches for water quality, particle size, and meiofaunal assemblages. The environmental analysis explained 60% of the total variation of physical factors among beaches and grouped beaches that moderately sorted fine-grained sand and high water salinity vs. the beach with well-sorted, coarse-grain, and low salinity. Meiofaunal analyses revealed unexpected results. The abundance and temporal variation were low, and the explained proportion of natural variation by the putative environmental factors was small. The natural variation was an indicator of long-term beach ruin and oligotrophic conditions. Our results suggest that a large fraction of natural variation in beach meiofauna is stochastic or that other, non-measured, the natural forces (e.g., storm events) or human-made forces (e.g., tourism activities) are essential contributors to variation. Our best models indicate that meiofauna is more resilient to natural disturbances than to human-made stressors, and the higher the beach exposure to the synergetic effects of natural forces and anthropogenic stressors, the lower the ecological state is.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Amira Mohsen Hamdan
- Oceanography Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
65
|
Sikder M, Naumova EN, Ogudipe AO, Gomez M, Lantagne D. Fecal Indicator Bacteria Data to Characterize Drinking Water Quality in Low-Resource Settings: Summary of Current Practices and Recommendations for Improving Validity. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18052353. [PMID: 33670869 PMCID: PMC7957662 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) values are widely used to assess microbial contamination in drinking water and to advance the modeling of infectious disease risks. The membrane filtration (MF) testing technique for FIB is widely adapted for use in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We conducted a systematic literature review on the use of MF-based FIB data in LMICs and summarized statistical methods from 172 articles. We then applied the commonly used statistical methods from the review on publicly available datasets to illustrate how data analysis methods affect FIB results and interpretation. Our findings indicate that standard methods for processing samples are not widely reported, the selection of statistical tests is rarely justified, and, depending on the application, statistical methods can change risk perception and present misleading results. These results raise concerns about the validity of FIB data collection, analysis, and presentation in LMICs. To improve evidence quality, we propose a FIB data reporting checklist to use as a reminder for researchers and practitioners.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Sikder
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA; (E.N.N.); (A.O.O.); (M.G.); (D.L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Elena N. Naumova
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA; (E.N.N.); (A.O.O.); (M.G.); (D.L.)
- Division of Nutrition Epidemiology and Data Science, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Anthonia O. Ogudipe
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA; (E.N.N.); (A.O.O.); (M.G.); (D.L.)
| | - Mateo Gomez
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA; (E.N.N.); (A.O.O.); (M.G.); (D.L.)
| | - Daniele Lantagne
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA; (E.N.N.); (A.O.O.); (M.G.); (D.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
66
|
Preliminary Microbiological Coastal Water Quality Determination along the Department of Atlántico (Colombia): Relationships with Beach Characteristics. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse9020122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Beach water quality is an important factor concerning public health and tourism linked to the “Sun, Sea and Sand” market and is usually assessed in international regulations by the quantification of Escherichia coli and enterococci counts. Despite Salmonella spp. detection not being included in international normative, the presence/absence of this bacteria is also an indicator of seawater quality. The objective of this study was to determine microbiological quality of beach water at 14 beaches along the Department of Atlántico (Colombia) and its relationship with beach characteristics as beach typology (i.e., urban, village, rural and remote areas), presence of beach facilities (e.g., bars, restaurants, etc.) and streams outflowing into the coastline. Sampling program aimed to analyse E. coli and Salmonella spp., by culture-based and real time PCR methods, respectively. Microbiological outcomes were compared with beach characteristics, and a cluster analysis was performed. E. coli and Salmonella spp. were detected in 70% and 20% of samples, respectively. Highest E. coli counts were observed at beaches classified as urban and at Sabanilla, a rural beach with presence of numerous beach restaurants/bars. Salmonella spp. presence was associated with streams that lack wastewater treatment systems. Cluster analysis clearly evidenced the relationship between E. coli and Salmonella spp. and beach characteristics, allowing to obtain indications to implement management programs. According to data obtained, monitoring programs have to be especially carried out in urban areas and at places with beach facilities. This could enhance microbiological water quality and consequently, beachgoers safety and touristic beach attractiveness to international visitors.
Collapse
|
67
|
Jamal R, Li X, Weidhaas J. Template length, concentration and guanidine and cytosine content influence on multiple displacement amplification efficiency. J Microbiol Methods 2021; 181:106146. [PMID: 33493489 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2021.106146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Detection of low abundance human health pathogens in environmental samples is a challenge for water monitoring. This limitation can be overcome by the introduction of multiple displacement amplification (MDA) where a minute amount of genetic material can be amplified using a phi-29 DNA polymerase. However, the genetic makeup and the concentration of the polynucleotides might influence the amplification process due to inherent assay bias. Herein, a series of experiments were designed to demonstrate the effect of genome length, guanidine and cytosine content, and template concentration on the efficiency of MDA. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed to quantify pre- and post-MDA concentrations of selected genes. Linear regression between pre- and post-MDA log gene copies L-1 of both environmental and lab-grown samples showed a positive correlation (F = 77.59, P < 0.001, R2 = 0.7, slope = 1.01). Correlation between relative polynucleotide increase after MDA and target organism length and gene target guanidine and cytosine (G + C) content (F = 4.3, P = 0.02) shows that lower G + C and higher genome length is favored in the MDA process. The MDA process was shown to favor a longer genome over a shorter genome (1.19 and 1.04 change in log gene copy L-1, respectively) and a lower G + C content over a higher G + C content (1.11 and 0.61 change in log gene copy L-1, respectively). There was no MDA bias observed when polynucleotides had the same G + C and genome length but different initial concentrations. This study highlights the need for increased caution when interpreting relative abundance of organisms amplified by MDA such as in next generation sequencing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rubayat Jamal
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Utah, 110 Central Campus Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
| | - Xiang Li
- Southern University of Science and Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jennifer Weidhaas
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Utah, 110 Central Campus Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
68
|
Agricultural Detection of Norovirus and Hepatitis A Using Fecal Indicators: A Systematic Review. Int J Microbiol 2021; 2021:6631920. [PMID: 33519936 PMCID: PMC7817235 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6631920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fresh-produce consumers may be at risk of pathogen infection due to fecal contamination of the agricultural environment. Indicators of fecal contamination may be used as a proxy to evaluate the potential presence of human pathogens, such as norovirus and hepatitis A, on agricultural samples. The objective of this systematic review was to determine whether the presence of human norovirus or hepatitis A was associated with microbial indicators in agricultural samples including fresh produce, equipment surfaces, and hands. Four databases (Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and Agricola) were systematically searched and fifteen articles met inclusion and exclusion criteria. After data extraction, individual indicator-pathogen relationships were assessed using Cohen's Kappa coefficient. The level of agreement between norovirus with adenovirus was 0.09 (n = 16, 95% CI -0.05, 0.23), indicating poor agreement using Landis and Koch's criterion. Similarly, the Kappa coefficient between norovirus with E. coli (κ = 0.04, n = 14, 95% CI -0.05, 0.49) or total coliforms (κ = 0.03, n = 4, 95% CI -0.01, 0.02) was also poor. The level of agreement between hepatitis A with adenovirus (κ = -0.03, n = 3, 95% CI -0.06, 0.01) or fecal coliforms (κ = 0, n = 1, 95% CI 0, 0) was also poor. There were moderate relationships between hepatitis A with E. coli (κ = 0.49, n = 3, 95% CI 0.28, 0.70) and total coliforms (κ = 0.47, n = 2, 95% CI 0.47, 0.47). Based on these limited results, common indicator organisms are not strong predictors of the presence of norovirus and hepatitis A virus in the agricultural environment.
Collapse
|
69
|
González-Fernández A, Symonds EM, Gallard-Gongora JF, Mull B, Lukasik JO, Rivera Navarro P, Badilla Aguilar A, Peraud J, Brown ML, Mora Alvarado D, Breitbart M, Cairns MR, Harwood VJ. Relationships among microbial indicators of fecal pollution, microbial source tracking markers, and pathogens in Costa Rican coastal waters. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 188:116507. [PMID: 33126000 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Tropical coastal waters are understudied, despite their ecological and economic importance. They also reflect projected climate change scenarios for other climate zones, e.g., increased rainfall and water temperatures. We conducted an exploratory microbial water quality study at a tropical beach influenced by sewage-contaminated rivers, and tested the hypothesis that fecal microorganisms (fecal coliforms, enterococci, Clostridium perfringens, somatic and male-specific coliphages, pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV), Bacteroides HF183, norovirus genogroup I (NoVGI), Salmonella, Cryptosporidium and Giardia) would vary by season and tidal stage. Most microorganisms' concentrations were greater in the rainy season; however, NoVGI was only detected in the dry season and Cryptosporidium was the only pathogen most frequently detected in rainy season. Fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) levels exceeded recreational water quality criteria standards in >85% of river samples and in <50% of ocean samples, regardless of the FIB or regulatory criterion. Chronic sewage contamination was demonstrated by detection of HF183 and PMMoV in 100% of river samples, and in >89% of ocean samples. Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Salmonella, and NoVGI were frequently detected in rivers (39%, 39%, 26%, and 39% of samples, respectively), but infrequently in ocean water, particularly during the dry season. Multivariate analysis showed that C. perfringens, somatic coliphage, male-specific coliphage, and PMMoV were the subset of indicators that maximized the correlation with pathogens in the rivers. In the ocean, the best subset of indicators was enterococci, male-specific coliphage, and PMMoV. We also executed redudancy analyses on environmental parameters and microorganim concentrations, and found that rainfall best predicted microbial concentrations. The seasonal interplay of rainfall and pathogen prevalence undoubtedly influences beach users' health risks. Relationships are likely to be complex, with some risk factors increasing and others decreasing each season. Future use of multivariate approaches to better understand linkages among environmental conditions, microbial predictors (fecal indicators and MST markers), and pathogens will improve prediction of high-risk scenarios at recreational beaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Erin M Symonds
- College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
| | | | - Bonnie Mull
- Biological Consulting Services of North Central Floida, Inc., Gainesville, FL 32609, USA
| | - Jerzy O Lukasik
- Biological Consulting Services of North Central Floida, Inc., Gainesville, FL 32609, USA
| | - Pablo Rivera Navarro
- Laboratorio Nacional de Aguas, Instituto Costarricense de Acueductos y Alcantarillados, Tres Ríos, Cartago, Costa Rica
| | - Andrei Badilla Aguilar
- Laboratorio Nacional de Aguas, Instituto Costarricense de Acueductos y Alcantarillados, Tres Ríos, Cartago, Costa Rica
| | - Jayme Peraud
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Megan L Brown
- Department of Anthropology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX 75205, USA
| | - Darner Mora Alvarado
- Laboratorio Nacional de Aguas, Instituto Costarricense de Acueductos y Alcantarillados, Tres Ríos, Cartago, Costa Rica
| | - Mya Breitbart
- College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
| | - Maryann R Cairns
- Department of Anthropology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX 75205, USA
| | - Valerie J Harwood
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
70
|
Serwecińska L, Kiedrzyńska E, Kiedrzyński M. A catchment-scale assessment of the sanitary condition of treated wastewater and river water based on fecal indicators and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter spp. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 750:142266. [PMID: 33182211 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Urbanization and population growth have created considerable sanitation challenges in cities and communities in many parts of Europe and the world. As such, it is imperative to identify the most environmentally-harmful microbiological and chemical sources of pollution, these being wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) which release wastewater of low quality. In the present manuscript, an extensive study was performed of the sanitary conditions of river water and treated wastewater from seventeen WWTPs of various sizes along the Pilica River catchment in central Poland, with the aim of identifying "hot spots" in terms of most serious sources of sanitary hazards. The bacteriological risk for the river, including fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) such as coliforms, E.coli, enterococci, C. perfringens, and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter spp. (CRA) were assessed using classical microbiological methods, and the physicochemical parameters were also tested. The WWTPs, particularly the small ones (<2000 people equivalent, PE) demonstrated significant variation regarding the physicochemical parameters. Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter spp. bacteria growing at 42 °C were found in the effluent wastewaters of all tested municipal WWTPs, and in most of the Pilica River water samples, presenting a potential hazard to public health. A positive correlation was identified between E. coli and CRA abundance in treated wastewater; however, no such relationship was found in river water. It was found that seven small treatment plants discharged wastewater with very different microbiological parameters. Moreover, three small treatment plants serving only 0.56% of the population in the studied area continuously released extremely high microbiological contamination, constituting as much as 54-82% of fecal indicator bacteria loads in the area studied. Our findings show that this type of comprehensive analysis may enable assessment of the use of the entire catchment area, thus identifying the most serious threats to surface water quality and guiding the actions needed to improve the worst operating WWTPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Serwecińska
- European Regional Centre for Ecohydrology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Tylna 3, 90-364 Lodz, Poland
| | - Edyta Kiedrzyńska
- European Regional Centre for Ecohydrology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Tylna 3, 90-364 Lodz, Poland; UNESCO Chair on Ecohydrology and Applied Ecology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Marcin Kiedrzyński
- Department of Geobotany and Plant Ecology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Banacha12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
71
|
Jennings WC, Gálvez-Arango E, Prieto AL, Boehm AB. CrAssphage for fecal source tracking in Chile: Covariation with norovirus, HF183, and bacterial indicators. WATER RESEARCH X 2020; 9:100071. [PMID: 33083778 PMCID: PMC7552103 DOI: 10.1016/j.wroa.2020.100071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic fecal pollution in urban waterbodies can promote the spread of waterborne disease. The objective of this study was to test crAssphage, a novel viral human fecal marker not previously applied for fecal source tracking in Latin America, as a fecal pollution marker in an urban river in Chile. Human fecal markers crAssphage CPQ_064 and Bacteroides HF183, the human pathogen norovirus GII, and culturable fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) were quantified at six locations spanning reaches of the Mapocho River from upstream to downstream of Santiago, as well as in repeated sub-daily frequency samples at two urban locations. Norovirus showed positive correlation trends with crAssphage (τ = 0.57, p = 0.06) and HF183 (τ = 0.64, p = 0.03) in river water, but not with E. coli or enterococci. CrAssphage and HF183 concentrations were strongly linearly related (slope = 0.97, p < 0.001). Chlorinated wastewater effluent was an important source of norovirus GII genes to the Mapocho. Precipitation showed non-significant positive relationships with human and general fecal indicators. Concentrations of crAssphage and HF183 in untreated sewage were 8.35 and 8.07 log10 copy/100 ml, respectively. Preliminary specificity testing did not detect crAssphage or HF183 in bird or dog feces, which are predominant non-human fecal sources in the urban Mapocho watershed. This study is the first to test crAssphage for microbial source tracking in Latin America, provides insight into fecal pollution dynamics in a highly engineered natural system, and indicates river reaches where exposure to human fecal pollution may pose a public health risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wiley C. Jennings
- 473 Via Ortega, Room 189, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | | | - Ana L. Prieto
- Departamento de Ingeniería Civil, Universidad de Chile, Av. Blanco Encalada 2002, 3er Piso, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alexandria B. Boehm
- 473 Via Ortega, Room 189, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
72
|
Nieuwkerk DM, Korajkic A, Valdespino EL, Herrmann MP, Harwood VJ. Critical review of methods for isothermal amplification of nucleic acids for environmental analysis. J Microbiol Methods 2020; 179:106099. [PMID: 33159993 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2020.106099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The past 30 years have seen the emergence and proliferation of isothermal amplification methods (IAMs) for rapid, sensitive detection and quantification of nucleic acids in a variety of sample types. These methods share dependence on primers and probes with quantitative PCR, but they differ in the specific enzymes and instruments employed, and are frequently conducted in a binary, rather than quantitative format. IAMs typically rely on simpler instruments than PCR analyses due to the maintenance of a single temperature throughout the amplification reaction, which could facilitate deployment of IAMs in a variety of environmental and field settings. This review summarizes the mechanisms of the most common IAM methods and their use in studies of pathogens, harmful algae and fecal indicators in environmental waters, feces, wastewater, reclaimed water, and tissues of aquatic animals. Performance metrics of sensitivity, specificity and limit of detection are highlighted, and the potential for use in monitoring and regulatory contexts is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dana M Nieuwkerk
- University of South Florida, Department of Integrative Biology, 4202 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Asja Korajkic
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, 26W Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | - Erika L Valdespino
- University of South Florida, Department of Integrative Biology, 4202 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Michael P Herrmann
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, 26W Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | - Valerie J Harwood
- University of South Florida, Department of Integrative Biology, 4202 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
73
|
Phiri BJ, Hayman DTS, Biggs PJ, French NP, Garcia-R JC. Microbial diversity in water and animal faeces: a metagenomic analysis to assess public health risk. NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/03014223.2020.1831556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bernard J. Phiri
- Biosecurity Surveillance and Incursion Investigation Team, Ministry for Primary Industries, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - David T. S. Hayman
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, Hopkirk Research Institute, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Patrick J. Biggs
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, Hopkirk Research Institute, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Nigel P. French
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, Hopkirk Research Institute, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Juan C. Garcia-R
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, Hopkirk Research Institute, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
74
|
Devane ML, Moriarty E, Weaver L, Cookson A, Gilpin B. Fecal indicator bacteria from environmental sources; strategies for identification to improve water quality monitoring. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 185:116204. [PMID: 32745743 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In tropical to temperate environments, fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), such as enterococci and Escherichia coli, can persist and potentially multiply, far removed from their natural reservoir of the animal gut. FIB isolated from environmental reservoirs such as stream sediments, beach sand and vegetation have been termed "naturalized" FIB. In addition, recent research suggests that the intestines of poikilothermic animals such as fish may be colonized by enterococci and E. coli, and therefore, these animals may contribute to FIB concentrations in the aquatic environment. Naturalized FIB that are derived from fecal inputs into the environment, and subsequently adapted to maintain their population within the non-host environment are termed "naturalized enteric FIB". In contrast, an additional theory suggests that some "naturalized" FIB diverged from enteric FIB many millions of years ago and are now normal inhabitants of the environment where they are referred to as "naturalized non-enteric FIB". In the case of the Escherichia genus, the naturalized non-enteric members are identified as E. coli during routine water quality monitoring. An over-estimation of the health risk could result when these naturalized, non-enteric FIB, (that is, not derived from avian or mammalian fecal contamination), contribute to water quality monitoring results. It has been postulated that these environmental FIB belonging to the genera Escherichia and Enterococcus can be differentiated from enteric FIB by genetic methods because they lack some of the genes required for colonization of the host intestine, and have acquired genes that aid survival in the environment. Advances in molecular tools such as next generation sequencing will aid the identification of genes peculiar or "enriched" in particular habitats to discriminate between enteric and environmental FIB. In this appraisal, we have reviewed the research studying "naturalized" FIB, and discussed the techniques for their differentiation from enteric FIB. This differentiation includes the important distinction between enteric FIB derived from fresh and non-recent fecal inputs, and those truly non-enteric environmental microbes, which are currently identified as FIB during routine water quality monitoring. The inclusion of tools for the identification of naturalized FIB (enteric or environmental) would be a valuable resource for future studies assessing water quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan L Devane
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd., 27 Creyke Rd, Ilam, Christchurch, New Zealand.
| | - Elaine Moriarty
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd., 27 Creyke Rd, Ilam, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Louise Weaver
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd., 27 Creyke Rd, Ilam, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Adrian Cookson
- AgResearch Ltd., Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand; mEpiLab, School of Veterinary Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Brent Gilpin
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd., 27 Creyke Rd, Ilam, Christchurch, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
75
|
Shrestha A, Kelty CA, Sivaganesan M, Shanks OC, Dorevitch S. Fecal pollution source characterization at non-point source impacted beaches under dry and wet weather conditions. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 182:116014. [PMID: 32622131 PMCID: PMC8220998 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Though Lake Michigan beaches in Chicago are not impacted by stormwater or wastewater outfalls, several of those beaches often exceed USEPA Beach Action Values (BAVs). We investigated the role of microbial source tracking (MST) as a complement to routine beach monitoring at Chicago beaches. In summer 2016, water samples from nine Chicago beaches were analyzed for E. coli by culture and enterococci by qPCR. A total of 195 archived samples were then tested for human (HF183/BacR287, HumM2), canine (DG3, DG37), and avian (GFD) microbial source tracking (MST) markers. Associations between MST and general fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) measures were evaluated and stratified based on wet and dry weather definitions. Among the 195 samples, HF183/BacR287 was quantifiable in 4%, HumM2 in 1%, DG3 in 6%, DG37 in 2%, and GFD in 23%. The one beach with a dog area was far more likely to have DG3 present in the quantifiable range than other beaches. Exceedance of general FIB BAVs increased the odds of human, dog and avian marker detection. MST marker weighted-average fecal scores for DG3 was 2.4 times, DG37 was 2.1 times, and GFD was 1.6 times higher during wet compared to dry weather conditions. HF183/BacR287 weighted-average fecal scores were not associated with precipitation. Associations between FIB BAV exceedance and MST marker detection were generally stronger in wet weather. Incorporating MST testing into routine beach water monitoring can provide information that beach managers can use when developing protection plans for beaches not impacted by point sources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abhilasha Shrestha
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Catherine A Kelty
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Mano Sivaganesan
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Orin C Shanks
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Samuel Dorevitch
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Institute for Environmental Science and Policy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
76
|
Tandukar S, Sherchan SP, Haramoto E. Reduction of Pathogenic and Indicator Viruses at a Drinking Water Treatment Plant in Southern Louisiana, USA. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2020; 12:269-273. [PMID: 32666473 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-020-09436-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Monthly sampling was conducted at a drinking water treatment plant (DWTP) in Southern Louisiana, USA from March 2017 to February 2018 to determine the prevalence and reduction efficiency of pathogenic and indicator viruses. Water samples were collected from the DWTP at three different treatment stages (raw, secondary-treated, and chlorinated drinking water) and subjected to quantification of seven pathogenic viruses and three indicator viruses [pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV), tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), and crAssphage] based on quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Among the seven pathogenic viruses tested, only Aichi virus 1 (AiV-1) (7/12, 58%) and noroviruses of genogroup II (NoVs-GII) (2/12, 17%) were detected in the raw water samples. CrAssphage had the highest positive ratio at 78% (28/36), and its concentrations were significantly higher than those of the other indicator viruses for all three water types (P < 0.05). The reduction ratios of AiV-1 (0.7 ± 0.5 log10; n = 7) during the whole treatment process were the lowest among the tested viruses, followed by crAssphage (1.1 ± 1.9 log10; n = 9), TMV (1.3 ± 0.9 log10; n = 8), PMMoV (1.7 ± 0.8 log10; n = 12), and NoVs-GII (3.1 ± 0.1 log10; n = 2). Considering the high abundance and relatively low reduction, crAssphage was judged to be an appropriate process indicator during drinking water treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the reduction of crAssphage and TMV during drinking water treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarmila Tandukar
- Interdisciplinary Center for River Basin Environment, University of Yamanashi, 4-3-11 Takeda, Kofu, Yamanashi, 400-8511, Japan
| | - Samendra P Sherchan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Tulane University, 1440 Canal Street, Suite 2100, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Eiji Haramoto
- Interdisciplinary Center for River Basin Environment, University of Yamanashi, 4-3-11 Takeda, Kofu, Yamanashi, 400-8511, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
77
|
Holcomb DA, Stewart JR. Microbial Indicators of Fecal Pollution: Recent Progress and Challenges in Assessing Water Quality. Curr Environ Health Rep 2020; 7:311-324. [PMID: 32542574 PMCID: PMC7458903 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-020-00278-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Fecal contamination of water is a major public health concern. This review summarizes recent developments and advancements in water quality indicators of fecal contamination. RECENT FINDINGS This review highlights a number of trends. First, fecal indicators continue to be a valuable tool to assess water quality and have expanded to include indicators able to detect sources of fecal contamination in water. Second, molecular methods, particularly PCR-based methods, have advanced considerably in their selected targets and rigor, but have added complexity that may prohibit adoption for routine monitoring activities at this time. Third, risk modeling is beginning to better connect indicators and human health risks, with the accuracy of assessments currently tied to the timing and conditions where risk is measured. Research has advanced although challenges remain for the effective use of both traditional and alternative fecal indicators for risk characterization, source attribution and apportionment, and impact evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David A Holcomb
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Dr., Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7435, USA
| | - Jill R Stewart
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Dr., Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7431, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
78
|
Federigi I, Bonadonna L, Bonanno Ferraro G, Briancesco R, Cioni L, Coccia AM, Della Libera S, Ferretti E, Gramaccioni L, Iaconelli M, La Rosa G, Lucentini L, Mancini P, Suffredini E, Vicenza T, Veneri C, Verani M, Carducci A. Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment as support for bathing waters profiling. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 157:111318. [PMID: 32658683 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Profiling bathing waters supported by Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) is key to the WHO's recommendations for the 2020/2021 revision of the European Bathing Water Directive. We developed an area-specific QMRA model on four pathogens, using fecal indicator concentrations (E. coli, enterococci) for calculating pathogen loads. The predominance of illness was found to be attributable to Human Adenovirus, followed by Salmonella, Vibrio, and Norovirus. Overall, the cumulative illness risk showed a median of around 1 case/10000 exposures. The risk estimates were strongly influenced by the indicators that were used, suggesting the need for a more detailed investigation of the different sources of fecal contamination. Area-specific threshold values for fecal indicators were estimated on a risk-basis by modelling the cumulative risk against E. coli and enterococci concentrations. To improve bathing waters assessment, we suggest considering source apportionment, locally estimating of pathogen/indicator ratios, and calculating site-specific indicators thresholds based on risk assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucia Bonadonna
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Rossella Briancesco
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Cioni
- Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri 7, 56123 Pisa, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Coccia
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Emanuele Ferretti
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Marcello Iaconelli
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina La Rosa
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Lucentini
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Pamela Mancini
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Suffredini
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Teresa Vicenza
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Carolina Veneri
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Verani
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
79
|
Stokdyk JP, Firnstahl AD, Walsh JF, Spencer SK, de Lambert JR, Anderson AC, Rezania LIW, Kieke BA, Borchardt MA. Viral, bacterial, and protozoan pathogens and fecal markers in wells supplying groundwater to public water systems in Minnesota, USA. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 178:115814. [PMID: 32325219 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.115814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Drinking water supply wells can be contaminated by a broad range of waterborne pathogens. However, groundwater assessments frequently measure microbial indicators or a single pathogen type, which provides a limited characterization of potential health risk. This study assessed contamination of wells by testing for viral, bacterial, and protozoan pathogens and fecal markers. Wells supplying groundwater to community and noncommunity public water systems in Minnesota, USA (n = 145) were sampled every other month over one or two years and tested using 23 qPCR assays. Eighteen genetic targets were detected at least once, and microbiological contamination was widespread (96% of 145 wells, 58% of 964 samples). The sewage-associated microbial indicators HF183 and pepper mild mottle virus were detected frequently. Human or zoonotic pathogens were detected in 70% of wells and 21% of samples by qPCR, with Salmonella and Cryptosporidium detected more often than viruses. Samples positive by qPCR for adenovirus (HAdV), enterovirus, or Salmonella were analyzed by culture and for genotype or serotype. qPCR-positive Giardia and Cryptosporidium samples were analyzed by immunofluorescent assay (IFA), and IFA and qPCR concentrations were correlated. Comparisons of indicator and pathogen occurrence at the time of sampling showed that total coliforms, HF183, and Bacteroidales-like HumM2 had high specificity and negative predictive values but generally low sensitivity and positive predictive values. Pathogen-HF183 ratios in sewage have been used to estimate health risks from HF183 concentrations in surface water, but in our groundwater samples Cryptosporidium oocyst:HF183 and HAdV:HF183 ratios were approximately 10,000 times higher than ratios reported for sewage. qPCR measurements provided a robust characterization of microbiological water quality, but interpretation of qPCR data in a regulatory context is challenging because few studies link qPCR measurements to health risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joel P Stokdyk
- U.S. Geological Survey Upper Midwest Water Science Center, 2615 Yellowstone Drive, Marshfield, WI, 54449, United States
| | - Aaron D Firnstahl
- U.S. Geological Survey Upper Midwest Water Science Center, 2615 Yellowstone Drive, Marshfield, WI, 54449, United States
| | - James F Walsh
- Minnesota Department of Health, 625 Robert St. N, St. Paul, MN, 55164, United States
| | - Susan K Spencer
- U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Environmentally Integrated Dairy Management Research Unit, 2615 Yellowstone Drive, Marshfield, WI, 54449, United States
| | - Jane R de Lambert
- Minnesota Department of Health, 625 Robert St. N, St. Paul, MN, 55164, United States
| | - Anita C Anderson
- Minnesota Department of Health, 625 Robert St. N, St. Paul, MN, 55164, United States
| | - Lih-In W Rezania
- Minnesota Department of Health, 625 Robert St. N, St. Paul, MN, 55164, United States
| | - Burney A Kieke
- Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, 1000 N. Oak Ave, Marshfield, WI, 54449, United States
| | - Mark A Borchardt
- U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Environmentally Integrated Dairy Management Research Unit, 2615 Yellowstone Drive, Marshfield, WI, 54449, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
80
|
Vanden Esschert KL, Mattioli MC, Hilborn ED, Roberts VA, Yu AT, Lamba K, Arzaga G, Zahn M, Marsh Z, Combes SM, Smith ES, Robinson TJ, Gretsch SR, Laco JP, Wikswo ME, Miller AD, Tack DM, Wade TJ, Hlavsa MC. Outbreaks Associated with Untreated Recreational Water - California, Maine, and Minnesota, 2018-2019. MMWR-MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT 2020; 69:781-783. [PMID: 32584799 PMCID: PMC7316318 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6925a3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Outbreaks associated with fresh or marine (i.e., untreated) recreational water can be caused by pathogens or chemicals, including toxins. Voluntary reporting of these outbreaks to CDC's National Outbreak Reporting System (NORS) began in 2009. NORS data for 2009-2017 are finalized, and data for 2018-2019 are provisional. During 2009-2019 (as of May 13, 2020), public health officials from 31 states voluntarily reported 119 untreated recreational water-associated outbreaks, resulting at least 5,240 cases; 103 of the outbreaks (87%) started during June-August. Among the 119 outbreaks, 88 (74%) had confirmed etiologies. The leading etiologies were enteric pathogens: norovirus (19 [22%] outbreaks; 1,858 cases); Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) (19 [22%]; 240), Cryptosporidium (17 [19%]; 237), and Shigella (14 [16%]; 713). This report highlights three examples of outbreaks that occurred during 2018-2019, were caused by leading etiologies (Shigella, norovirus, or STEC), and demonstrate the wide geographic distribution of such outbreaks across the United States. Detection and investigation of untreated recreational water-associated outbreaks are challenging, and the sources of these outbreaks often are not identified. Tools for controlling and preventing transmission of enteric pathogens through untreated recreational water include epidemiologic investigations, regular monitoring of water quality (i.e., testing for fecal indicator bacteria), microbial source tracking, and health policy and communications (e.g., observing beach closure signs and not swimming while ill with diarrhea).
Collapse
|
81
|
Tomenchok LE, Gidley ML, Mena KD, Ferguson AC, Solo-Gabriele HM. Children's Abrasions in Recreational Beach Areas and a Review of Possible Wound Infections. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17114060. [PMID: 32517246 PMCID: PMC7313077 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17114060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The Beach Exposure and Child Health Study (BEACHES) quantified the behavior of children at recreational beach areas to evaluate how various behaviors might affect their exposure to environmental contaminants such as bacteria and chemicals. Due to limited information in the study about abrasions, we conducted a literature review to examine how marine bacteria cause infections in open wounds. The literature review revealed possible adverse health effects from the bacterium Vibrio vulnificus due to its increasing prevalence and the severity of infection. We used data from the BEACHES study to review children's behavior and their susceptibility to abrasions. Children six years of age and younger were evaluated before and after 1 hour of play for open or healing abrasions at two beaches in Miami-Dade County, Florida (Crandon and Haulover), and two beaches in Galveston County, Texas (Stewart and Seawall). The children were videotaped to monitor their activities and to determine the behavior that would increase their susceptibility to obtaining abrasions. Overall, 58.2% of the children had at least one existing abrasion before playing at the beach, while 8.2% of the children acquired a new abrasion during their time at the beach. Children who acquired new abrasions most often played in the sea water, with new abrasions most frequently occurring on exposed skin surfaces such as the knees. Proper wound care before and after visiting the beach should be encouraged to minimize the risk of bacterial infection, especially considering the possible detrimental impacts that can be caused by some bacterial pathogens through wound exposures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lara E. Tomenchok
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA;
| | - Maribeth L. Gidley
- Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS), University of Miami, Miami, FL 33149, USA;
- Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Miami, FL 33149, USA
| | - Kristina D. Mena
- School of Public Health, University of Texas, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Alesia C. Ferguson
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA;
| | - Helena M. Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-305-284-2908
| |
Collapse
|
82
|
Holcomb DA, Knee J, Sumner T, Adriano Z, de Bruijn E, Nalá R, Cumming O, Brown J, Stewart JR. Human fecal contamination of water, soil, and surfaces in households sharing poor-quality sanitation facilities in Maputo, Mozambique. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2020; 226:113496. [PMID: 32135507 PMCID: PMC7174141 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2020.113496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Identifying the origin of fecal contamination can support more effective interventions to interrupt enteric pathogen transmission. Microbial source tracking (MST) assays may help to identify environmental routes of pathogen transmission although these assays have performed poorly in highly contaminated domestic settings, highlighting the importance of both diagnostic validation and understanding the context-specific ecological, physical, and sociodemographic factors driving the spread of fecal contamination. We assessed fecal contamination of compounds (clusters of 2-10 households that share sanitation facilities) in low-income neighborhoods of urban Maputo, Mozambique, using a set of MST assays that were validated with animal stool and latrine sludge from study compounds. We sampled five environmental compartments involved in fecal microbe transmission and exposure: compound water source, household stored water and food preparation surfaces, and soil from the entrance to the compound latrine and the entrances to each household. Each sample was analyzed by culture for the general fecal indicator Escherichia coli (cEC) and by real-time PCR for the E. coli molecular marker EC23S857, human-associated markers HF183/BacR287 and Mnif, and GFD, an avian-associated marker. We collected 366 samples from 94 households in 58 compounds. At least one microbial target (indicator organism or marker gene) was detected in 96% of samples (353/366), with both E. coli targets present in the majority of samples (78%). Human targets were frequently detected in soils (59%) and occasionally in stored water (17%) but seldom in source water or on food surfaces. The avian target GFD was rarely detected in any sample type but was most common in soils (4%). To identify risk factors of fecal contamination, we estimated associations with sociodemographic, meteorological, and physical sample characteristics for each microbial target and sample type combination using Bayesian censored regression for target concentration responses and Bayesian logistic regression for target detection status. Associations with risk factors were generally weak and often differed in direction between different targets and sample types, though relationships were somewhat more consistent for physical sample characteristics. Wet soils were associated with elevated concentrations of cEC and EC23S857 and odds of detecting HF183. Water storage container characteristics that expose the contents to potential contact with hands and other objects were weakly associated with human target detection. Our results describe a setting impacted by pervasive domestic fecal contamination, including from human sources, that was largely disconnected from the observed variation in socioeconomic and sanitary conditions. This pattern suggests that in such highly contaminated settings, transformational changes to the community environment may be required before meaningful impacts on fecal contamination can be realized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David A Holcomb
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Jackie Knee
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Trent Sumner
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Zaida Adriano
- We Consult, Maputo, Mozambique; Departamento de Geografia, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | - Rassul Nalá
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde, Ministério da Saúde, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Oliver Cumming
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joe Brown
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Jill R Stewart
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
83
|
Applicability of crAssphage, pepper mild mottle virus, and tobacco mosaic virus as indicators of reduction of enteric viruses during wastewater treatment. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3616. [PMID: 32107444 PMCID: PMC7046655 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60547-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the applicability of crAssphage, pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV), and tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) as indicators of the reduction of human enteric viruses during wastewater treatment. Thirty-nine samples were collected from three steps at a wastewater treatment plant (raw sewage, secondary-treated sewage, and final effluent) monthly for a 13-month period. In addition to the three indicator viruses, eight human enteric viruses [human adenoviruses, JC and BK polyomaviruses, Aichi virus 1 (AiV-1), enteroviruses, and noroviruses of genogroups I, II, and IV] were tested by quantitative PCR. Indicator viruses were consistently detected in the tested samples, except for a few final effluents for crAssphage and TMV. The mean concentrations of crAssphage were significantly higher than those of most tested viruses. The concentrations of crAssphage in raw sewage were positively correlated with the concentrations of all tested human enteric viruses (p <0.05), suggesting the applicability of crAssphage as a suitable indicator to estimate the concentrations of human enteric viruses in raw sewage. The reduction ratios of AiV-1 (1.8 ± 0.7 log10) were the lowest among the tested viruses, followed by TMV (2.0 ± 0.3 log10) and PMMoV (2.0 ± 0.4 log10). Our findings suggested that the use of not only AiV-1 and PMMoV but also TMV as indicators of reductions in viral levels can be applicable during wastewater treatment.
Collapse
|
84
|
McMinn BR, Rhodes ER, Huff EM, Korajkic A. Decay of infectious adenovirus and coliphages in freshwater habitats is differentially affected by ambient sunlight and the presence of indigenous protozoa communities. Virol J 2020; 17:1. [PMID: 31906972 PMCID: PMC6945520 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-019-1274-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sanitary quality of recreational waters worldwide is assessed using fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), such as Escherichia coli and enterococci. However, fate and transport characteristics of FIB in aquatic habitats can differ from those of viral pathogens which have been identified as main etiologic agents of recreational waterborne illness. Coliphages (bacteriophages infecting E. coli) are an attractive alternative to FIB because of their many morphological and structural similarities to viral pathogens. METHODS In this in situ field study, we used a submersible aquatic mesocosm to compare decay characteristics of somatic and F+ coliphages to those of infectious human adenovirus 2 in a freshwater lake. In addition, we also evaluated the effect of ambient sunlight (and associated UV irradiation) and indigenous protozoan communities on decay of somatic and F+ coliphage, as well as infectious adenovirus. RESULTS Our results show that decay of coliphages and adenovirus was similar (p = 0.0794), indicating that both of these bacteriophage groups are adequate surrogates for decay of human adenoviruses. Overall, after 8 days the greatest log10 reductions were observed when viruses were exposed to a combination of biotic and abiotic factors (2.92 ± 0.39, 4.48 ± 0.38, 3.40 ± 0.19 for somatic coliphages, F+ coliphages and adenovirus, respectively). Both, indigenous protozoa and ambient sunlight, were important contributors to decay of all three viruses, although the magnitude of that effect differed over time and across viral targets. CONCLUSIONS While all viruses studied decayed significantly faster (p < 0.0001) when exposed to ambient sunlight, somatic coliphages were particularly susceptible to sunlight irradiation suggesting a potentially different mechanism of UV damage compared to F+ coliphages and adenoviruses. Presence of indigenous protozoan communities was also a significant contributor (p value range: 0.0016 to < 0.0001) to decay of coliphages and adenovirus suggesting that this rarely studied biotic factor is an important driver of viral reductions in freshwater aquatic habitats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian R McMinn
- United States Environmental Protections Agency, Cincinnati, OH, 45268, USA
| | - Eric R Rhodes
- United States Environmental Protections Agency, Cincinnati, OH, 45268, USA
| | - Emma M Huff
- United States Environmental Protections Agency, Cincinnati, OH, 45268, USA
| | - Asja Korajkic
- United States Environmental Protections Agency, Cincinnati, OH, 45268, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
85
|
Sattar AA, Abate W, Fejer G, Bradley G, Jackson SK. Evaluation of the proinflammatory effects of contaminated bathing water. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2019; 82:1076-1087. [PMID: 31797748 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2019.1694113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Contaminated marine bathing water has been reported to adversely affect human health. Our data demonstrated a correlation between total endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide; LPS) levels and degree of contamination of marine bathing waters. To assess the potential health implications of LPS present in marine bathing waters, the inflammation-inducing potency of water samples collected at different time points at multiple sampling sites were assessed using a cell culture-based assay. The numbers of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) were also examined in the same samples. Water samples were used to stimulate two cell culture models: (1) a novel non-transformed continuously growing murine cell line Max Plank Institute (MPI) characteristic of alveolar macrophages and (2) human MonoMac 6 monocyte cell line. The inflammatory potential of the samples was assessed by measuring the release of inflammatory cytokines. The presence of high levels of LPS in contaminated bathing water led to induction of inflammatory response from our in vitro cell-based bioassays suggesting its potential health impact. This finding introduces an in vitro culture assay that reflects the level of LPS in water samples. These observations further promote previous finding that LPS is a reliable surrogate biomarker for fecal contamination of bathing water.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anas A Sattar
- School of Biomedical and Healthcare Science, Plymouth University, Plymouth, UK
| | - Wondwossen Abate
- School of Biomedical and Healthcare Science, Plymouth University, Plymouth, UK
| | - Gyorgy Fejer
- School of Biomedical and Healthcare Science, Plymouth University, Plymouth, UK
| | - Graham Bradley
- School of Biomedical and Healthcare Science, Plymouth University, Plymouth, UK
| | - Simon K Jackson
- School of Biomedical and Healthcare Science, Plymouth University, Plymouth, UK
| |
Collapse
|
86
|
Weiskerger CJ, Brandão J, Ahmed W, Aslan A, Avolio L, Badgley BD, Boehm AB, Edge TA, Fleisher JM, Heaney CD, Jordao L, Kinzelman JL, Klaus JS, Kleinheinz GT, Meriläinen P, Nshimyimana JP, Phanikumar MS, Piggot AM, Pitkänen T, Robinson C, Sadowsky MJ, Staley C, Staley ZR, Symonds EM, Vogel LJ, Yamahara KM, Whitman RL, Solo-Gabriele HM, Harwood VJ. Impacts of a changing earth on microbial dynamics and human health risks in the continuum between beach water and sand. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 162:456-470. [PMID: 31301475 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Although infectious disease risk from recreational exposure to waterborne pathogens has been an active area of research for decades, beach sand is a relatively unexplored habitat for the persistence of pathogens and fecal indicator bacteria (FIB). Beach sand, biofilms, and water all present unique advantages and challenges to pathogen introduction, growth, and persistence. These dynamics are further complicated by continuous exchange between sand and water habitats. Models of FIB and pathogen fate and transport at beaches can help predict the risk of infectious disease from beach use, but knowledge gaps with respect to decay and growth rates of pathogens in beach habitats impede robust modeling. Climatic variability adds further complexity to predictive modeling because extreme weather events, warming water, and sea level change may increase human exposure to waterborne pathogens and alter relationships between FIB and pathogens. In addition, population growth and urbanization will exacerbate contamination events and increase the potential for human exposure. The cumulative effects of anthropogenic changes will alter microbial population dynamics in beach habitats and the assumptions and relationships used in quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) and process-based models. Here, we review our current understanding of microbial populations and transport dynamics across the sand-water continuum at beaches, how these dynamics can be modeled, and how global change factors (e.g., climate and land use) should be integrated into more accurate beachscape-based models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea J Weiskerger
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - João Brandão
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisboa, Portugal; Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) - Department of Animal Biology, University of Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Warish Ahmed
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boogo Road, Dutton Park, Old, 4102, Australia
| | - Asli Aslan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
| | - Lindsay Avolio
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Brian D Badgley
- School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Alexandria B Boehm
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Thomas A Edge
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jay M Fleisher
- College of Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Christopher D Heaney
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Luisa Jordao
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - James S Klaus
- Department of Marine Geosciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Päivi Meriläinen
- Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Mantha S Phanikumar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Alan M Piggot
- Department of Earth and Environment, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Tarja Pitkänen
- Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Clare Robinson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael J Sadowsky
- BioTechnology Institute and Departments of Soil, Water, & Climate, and Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | | | | | - Erin M Symonds
- College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL, USA
| | - Laura J Vogel
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kevan M Yamahara
- Monterrey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Moss Landing, CA, USA
| | - Richard L Whitman
- Great Lakes Science Center, United States Geological Survey, Chesterton, IN, USA
| | - Helena M Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Valerie J Harwood
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
87
|
Zhang Q, Gallard J, Wu B, Harwood VJ, Sadowsky MJ, Hamilton KA, Ahmed W. Synergy between quantitative microbial source tracking (qMST) and quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA): A review and prospectus. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 130:104703. [PMID: 31295713 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.03.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The use of microbial source tracking (MST) marker genes has grown in recent years due to the need to attribute point and non-point fecal contamination to specific sources. Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) is a modeling approach used to estimate health risks from exposure to feces-contaminated water and associated pathogens. A combination of these approaches [quantitative MST (qMST) and QMRA] can provide additional pathogen-related information for prioritizing and addressing health risks, compared to reliance on conventional fecal indicator bacteria (FIB). To inform expansion of this approach, a review of published qMST-QMRA studies was conducted to summarize the state of the science and to identify research needs. The reviewed studies primarily aimed to identify what levels of MST marker genes in hypothetical recreational waterbodies would exceed the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) risk benchmarks for primary contact recreators. The QMRA models calculated relationships between MST marker gene(s) and reference pathogens based on published data in the literature. The development of a robust, accurate relationship was identified as an urgent research gap for qMST-QMRA. This metric requires additional knowledge to quantify the relationship between MST marker genes and the degree of variability in decay of pathogens as a dynamic function of environmental conditions and combinations of fecal sources at multiple spatial and temporal scales. Improved characterization of host shedding rates of host-associated microorganisms (i.e., MST marker genes), as well as fate and transport of these microorganisms and their nucleic acids, would facilitate expansion of this approach to other exposure pathways. Incorporation of information regarding the recovery efficiency, and host-specificity of MST marker genes into QMRA model parameters, and the sensitivity analysis, would greatly improve risk management and site-specific water monitoring criteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, 1479 Gortner Ave, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Javier Gallard
- Department of Integrative Biology, SCA 110, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Baolei Wu
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710055, PR China
| | - Valerie J Harwood
- Department of Integrative Biology, SCA 110, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Michael J Sadowsky
- BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, 1479 Gortner Ave, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA; Department of Soil, Water & Climate and Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, 1991 Upper Buford Ave, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Kerry A Hamilton
- School for Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, 660 S College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; The Biodesign Institute Center for Environmental Health Engineering, Arizona State University, 1001 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, QLD 4102, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
88
|
Li X, Sivaganesan M, Kelty CA, Zimmer-Faust A, Clinton P, Reichman JR, Johnson Y, Matthews W, Bailey S, Shanks OC. Large-scale implementation of standardized quantitative real-time PCR fecal source identification procedures in the Tillamook Bay Watershed. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216827. [PMID: 31170166 PMCID: PMC6553688 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Fecal pollution management remains one of the biggest challenges for water quality authorities worldwide. Advanced fecal pollution source identification technologies are now available that can provide quantitative information from many animal groups. As public interest in these methodologies grows, it is vital to use standardized procedures with clearly defined data acceptance metrics and conduct field studies demonstrating the use of these techniques to help resolve real-world water quality challenges. Here we apply recently standardized human-associated qPCR methods with custom data acceptance metrics (HF183/BacR287 and HumM2), along with established procedures for ruminant (Rum2Bac), cattle (CowM2 and CowM3), canine (DG3 and DG37), and avian (GFD) fecal pollution sources to (i) demonstrate the feasibility of implementing standardized qPCR procedures in a large-scale field study, and (ii) characterize trends in fecal pollution sources in the research area. A total of 602 water samples were collected over a one-year period at 29 sites along the Trask, Kilchis, and Tillamook rivers and tributaries in the Tillamook Bay Watershed (OR, USA). Host-associated qPCR results were combined with high-resolution geographic information system (GIS) land use and general indicator bacteria (E. coli) measurements to elucidate water quality fecal pollution trends. Results demonstrate the feasibility of implementing standardized fecal source identification qPCR methods with established data acceptance metrics in a large-scale field study leading to new investigative leads suggesting that elevated E. coli levels may be linked to specific pollution sources and land use activities in the Tillamook Bay Watershed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN, United States of America
| | - Mano Sivaganesan
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Catherine A. Kelty
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Amity Zimmer-Faust
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, Costa Mesa, CA, United States of America
| | - Pat Clinton
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Newport, OR, United States of America
| | - Jay R. Reichman
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Corvallis, OR, United States of America
| | - York Johnson
- Oregon Department of Environmental Quality & Tillamook Estuaries Partnership, Garibaldi, Oregon, United States of America
| | - William Matthews
- Oregon Department of Agriculture, Salem, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Stephanie Bailey
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10 Manchester Laboratory, Port Orchard, WA, United States of America
| | - Orin C. Shanks
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|