1
|
Lewis JA, Frost VJ, Heard MJ. Examining the potential impacts of a coastal renourishment project on the presence and abundance of Escherichia coli. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304061. [PMID: 38787843 PMCID: PMC11125542 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Erosion poses a significant threat to oceanic beaches worldwide. To combat this threat, management agencies often utilize renourishment, which supplements eroded beaches with offsite sand. This process can alter the physical characteristics of the beach and can influence the presence and abundance of microbial communities. In this study, we examined how an oceanic beach renourishment project may have impacted the presence and abundance of Escherichia coli (E. coli), a common bacteria species, and sand grain size, a sediment characteristic that can influence bacterial persistence. Using an observational field approach, we quantified the presence and abundance of E. coli in sand (from sub-tidal, intertidal, and dune zones on the beach) and water samples at study sites in both renourished and non-renourished sections of Folly Beach, South Carolina, USA in 2014 and 2015. In addition, we also measured how renourishment may have impacted sand grain size by quantifying the relative frequency of grain sizes (from sub-tidal, intertidal, and dune zones on the beach) at both renourished and non-renourished sites. Using this approach, we found that E. coli was present in sand samples in all zones of the beach and at each of our study sites in both years of sampling but never in water samples. Additionally, we found that in comparison to non-renourished sections, renourished sites had significantly higher abundances of E. coli and coarser sand grains in the intertidal zone, which is where renourished sand is typically placed. However, these differences were only present in 2014 and were not detected when we resampled the study sites in 2015. Collectively, our findings show that E. coli can be commonly found in this sandy beach microbial community. In addition, our results suggest that renourishment has the potential to alter both the physical structure of the beach and the microbial community but that these impacts may be short-lived.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordan A. Lewis
- Department of Biology, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, South Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Victoria J. Frost
- Department of Biology, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Matthew J. Heard
- Department of Biology, Belmont University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Montas Bravo L, Chen Y, Zhang H, Abdool-Ghany AA, Lamm E, Quijada A, Reiner R, Ortega Castineiras C, Knowles A, Precht L, Solo-Gabriele H. Enterococci pathways to coastal waters and implications of sea level rise. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 254:121341. [PMID: 38422693 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121341] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Highly urban coastal communities in low lying areas and with high water tables are vulnerable to sea-level rise and to corresponding increases in coastal groundwater levels. Stormwater conveyance systems are under increased risk. Rising groundwater levels affect the hydraulics of the stormwater system thereby increasing contaminant transport, for example the fecal indicator bacteria enterococci, to coastal waters. This study offers a unique opportunity to evaluate the impacts of increased contaminant transport on marine coastal environments. Here we assessed historic and recent coastal water quality, stormwater sampling data, groundwater monitoring and tidal elevations near the coastline, in the context of altered hydraulics within the system. Two pathways of enterococci to marine waters were identified. Direct discharge of contaminated stormwater runoff via the stormwater outfalls and tidally driven contaminated groundwater discharge. As sea level continues to rise, we hypothesize that a diminished unsaturated zone coupled with altered hydraulic conditions at the coastal groundwater zone will facilitate the transport of enterococci from urban sediments to the study site (Park View Waterway in Miami Beach, FL USA). We recommend improvements to the stormwater conveyance system, and maintenance of the sanitary sewer system to mitigate these impacts and minimize transport of enterococci, and other stormwater pollutants to coastal waters. The results of this study can be useful to interpret high enterococci levels in low lying coastal areas where groundwater is influenced by rising sea water levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Montas Bravo
- Department of Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, University of Miami, 1251 Memorial Drive, McArthur Engineering Building, 1251 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States.
| | - Yutao Chen
- Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States
| | - Hekai Zhang
- Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States
| | - Afeefa A Abdool-Ghany
- Department of Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, University of Miami, 1251 Memorial Drive, McArthur Engineering Building, 1251 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States
| | - Erik Lamm
- Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States
| | - Ashley Quijada
- Department of Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, University of Miami, 1251 Memorial Drive, McArthur Engineering Building, 1251 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States
| | - Rivka Reiner
- Department of Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, University of Miami, 1251 Memorial Drive, McArthur Engineering Building, 1251 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States
| | - Cristina Ortega Castineiras
- City of Miami Beach, Department of Public Works, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States
| | - Amy Knowles
- City of Miami Beach, Environment and Sustainability Department, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States
| | - Lindsey Precht
- City of Miami Beach, Environment and Sustainability Department, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States
| | - Helena Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, University of Miami, 1251 Memorial Drive, McArthur Engineering Building, 1251 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States; Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ndione M, Ory P, Agion T, Treilles M, Vacher L, Simon-Bouhet B, Le Beguec M, Pineau P, Montanié H, Agogué H. Temporal variations in fecal indicator bacteria in bathing water and sediment in a coastal ecosystem (Aytré Bay, Charente-Maritime, France). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 175:113360. [PMID: 35134737 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study presents the fecal contamination dynamic at the two bathing sites of Aytré Bay (Charente Maritime, France). We quantified fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) abundances (Escherichia coli and enterococci) from water and sediment samples over one-year survey. Then we measured biological (bacterial abundance, chlorophyll-a), physico-chemical (dissolved nutrients and oxygen, salinity, pH …) and climatic (temperatures, rainfall and tidal coefficient) parameters. Results showed that FIB abundances were occasionally higher than the European regulatory threshold during winter, summer and fall. The "poor quality" of the bathing water was due to high enterococci abundance. We found negative significant correlations between FIB and water temperature and salinity, and positive significant correlations between FIB and rainfall, PO4, NO3, NO2, and SiO2 mainly in water. Relationships between parameters showed that during summer and spring the main environmental drivers were temperature and salinity, while in fall and winter they were rainfall and dissolved nutrients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Méry Ndione
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs) UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, La Rochelle, France
| | - Pascaline Ory
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs) UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, La Rochelle, France
| | - Tony Agion
- QUALYSE, Laboratoire d'analyses, La Rochelle, France
| | | | - Luc Vacher
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs) UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, La Rochelle, France
| | - Benoit Simon-Bouhet
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, Chizé, France
| | - Maëlig Le Beguec
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs) UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, La Rochelle, France
| | - Philippe Pineau
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs) UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, La Rochelle, France
| | - Hélène Montanié
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs) UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, La Rochelle, France
| | - Hélène Agogué
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs) UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, La Rochelle, France.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
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
|
5
|
Kelly E, Gidley M, Sinigalliano C, Kumar N, Solo-Gabriele HM. Impact of wastewater infrastructure improvements on beach water fecal indicator bacteria levels in Monroe County, Florida. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 763:143024. [PMID: 33168244 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143024] [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: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The effects of wastewater infrastructure construction on regional and local environments is unknown. This project evaluated the effects of such projects in Monroe County, Florida, an area that had undergone regional wastewater infrastructure improvements. We used fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) (fecal coliform and enterococci), as a proxy indicator of beach water quality for an 18-year period of record. At the highest level of aggregation, FIBs for all 17 beaches within the county were combined to evaluate trends on a yearly basis. At the lower level, yearly FIB trends were evaluated for each beach separately. FIB data on infrastructure project period (categorical variables: before, during, and after construction), and the influences of environmental conditions (quantitative variables of rainfall and temperature) were also evaluated. In the multiple regression models, enterococci and fecal coliform were significantly associated with rainfall (24 h, p < 0.0001) and water temperature (p < 0.0001) when only the quantitative variables were considered. When both categorical and quantitative variables were considered, project period was significant for enterococci (p < 0.0001) and fecal coliform (p < 0.0001), as was 24 h lagged rainfall. Overall, the most significant factors for both fecal coliform and enterococci were rainfall and project period. Considering all beaches, infrastructure projects seem to have the collective desired effects in the years following construction, as there were decreased FIBs measured at beach sites. Only through the aggregation of all projects and measurements at all beach sites could the decreases in FIB levels be observed. Local analysis is needed to explain anomalies from these general trends for specific beaches. This understanding of FIBs, their responses to environmental and project factors, and the need for aggregated and local site analysis can provide guidance to managers at other locations with similar issues of failing wastewater infrastructure and frequent FIB exceedances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Kelly
- University of Miami Leonard and Jayne Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy, Coral Gables, FL, USA; University of Miami Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, Coral Gables, FL, USA; NSF NIEHS Oceans and Human Health Center, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - M Gidley
- NSF NIEHS Oceans and Human Health Center, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) Environmental Microbiology, Miami, FL, USA; University of Miami Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS), Miami, FL, USA
| | - C Sinigalliano
- NSF NIEHS Oceans and Human Health Center, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) Environmental Microbiology, Miami, FL, USA
| | - N Kumar
- University of Miami Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Environment & Public Health, Miami, FL, USA
| | - H M Solo-Gabriele
- University of Miami Leonard and Jayne Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy, Coral Gables, FL, USA; University of Miami Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, Coral Gables, FL, USA; NSF NIEHS Oceans and Human Health Center, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Xia J, Zhang W, Ferguson AC, Mena KD, Özgökmen TM, Solo-Gabriele HM. A novel method to evaluate chemical concentrations in muddy and sandy coastal regions before and after oil exposures. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 269:116102. [PMID: 33277065 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.116102] [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: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Oil spills can result in changes in chemical concentrations along coastlines. In prior work, these concentration changes were used to evaluate the date sediment was impacted by oil (i.e., oil exposure date). The objective of the current study was to build upon prior work by using the oil exposure date to compute oil spill chemical (OSC) concentrations in shoreline sediments before and after exposure. The new method was applied to OSC concentration measures collected during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill with an emphasis on evaluating before and after concentrations in muddy versus sandy regions. The procedure defined a grid that overlaid coastal areas with chemical concentration measurement locations. These grids were then aggregated into clusters to allow the assignment of chemical concentration measurements to a uniform coastal type. Performance of the method was illustrated for ten chemicals individually by cluster, and collectively for all chemicals and all clusters. Results show statistically significant differences between chemical concentrations before and after the calculated oil exposure dates (p < 0.04 for each of the 10 chemicals within the identified clusters). When aggregating all chemical measures collectively across all clusters, chemical concentrations were lower before oil exposure in comparison to after (p < 0.0001). Sandy coastlines exhibited lower chemical concentrations relative to muddy coastlines (p < 0.0001). Overall, the method developed is a useful first step for establishing baseline chemical concentrations and for assessing the impacts of disasters on sediment quality within different coastline types. Results may be also useful for assessing added ecological and human health risks associated with oil spills.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junfei Xia
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, P.O. Box 248294, Coral Gables, FL, 33146 - 0630, USA; Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL, 33149-1031, USA.
| | - Wei Zhang
- Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL, 33149-1031, USA; Program in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, Princeton University, 300 Forrestal Road, Sayre Hall, Princeton, NJ 08540-6654, USA; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory, 201 Forrestal Road, Princeton, NJ 08540-6649, USA.
| | - Alesia C Ferguson
- Department of Built Environment, College of Science and Technology, 110 Price Hall, 1601 E. Market Street, Greensboro, NC, 27411, USA.
| | - Kristina D Mena
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, & Environmental Sciences, University of Texas - Houston School of Public Health, 1200 Pressler Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Tamay M Özgökmen
- Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL, 33149-1031, USA.
| | - Helena M Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, P.O. Box 248294, Coral Gables, FL, 33146 - 0630, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ewing RY, Rotstein DS, McLellan WA, Costidis AM, Lovewell G, Schaefer AM, Romero CH, Bossart GD. Macroscopic and Histopathologic Findings From a Mass Stranding of Rough-Toothed Dolphins ( Steno bredanensis) in 2005 on Marathon Key, Florida, USA. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:572. [PMID: 32984413 PMCID: PMC7492606 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
On March 2, 2005 ~70 rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) mass stranded along mud flats and associated canals on the Atlantic Ocean side of Marathon Key, Florida. Forty-six were necropsied and placed into two groups for analysis: Group-1 animals (N = 34; 65%) that died prior to medical intervention and rehabilitative efforts and Group-2 animals (N = 12; 35%) that died in rehabilitation. Thirty-four animals were females (18 adults, 5 juvenile/subadult, 7 calves, and 4 of undetermined age) and 12 were males (6 adults, 4 juvenile/subadults, 1 calf, and 1 of undetermined age). Body condition overall was fair to good in Group-1 and fair to poor in Group-2. Lesions were observed in multiple body systems. Greater than 90% of animals in both groups had respiratory lesions. Verminous sinusitis and bronchopneumonia were 2–3 times more prevalent in Group-2. Capture/exertional rhabdomyolysis was observed in Group-2 (42%). Vacuolar hepatopathies were observed in both groups including hepatic lipidosis (Group-1) and mixed etiologies (Group-2). Pancreatic and gastrointestinal tract pathologies were prevalent in Group-2 animals 56 and 75%, respectively, and included gastritis, gastric ulceration, enterocolitis, pancreatic atrophy, and pancreatitis related to physiologic stress. Group-2 more frequently had evidence of hemorrhagic diathesis present which included increased extramedullary hematopoiesis in various organs, increased hemosiderosis, and hemorrhage and hemorrhagic drainage in various organs. Central nervous system disease, primarily edema, and mild inflammation were equally prevalent. Renal proteinuria, tubular necrosis, and pigmentary deposition were observed in Group-2. Dental attrition was observed in ~40% of the groups. Gammaherpesviral-associated pharyngeal plaques were observed in 46 and 54% of Group-1 and 2 animals, respectively. Other lesions observed were mild and incidental with a frequency rate <20%. The findings from this Steno stranding provide a unique window into baseline individual and population clinical conditions and additional perspective into potential clinical sequelae of rehabilitation efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Y Ewing
- Southeast Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, Miami, FL, United States
| | | | - William A McLellan
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC, United States
| | | | - Gretchen Lovewell
- Directorate of Marine Biology and Conservation, Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL, United States
| | - Adam M Schaefer
- Center for Coastal Research-Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Program, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Fort Pierce, FL, United States
| | - Carlos H Romero
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Gregory D Bossart
- Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Division of Comparative Pathology, Department of Pathology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kelly E, Gidley M, Sinigalliano C, Kumar N, Brand L, Harris RJ, Solo-Gabriele HM. Proliferation of microalgae and enterococci in the Lake Okeechobee, St. Lucie, and Loxahatchee watersheds. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 171:115441. [PMID: 31927090 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.115441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This study is an analysis of relationships between microalgae (measured as chlorophyll a) and the fecal indicator bacteria enterococci. Microalgae blooms and enterococci exceedances have been occurring in Florida's recreational waterways for years. More recently, this has become a management concern as microalgae blooms have been attributed to potentially toxic cyanobacteria, and enterococci exceedances link to human infection/illness. Since both the microalgal blooms and bacterial exceedances occur in regions that receive managed freshwater releases from Lake Okeechobee, we hypothesized that both the blooms and exceedances are related to excess nutrients from the lake. Two experimental sites, on Lake Okeechobee and the St. Lucie River (downstream of the lake), plus a control site on the Loxahatchee River (which does not receive lake flow) were evaluated. The hypothesis was evaluated through three study components: 1) analysis of available long-term data from local environmental databases, 2) a year-long monthly sampling and analysis of chlorophyll a, enterococci, nutrients, and physical-chemical data, and 3) microcosm experiments with altered water/sediment conditions. Results support the hypothesis that excess nutrients play a role in both chlorophyll a and enterococci levels. For the St. Lucie River, analyses indicate that chlorophyll a correlated significantly with total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) (R2 = 0.30, p = 0.008) and the strongest model for enterococci included nitrate-nitrite, TKN, total phosphorus, orthophosphorus, and turbidity in our long-term analysis (n = 39, R2 = 0.83, p ≤ 0.001). The microcosm results indicated that chlorophyll a and enterococci only persisted for 36 h in water from all sources, and that sediments from Lake Okeechobee may have allowed for sustained levels of chlorophyll a and enterococci levels. Overall similarities were observed in chlorophyll a and enterococci relationships with nutrient concentrations regardless of a Lake Okeechobee connection, as underscored by a study of flow out of the lake and downstream areas. This suggests that both nutrient-rich lake water and untreated surface water runoff contribute to microalgae blooms and enterococci exceedances in southeast Florida.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Kelly
- University of Miami Leonard and Jayne Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy, Coral Gables, FL, USA; University of Miami Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, Coral Gables, FL, USA; NSF NIEHS Oceans and Human Health Center, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - M Gidley
- NSF NIEHS Oceans and Human Health Center, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) Environmental Microbiology, Miami, USA; University of Miami Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS), Miami, USA
| | - C Sinigalliano
- NSF NIEHS Oceans and Human Health Center, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) Environmental Microbiology, Miami, USA
| | - N Kumar
- University of Miami Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Environment & Public Health, Miami, FL, USA
| | - L Brand
- NSF NIEHS Oceans and Human Health Center, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; University of Miami Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS), Miami, FL, USA
| | - R J Harris
- Loxahatchee River District, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - H M Solo-Gabriele
- University of Miami Leonard and Jayne Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy, Coral Gables, FL, USA; University of Miami Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, Coral Gables, FL, USA; NSF NIEHS Oceans and Human Health Center, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
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: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [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
|
10
|
Barreras H, Kelly EA, Kumar N, Solo-Gabriele HM. Assessment of local and regional strategies to control bacteria levels at beaches with consideration of impacts from climate change. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 138:249-259. [PMID: 30660270 PMCID: PMC6342290 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.10.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2018] [Revised: 09/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate relationships between local factors (beach geomorphology and management) and regional factors (infrastructure improvements and temperature changes) against levels of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) at recreational beaches. Data were evaluated for 17 beaches located in Monroe County, Florida (Florida Keys), USA, including an assessment of sanitary infrastructure improvements using equivalent dwelling unit (EDU) connections. Results show that elevated FIB levels were associated with beach geomorphologies characterized by impeded flow and by beaches with lax management policies. The decrease in EDUs not connected coincided with a decrease in the fraction of days when bacteria levels were out of compliance. Multivariate factor analysis also identified beach management practices (presence of homeless and concession stands) as being associated with elevated FIB. Overall, results suggest that communities can utilize beach management strategies and infrastructure improvements to overcome the negative water quality impacts anticipated with climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henry Barreras
- University of Miami, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA; University of Miami, Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Environment & Public Health, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Kelly
- University of Miami, Leonard and Jayne Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy, Coral Gables, FL, USA; NSF NIEHS Oceans and Human Health Center, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Key Biscayne, FL, USA; University of Miami, College of Engineering, Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, USA
| | - Naresh Kumar
- University of Miami, Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Environment & Public Health, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Helena M Solo-Gabriele
- University of Miami, Leonard and Jayne Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy, Coral Gables, FL, USA; NSF NIEHS Oceans and Human Health Center, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Key Biscayne, FL, USA; University of Miami, College of Engineering, Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kelly EA, Feng Z, Gidley ML, Sinigalliano CD, Kumar N, Donahue AG, Reniers AJHM, Solo-Gabriele HM. Effect of beach management policies on recreational water quality. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2018; 212:266-277. [PMID: 29448181 PMCID: PMC5844856 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Revised: 11/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
When beach water monitoring programs identify poor water quality, the causes are frequently unknown. We hypothesize that management policies play an important role in the frequency of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) exceedances (enterococci and fecal coliform) at recreational beaches. To test this hypothesis we implemented an innovative approach utilizing large amounts of monitoring data (n > 150,000 measurements per FIB) to determine associations between the frequency of contaminant exceedances and beach management practices. The large FIB database was augmented with results from a survey designed to assess management policies for 316 beaches throughout the state of Florida. The FIB and survey data were analyzed using t-tests, ANOVA, factor analysis, and linear regression. Results show that beach geomorphology (beach type) was highly associated with exceedance of regulatory standards. Low enterococci exceedances were associated with open coast beaches (n = 211) that have sparse human densities, no homeless populations, low densities of dogs and birds, bird management policies, low densities of seaweed, beach renourishment, charge access fees, employ lifeguards, without nearby marinas, and those that manage storm water. Factor analysis and a linear regression confirmed beach type as the predominant factor with secondary influences from grooming activities (including seaweed densities and beach renourishment) and beach access (including charging fees, employing lifeguards, and without nearby marinas). Our results were observable primarily because of the very large public FIB database available for analyses; similar approaches can be adopted at other beaches. The findings of this research have important policy implications because the selected beach management practices that were associated with low levels of FIB can be implemented in other parts of the US and around the world to improve recreational beach water quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Kelly
- University of Miami, Leonard and Jayne Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy, Coral Gables, FL, USA; NSF NIEHS Oceans and Human Health Center, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Key Biscayne, FL, USA; University of Miami, College of Engineering, Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, USA
| | - Zhixuan Feng
- NSF NIEHS Oceans and Human Health Center, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Key Biscayne, FL, USA; Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, USA
| | - Maribeth L Gidley
- NSF NIEHS Oceans and Human Health Center, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Key Biscayne, FL, USA; University of Miami Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, Key Biscayne, FL, USA; NOAA Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, Key Biscayne, FL, USA
| | - Christopher D Sinigalliano
- NSF NIEHS Oceans and Human Health Center, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Key Biscayne, FL, USA; NOAA Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, Key Biscayne, FL, USA
| | - Naresh Kumar
- University of Miami Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Environment & Public Health, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Allison G Donahue
- NSF NIEHS Oceans and Human Health Center, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Key Biscayne, FL, USA; University of Miami, Department of Biology, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Adrianus J H M Reniers
- NSF NIEHS Oceans and Human Health Center, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Key Biscayne, FL, USA; Delft University of Technology, Department of Hydraulic Engineering, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Helena M Solo-Gabriele
- University of Miami, Leonard and Jayne Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy, Coral Gables, FL, USA; NSF NIEHS Oceans and Human Health Center, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Key Biscayne, FL, USA; University of Miami, College of Engineering, Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, USA.
| |
Collapse
|