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Ahmed W, Schoen ME, Soller J, Harrison JC, Hamilton KA, Gebrwold M, Simpson SL, Payyappat S, Cassidy M, Harrison N, Besley C. Site-specific risk-based threshold (RBT) concentrations for sewage-associated markers in estuarine swimming waters. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 929:172448. [PMID: 38615775 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172448] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
This study establishes site-specific risk-based threshold (RBT) concentrations for sewage-associated markers, including Bacteroides HF183 (HF183), Lachnospiraceae Lachno3 (Lachno3), cross-assembly phage (CrAssphage), and pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV), utilizing quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) for recreational estuarine waters (EW). The QMRA model calculates a RBT concentration corresponding to a selected target illness risk for ingestion of EW contaminated with untreated sewage. RBT concentrations were estimated considering site-specific decay rates and concentrations of markers and reference pathogen (human norovirus; HNoV), aiding in the identification of high-risk days during the swimming season. Results indicated varying RBT concentrations for fresh (Day 0) and aged (Days 1 to 10) sewage contamination scenarios over 10 days. HF183 exhibited the highest RBT concentration (26,600 gene copis (GC)/100 mL) initially but decreased rapidly with aging (2570 to 3120 GC/100 mL on Day 10) depending on the decay rates, while Lachno3 and CrAssphage remained relatively stable. PMMoV, despite lower initial RBT (3920 GC/100 mL), exhibited increased RBT (4700 to 6440 GC/100 mL) with aging due to its slower decay rate compared to HNoV. Sensitivity analysis revealed HNoV concentrations as the most influential parameter. Comparison of marker concentrations in estuarine locations with RBT concentrations showed instances of marker exceedance, suggesting days of potential higher risks. The observed discrepancies between bacterial and viral marker concentrations in EW highlight the need for optimized sample concentration method and simultaneous measurement of multiple markers for enhanced risk predictions. Future research will explore the utility of multiple markers in risk management. Overall, this study contributes to better understanding human health risks in recreational waters, aiding regulators, and water quality managers in effective decision-making for risk prioritization and mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Environment, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Mary E Schoen
- Soller Environmental, LLC, 3022 King St, Berkeley, CA 94703, USA
| | - Jeffrey Soller
- Soller Environmental, LLC, 3022 King St, Berkeley, CA 94703, USA
| | - Joanna Ciol Harrison
- The Biodesign Institute Center for Environmental Health Engineering, Arizona State University, 1001 S. McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Kerry A Hamilton
- The Biodesign Institute Center for Environmental Health Engineering, Arizona State University, 1001 S. McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, 660 S College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Metasebia Gebrwold
- CSIRO Environment, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Stuart L Simpson
- CSIRO Environment, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Sudhi Payyappat
- Sydney Water, 2 Parramatta Square, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
| | - Michele Cassidy
- Sydney Water, 2 Parramatta Square, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
| | - Nathan Harrison
- Sydney Water, 2 Parramatta Square, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
| | - Colin Besley
- Sydney Water, 2 Parramatta Square, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
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2
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Lloyd SD, Carvajal G, Campey M, Taylor N, Osmond P, Roser DJ, Khan SJ. Predicting recreational water quality and public health safety in urban estuaries using Bayesian Networks. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 254:121319. [PMID: 38422692 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121319] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
To support the reactivation of urban rivers and estuaries for bathing while ensuring public safety, it is critical to have access to real-time information on microbial water quality and associated health risks. Predictive modelling can provide this information, though challenges concerning the optimal size of training data, model transferability, and communication of uncertainty still need attention. Further, urban estuaries undergo distinctive hydrological variations requiring tailored modelling approaches. This study assessed the use of Bayesian Networks (BNs) for the prediction of enterococci exceedances and extrapolation of health risks at planned bathing sites in an urban estuary in Sydney, Australia. The transferability of network structures between sites was assessed. Models were validated using a novel application of the k-fold walk-forward validation procedure and further tested using independent compliance and event-based sampling datasets. Learning curves indicated the model's sensitivity reached a minimum performance threshold of 0.8 once training data included ≥ 400 observations. It was demonstrated that Semi-Naïve BN structures can be transferred while maintaining stable predictive performance. In all sites, salinity and solar exposure had the greatest influence on Posterior Probability Distributions (PPDs), when combined with antecedent rainfall. The BNs provided a novel and transparent framework to quantify and visualise enterococci, stormwater impact, health risks, and associated uncertainty under varying environmental conditions. This study has advanced the application of BNs in predicting recreational water quality and providing decision support in urban estuarine settings, proposed for bathing, where uncertainty is high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon D Lloyd
- School of Built Environment, University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia.
| | - Guido Carvajal
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Andrés Bello, Antonio Varas 880, Providencia, Santiago, Chile
| | - Meredith Campey
- Beachwatch, NSW Department of Planning and Environment, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Paul Osmond
- School of Built Environment, University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia
| | - David J Roser
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia
| | - Stuart J Khan
- School of Civil Engineering, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
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3
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Bridgemohan R, Deitch MJ, Harmon E, Whiles MR, Wilson PC, Bean E, Bridgemohan P, Bisesi JH, Nicholas J, Redhead A, Bachoon DS. Spatiotemporal assessment of pathogenic Leptospira in subtropical coastal watersheds. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2024; 22:923-938. [PMID: 38822470 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2024.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
The World Health Organization classifies leptospirosis as a significant public health concern, predominantly affecting impoverished and unsanitary regions. By using the Pensacola Bay System as a case study, this study examines the underappreciated susceptibility of developed subtropical coastal ecosystems such as the Pensacola Bay System to neglected zoonotic pathogens such as Leptospira. We analyzed 132 water samples collected over 12 months from 44 distinct locations with high levels of Escherichia coli (>410 most probable number/100 mL). Fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) concentrations were assessed using IDEXX Colilert-18 and Enterolert-18, and an analysis of water physiochemical characteristics and rainfall intensity was conducted. The LipL32 gene was used as a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) indicator to identify the distribution of Leptospira interrogans. The results revealed 12 instances of the presence of L. interrogans at sites with high FIB over various land cover and aquatic ecosystem types. Independent of specific rainfall events, a seasonal relationship between precipitation and elevated rates of fecal bacteria and leptospirosis was found. These findings highlight qPCR's utility in identifying pathogens in aquatic environments and the widespread conditions where it can be found in natural and developed areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronell Bridgemohan
- Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences Department, University of Florida IFAS West Florida Research and Education Center, Milton, FL, USA E-mail:
| | - Matthew J Deitch
- Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences Department, University of Florida IFAS West Florida Research and Education Center, Milton, FL, USA
| | - Emily Harmon
- Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences Department, University of Florida IFAS West Florida Research and Education Center, Milton, FL, USA
| | - Matt R Whiles
- Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences Department 2181 McCarty Hall, University of Florida, P.O. Box 110290, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - P Christopher Wilson
- Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences Department 2181 McCarty Hall, University of Florida, P.O. Box 110290, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Eban Bean
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida Main Office, Room 120 Frazier Rogers Hall1741 Museum Road, Building. 474, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Puran Bridgemohan
- Tropical Research and Education Center, IFAS Research, University of Florida, Homestead, FL 33031, USA
| | - Joseph H Bisesi
- Department of Environmental and Global Health and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jodel Nicholas
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Georgia College and State University, Campus Box 81, Milledgeville, GA 31061, USA
| | - Aaden Redhead
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Georgia College and State University, Campus Box 81, Milledgeville, GA 31061, USA
| | - Dave S Bachoon
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Georgia College and State University, Campus Box 81, Milledgeville, GA 31061, USA
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Ahmed W, Payyappat S, Cassidy M, Harrison N, Besley C. Reduction of human fecal markers and enteric viruses in Sydney estuarine waters receiving wet weather overflows. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 896:165008. [PMID: 37348731 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165008] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
The current microbial source tracking (MST) study tracked the reduction of the culturable fecal indicator bacteria enterococci, four human fecal markers (Bacteroides HF183, Lachnospiraceae Lachno3, cross-assembly phage (CrAssphage) and pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV)) along with four enteric viruses - human adenovirus 40/41 (HAdV 40/41), enterovirus (EV), human norovirus GI (HNoV GI) and GII (HNoV GII) post wet weather overflows (WWOs) at two estuarine water sites from two depths under separate six-day sampling campaigns over seven and 12 days in Sydney, NSW, Australia. Neither HNoV GI nor GII was detected, while 13.9 % (10/72) of estuarine water samples had detections of EV. Quantifiable concentrations (0.64 to 2.00 log10 gene copies (GC)/100 mL) for HAdV 40/41 were returned from 65.2 % (47/72) of samples collected across the two sites and two depths with 30 quantifications recorded in the surface layer samples. In contrast the presence of HF183, Lachno3, CrAssphage, and PMMoV markers was observed in all 36 (100 %) estuarine water samples collected from the surface layer from both sites. Detection frequencies of these markers were slightly lower at 1 m above the bottom surface. The concentrations of the human fecal markers were compared to established gastrointestinal (GI) risk benchmarks. The concentrations of HF183, Lachno3 and CrAssphage marker only exceeded the GI risk benchmark until day 3, while concentrations of PMMoV marker were indicative of exceedance of the GI risk benchmark on day 7 post WWOs that was much longer than indicated by culturable enterococci concentrations that were within this GI risk benchmark by day 2 and day 4 for the two sites, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Environment, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Sudhi Payyappat
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
| | - Michele Cassidy
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
| | - Nathan Harrison
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
| | - Colin Besley
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
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5
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Martin NA, Sala-Comorera L, Gao G, Corkery A, Reynolds LJ, Nolan TM, Whitty M, O'Sullivan JJ, Meijer WG. Inclusion of hydrodynamic properties of bathing waters is critical in selecting faecal indicators to assess public health impacts of faecal contamination. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 242:120137. [PMID: 37300999 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120137] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The EU Bathing Water Directive (BWD) requires member states to assess bathing water quality according to the levels of faecal indicator bacteria (FIB) in designated bathing areas. However, this criterion has two significant limitations given that the BWD does not; (i) account for differences in hydrodynamic properties of bathing waters and, (ii) assumes that all faecal pathogens decay equally in aquatic environments. This study simulated sewage discharge events in three hypothetical aquatic environments characterised by different advection and dispersion parameters in the solute transport equation. Temporal changes in the downstream concentration of six faecal indicators were determined in simulations that utilised measured decay rates of each faecal indicator from a programme of controlled microcosm experiments in fresh and seawater environments. The results showed that the decay rates of faecal indicators are not a critical parameter in advection dominant water bodies, such as in fast-flowing rivers. Therefore, faecal indicator selection is less important in such systems and for these, FIB remains the most cost-effective faecal indicator to monitor the public health impacts of faecal contamination. In contrast, consideration of faecal indicator decay is important when assessing dispersion and advection/dispersion dominant systems, which would pertain to transitional (estuarine) and coastal waterbodies. Results suggest that the inclusion of viral indicators, such as crAssphage and PMMoV, could improve the reliability of water quality modelling and minimise the risk of waterborne illnesses from faecal contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niamh A Martin
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Earth Institute and UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Laura Sala-Comorera
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Earth Institute and UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Guanghai Gao
- UCD School of Civil Engineering, UCD Dooge Centre for Water Resources Research and UCD Earth Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Aisling Corkery
- UCD School of Civil Engineering, UCD Dooge Centre for Water Resources Research and UCD Earth Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Liam J Reynolds
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Earth Institute and UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Tristan M Nolan
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Earth Institute and UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Megan Whitty
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Earth Institute and UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - John J O'Sullivan
- UCD School of Civil Engineering, UCD Dooge Centre for Water Resources Research and UCD Earth Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Wim G Meijer
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Earth Institute and UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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6
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Ahmed W, Payyappat S, Cassidy M, Harrison N, Besley C. Microbial source tracking of untreated human wastewater and animal scats in urbanized estuarine waters. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 877:162764. [PMID: 36907409 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The study assessed the performance characteristics of host sensitivity, host specificity and concentration for seven human wastewater- and six animal scat-associated marker genes by analysing human wastewater and animal scat samples from urban catchments of the mega-coastal city of Sydney, Australia. Absolute host sensitivity was exhibited across three criteria used to assess seven human wastewater-associated marker genes of cross-assembly phage (CrAssphage), human adenovirus (HAdV), Bacteroides HF183 (HF183), human polyomavirus (HPyV), Lachnospiraceae (Lachno3), Methnobrevibacter smithii nifH (nifH) and pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV). In contrast, only the horse scat-associated marker gene Bacteroides HoF597 (HoF597) exhibited absolute host sensitivity. The absolute host specificity value of 1.0 was returned for the wastewater-associated marker genes of HAdV, HPyV, nifH and PMMoV for each of the three applied host specificity calculation criteria, while values of >0.9 were returned for CrAssphage and Lachno3. Ruminants and cow scat-associated marker genes of BacR and CowM2, respectively exhibited the absolute host specificity value of 1.0. Concentrations of Lachno3 were greater in most human wastewater samples followed by CrAssphage, HF183, nifH, HPyV, PMMoV and HAdV. Human wastewater marker genes were detected in several scat samples from cats and dogs, and this suggests concordant sampling of animal scat-associated marker genes and at least two human wastewater-associated marker genes will be required to assist in interpretation of fecal sources in environmental waters. A greater prevalence, together with several samples with greater concentrations of human wastewater-associated marker genes PMMoV and CrAssphage warrant consideration by water quality managers for the detection of diluted human fecal pollution in estuarine waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Environment, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Sudhi Payyappat
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
| | - Michele Cassidy
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
| | - Nathan Harrison
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
| | - Colin Besley
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
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7
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Bugnot AB, Dafforn KA, Erickson K, McGrath A, O'Connor WA, Gribben PE. Reintroducing a keystone bioturbator can facilitate microbial bioremediation in urban polluted sediments. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 324:121419. [PMID: 36906055 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121419] [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: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic environmental stressors have significantly reduced biodiversity and the capacity of remnant natural habitats to deliver ecosystem functions and services in urban areas. To mitigate these impacts and recover biodiversity and function, ecological restoration strategies are needed. While habitat restoration is proliferating in rural and peri-urban areas, strategies purposely designed to succeed under the environmental, social and political pressures of urban areas are lacking. Here, we propose that ecosystem health in marine urban areas can be improved by restoring biodiversity to the most dominant habitat, unvegetated sediments. We reintroduced a native ecosystem engineer, the sediment bioturbating worm Diopatra aciculata, and assessed their effects on microbial biodiversity and function. Results showed that worms can affect the diversity of microbes, but effects varied between locations. Worms caused shifts in microbial community composition and function at all locations. Specifically, the abundance of microbes capable of chlorophyll production (i.e. benthic microalgae) increased and the abundance of microbes capable of methane production decreased. Moreover, worms increased the abundances of microbes capable of denitrification in the site with lowest sediment oxygenation. Worms also affected microbes capable of degrading the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon toluene, although the direction of that effect was site-specific. This study provides evidence that a simple intervention such as the reintroduction of a single species can enhance sediment functions important for the amelioration of contamination and eutrophication, although further studies are needed to understand the variation in outcomes between sites. Nevertheless, restoration strategies targeting unvegetated sediments provide an opportunity to combat anthropogenic stressors in urban ecosystems and may be used for precondition before more traditional forms of habitat restoration such as seagrass, mangrove and shellfish restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- A B Bugnot
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia; CSIRO Oceans & Atmosphere, St. Lucia, QLD, 4067, Australia; Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, NSW, 2088, Australia.
| | - K A Dafforn
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, NSW, 2088, Australia; School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - K Erickson
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia
| | - A McGrath
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - W A O'Connor
- Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Taylors Beach, 2316, Australia
| | - P E Gribben
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, NSW, 2088, Australia; Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia
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8
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Ahmed W, Bivins A, Korajkic A, Metcalfe S, Smith WJM, Simpson SL. Comparative analysis of Adsorption-Extraction (AE) and Nanotrap® Magnetic Virus Particles (NMVP) workflows for the recovery of endogenous enveloped and non-enveloped viruses in wastewater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 859:160072. [PMID: 36356768 PMCID: PMC10823496 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In this study, two virus concentration methods, namely Adsorption-Extraction (AE) and Nanotrap® Magnetic Virus Particles (NMVP) along with commercially available extraction kits were used to quantify endogenous pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) in nucleic acid extracted from 48 wastewater samples collected over six events from eight wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The main aim was to determine which workflow (i.e., concentration and extraction methods) produces greater concentrations of endogenous PMMoV and SARS-CoV-2 gene copies (GC) in comparison with each other. Turbidity and total suspended solids (TSS) of wastewater samples within and among the eight WWTPs were highly variable (41-385 NTU and 77-668 mg/L TSS). In 58 % of individual wastewater samples, the log10 GC concentrations of PMMoV were greater by NMVP workflow compared to AE workflow. Paired measurements of PMMoV GC/10 mL from AE and NMVP across all 48 wastewater samples were weakly correlated (r = 0.455, p = 0.001) and demonstrated a poor linear relationship (r2 = 0.207). The log10 GC concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 in 69 % of individual samples were greater by AE workflow compared to NMVP workflow. In contrast to PMMoV, the AE and NMVP derived SARS-CoV-2 GC counts were strongly correlated (r = 0.859, p < 0.001) and demonstrated a strong linear relationship (r2 = 0.738). In general, the PMMoV GC achieved by the NMVP workflow decreased with increasing turbidity, but the PMMoV GC by the AE workflow did not appear to be as sensitive to either turbidity or TSS levels. These findings suggest that wastewater sample turbidity or suspended solids concentration, and the intended target for analysis should be considered when validating an optimal workflow for wastewater surveillance of viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Aaron Bivins
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Louisiana State University, 3255 Patrick F. Taylor Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Asja Korajkic
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, 26W Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | - Suzanne Metcalfe
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Wendy J M Smith
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
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9
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Vadde KK, Phan DC, Moghadam SV, Jafarzadeh A, Matta A, Johnson D, Kapoor V. Fecal pollution source characterization in the surface waters of recharge and contributing zones of a karst aquifer using general and host-associated fecal genetic markers. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2022; 24:2450-2464. [PMID: 36444711 DOI: 10.1039/d2em00418f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Fecal pollution of surface waters in the karst-dominated Edwards aquifer is a serious concern as contaminated waters can rapidly transmit to groundwaters, which are used for domestic purposes. Although microbial source tracking (MST) detects sources of fecal pollution, integrating data related to environmental processes (precipitation) and land management practices (septic tanks) with MST can provide better understanding of fecal contamination fluxes to implement effective mitigation strategies. Here, we investigated fecal sources and their spatial origins at recharge and contributing zones of the Edwards aquifer and identified their relationship with nutrients in different environmental/land-use conditions. During March 2019 to March 2020, water samples (n = 295) were collected biweekly from 11 sampling sites across four creeks and analyzed for six physico-chemical parameters and ten fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) and MST-based qPCR assays targeting general (E. coli, Enterococcus, and universal Bacteroidales), human (BacHum and HF183), ruminant (Rum2Bac), cattle (BacCow), canine (BacCan), and avian (Chicken/Duck-Bac and GFD) fecal markers. Among physico-chemical parameters, nitrate-N (NO3-N) concentrations at several sites were higher than estimated national background concentrations for streams. General fecal markers were detected in the majority of water samples, and among host-associated MST markers, GFD, BacCow, and Rum2Bac were more frequently detected than BacCan, BacHum, and HF183, indicating avian and ruminant fecal contamination is a major concern. Cluster analysis results indicated that sampling sites clustered based on precipitation and septic tank density showed significant correlation (p < 0.05) between nutrients and FIB/MST markers, indicating these factors are influencing the spatial and temporal variations of fecal sources. Overall, results emphasize that integration of environmental/land-use data with MST is crucial for a better understanding of nutrient loading and fecal contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Kumar Vadde
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Construction Management, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA.
| | - Duc C Phan
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Construction Management, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA.
| | - Sina V Moghadam
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Construction Management, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA.
| | - Arash Jafarzadeh
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Construction Management, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA.
| | - Akanksha Matta
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Construction Management, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Drew Johnson
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Construction Management, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA.
| | - Vikram Kapoor
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Construction Management, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA.
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10
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Ahmed W, Bivins A, Payyappat S, Cassidy M, Harrison N, Besley C. Distribution of human fecal marker genes and their association with pathogenic viruses in untreated wastewater determined using quantitative PCR. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 226:119093. [PMID: 36252296 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.119093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) of human health risks using human fecal marker genes (HFMGs) is an useful water quality management tool. To inform accurate QMRA analysis, generation of probability distribution functions for HFMGs, and reference pathogenic viruses can be improved by input of correlation and ratios based upon measurement of HFMGs and gene copies (GC) of pathogenic viruses in untreated wastewater. The concentrations of four HFMGs (Bacteroides HF183, Lachnospiraceae Lachno3, CrAssphage and pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV)), and GC of three reference pathogenic viruses human adenovirus 40/41 (HAdV 40/41), human norovirus GI + GII HNoV GI + GII and enterovirus (EV) were measured in untreated wastewater samples collected over a period of 12 months from two wastewater treatment plants in Sydney, Australia using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and reverse transcription qPCR (RT-qPCR). Over the course of the study, the GC of potential pathogenic viruses were 3-5 orders of magnitude lower than HFMGs in untreated wastewater. The GC of pathogenic viruses were highly variable over the course of the study, which contrasted with the concentrations of HFMGs that were quite stable with little variation observed within and between WWTPs. Among the HFMGs, HF183, CrAssphage and PMMoV correlated well with pathogenic virus GC, whereas weak or negative correlations were observed between Lachno3 and pathogenic virus GC. While the two assessed WWTPs had dissimilar population service sizes, the ratios between log10 transformed pathogenic virus GC and HFMGs demonstrated similar central tendency and variability for the same combinations between WWTP A and WWTP B with no difference between the WWTPs. This suggests the widespread presence of these HFMGs in both populations serviced by these two WWTPs. The observed correlation and ratios of HFMGs and GC of reference pathogenic viruses can contribute to improved QMRA of human health risks in environmental waters subject to fresh sewer overflows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Aaron Bivins
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Louisiana State University, 3255 Patrick F. Taylor Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Sudhi Payyappat
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
| | - Michele Cassidy
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
| | - Nathan Harrison
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
| | - Colin Besley
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
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11
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Pronschinske MA, Corsi SR, DeCicco LA, Furlong ET, Ankley GT, Blackwell BR, Villeneuve DL, Lenaker PL, Nott MA. Prioritizing Pharmaceutical Contaminants in Great Lakes Tributaries Using Risk-Based Screening Techniques. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:2221-2239. [PMID: 35852176 PMCID: PMC9542422 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
In a study of 44 diverse sampling sites across 16 Great Lakes tributaries, 110 pharmaceuticals were detected of 257 monitored. The present study evaluated the ecological relevance of detected chemicals and identified heavily impacted areas to help inform resource managers and guide future investigations. Ten pharmaceuticals (caffeine, nicotine, albuterol, sulfamethoxazole, venlafaxine, acetaminophen, carbamazepine, gemfibrozil, metoprolol, and thiabendazole) were distinguished as having the greatest potential for biological effects based on comparison to screening-level benchmarks derived using information from two biological effects databases, the ECOTOX Knowledgebase and the ToxCast database. Available evidence did not suggest substantial concern for 75% of the monitored pharmaceuticals, including 147 undetected pharmaceuticals and 49 pharmaceuticals with screening-level alternative benchmarks. However, because of a lack of biological effects information, screening values were not available for 51 detected pharmaceuticals. Samples containing the greatest pharmaceutical concentrations and having the highest detection frequencies were from Lake Erie, southern Lake Michigan, and Lake Huron tributaries. Samples collected during low-flow periods had higher pharmaceutical concentrations than those collected during increased-flow periods. The wastewater-treatment plant effluent content in streams correlated positively with pharmaceutical concentrations. However, deviation from this correlation demonstrated that secondary factors, such as multiple pharmaceutical sources, were likely present at some sites. Further research could investigate high-priority pharmaceuticals as well as those for which alternative benchmarks could not be developed. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2221-2239. Published 2022. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Steven R. Corsi
- Upper Midwest Water Science CenterUS Geological SurveyMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Laura A. DeCicco
- Upper Midwest Water Science CenterUS Geological SurveyMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Edward T. Furlong
- Laboratory & Analytical Services DivisionUS Geological SurveyDenverColoradoUSA
| | - Gerald T. Ankley
- Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology DivisionUS Environmental Protection AgencyDuluthMinnesotaUSA
| | - Brett R. Blackwell
- Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology DivisionUS Environmental Protection AgencyDuluthMinnesotaUSA
| | - Daniel L. Villeneuve
- Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology DivisionUS Environmental Protection AgencyDuluthMinnesotaUSA
| | - Peter L. Lenaker
- Upper Midwest Water Science CenterUS Geological SurveyMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Michelle A. Nott
- Upper Midwest Water Science CenterUS Geological SurveyMadisonWisconsinUSA
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12
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Farkas K, Pellett C, Alex-Sanders N, Bridgman MTP, Corbishley A, Grimsley JMS, Kasprzyk-Hordern B, Kevill JL, Pântea I, Richardson-O’Neill IS, Lambert-Slosarska K, Woodhall N, Jones DL. Comparative Assessment of Filtration- and Precipitation-Based Methods for the Concentration of SARS-CoV-2 and Other Viruses from Wastewater. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0110222. [PMID: 35950856 PMCID: PMC9430619 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01102-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has been widely used to track levels of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the rapid expansion of WBE, many methods have been used and developed for virus concentration and detection in wastewater. However, very little information is available on the relative performance of these approaches. In this study, we compared the performance of five commonly used wastewater concentration methods for the detection and quantification of pathogenic viruses (SARS-CoV-2, norovirus, rotavirus, influenza, and measles viruses), fecal indicator viruses (crAssphage, adenovirus, pepper mild mottle virus), and process control viruses (murine norovirus and bacteriophage Phi6) in laboratory spiking experiments. The methods evaluated included those based on either ultrafiltration (Amicon centrifugation units and InnovaPrep device) or precipitation (using polyethylene glycol [PEG], beef extract-enhanced PEG, and ammonium sulfate). The two best methods were further tested on 115 unspiked wastewater samples. We found that the volume and composition of the wastewater and the characteristics of the target viruses greatly affected virus recovery, regardless of the method used for concentration. All tested methods are suitable for routine virus concentration; however, the Amicon ultrafiltration method and the beef extract-enhanced PEG precipitation methods yielded the best recoveries. We recommend the use of ultrafiltration-based concentration for low sample volumes with high virus titers and ammonium levels and the use of precipitation-based concentration for rare pathogen detection in high-volume samples. IMPORTANCE As wastewater-based epidemiology is utilized for the surveillance of COVID-19 at the community level in many countries, it is crucial to develop and validate reliable methods for virus detection in sewage. The most important step in viral detection is the efficient concentration of the virus particles and/or their genome for subsequent analysis. In this study, we compared five different methods for the detection and quantification of different viruses in wastewater. We found that dead-end ultrafiltration and beef extract-enhanced polyethylene glycol precipitation were the most reliable approaches. We also discovered that sample volume and physico-chemical properties have a great effect on virus recovery. Hence, wastewater process methods and start volumes should be carefully selected in ongoing and future wastewater-based national surveillance programs for COVID-19 and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kata Farkas
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, United Kingdom
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Anglesey, United Kingdom
| | - Cameron Pellett
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, United Kingdom
| | - Natasha Alex-Sanders
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew T. P. Bridgman
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander Corbishley
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, United Kingdom
| | - Jasmine M. S. Grimsley
- UK Health Security Agency, Environmental Monitoring for Health Protection, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jessica L. Kevill
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, United Kingdom
| | - Igor Pântea
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, United Kingdom
| | - India S. Richardson-O’Neill
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, United Kingdom
| | - Kathryn Lambert-Slosarska
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, United Kingdom
| | - Nick Woodhall
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, United Kingdom
| | - Davey L. Jones
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, United Kingdom
- Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
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13
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An Overview of Microbial Source Tracking Using Host-Specific Genetic Markers to Identify Origins of Fecal Contamination in Different Water Environments. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14111809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Fecal contamination of water constitutes a serious health risk to humans and environmental ecosystems. This is mainly due to the fact that fecal material carries a variety of enteropathogens, which can enter and circulate in water bodies through fecal pollution. In this respect, the prompt identification of the polluting source(s) is pivotal to guiding appropriate target-specific remediation actions. Notably, microbial source tracking (MST) is widely applied to determine the host origin(s) contributing to fecal water pollution through the identification of zoogenic and/or anthropogenic sources of fecal environmental DNA (eDNA). A wide array of host-associated molecular markers have been developed and exploited for polluting source attribution in various aquatic ecosystems. This review is intended to provide the most up-to-date overview of genetic marker-based MST studies carried out in different water types, such as freshwaters (including surface and groundwaters) and seawaters (from coasts, beaches, lagoons, and estuaries), as well as drinking water systems. Focusing on the latest scientific progress/achievements, this work aims to gain updated knowledge on the applicability and robustness of using MST for water quality surveillance. Moreover, it also provides a future perspective on advancing MST applications for environmental research.
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14
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Zhang J, Li J, Huang G, Yan L. Chromatin extracted from common carp testis as an economical and easily available adsorbent for ethidium bromide decontamination. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09565. [PMID: 35677409 PMCID: PMC9167975 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The waste of ethidium bromide (EtBr) used in the laboratory will bring a great burden to the environment, which need to be solved urgently. In the present paper, an efficient and inexpensive method for EtBr removal using chromatin extracted from common carp testis was investigated. The observation of fluorescence microscopy showed that chromatin had similar property to DNA for selective adsorption of EtBr. The results of batch adsorption showed that the removal efficiency of EtBr by chromatin exceeded 99% at pH 7.4 and 30 °C for 3 min with the EtBr concentration of 2 mg L−1 and the chromatin dosage of 0.5 g L−1, and the maximum adsorption amount of chromatin was 45.73 mg g−1. Further, the analysis of kinetic and isotherm suggested that the adsorption followed Pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir isotherm model, and the calculated maximum theoretical adsorption amount of chromatin to EtBr was 48.08 mg g−1. According to thermodynamic analysis, chromatin adsorption of EtBr was a spontaneous process dominated by hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces. This work will not only offer an adsorbent for EtBr decontamination, also provide a possibility for EtBr analogs removal. The inexpensive bio-adsorbent was prepared from common carp testis by-production. The bio-adsorbent was applied in EtBr decontamination. The maximum adsorption amount of EtBr by chromatin was up to 45.73 mg g−1, while the maximum adsorption amount of EtBr by activated carbon was only 0.46 mg g−1. The adsorption of EtBr by chromatin followed Pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir isotherm model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Green Processing of Sugar Resources, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Donghuan Road 268, Liuzhou, 545006, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Junsheng Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Green Processing of Sugar Resources, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Donghuan Road 268, Liuzhou, 545006, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Guoxia Huang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Green Processing of Sugar Resources, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Donghuan Road 268, Liuzhou, 545006, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Liujuan Yan
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Green Processing of Sugar Resources, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Donghuan Road 268, Liuzhou, 545006, Guangxi, PR China
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15
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Bugnot AB, Gribben PE, O'Connor WA, Erickson K, Coleman RA, Dafforn KA. Below‐ground ecosystem engineers enhance biodiversity and function in a polluted ecosystem. J Appl Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.14221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ana B. Bugnot
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences The University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science Mosman NSW Australia
| | - Paul E. Gribben
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science Mosman NSW Australia
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences University of New South Wales Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Wayne A. O'Connor
- Port Stephens Fisheries Institute NSW Department of Primary Industries NSW Australia
| | - Katherine Erickson
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences University of New South Wales Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Ross A. Coleman
- Sydney School of Architecture Design and Planning, The University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Katherine A. Dafforn
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science Mosman NSW Australia
- School of Natural Sciences Macquarie University North Ryde NSW Australia
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16
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Resilience of the Romanian Independent Cultural Sector under COVID-19 Pandemic Using the Grounded Theory. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14084564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
In the event of any crisis, such as, in this case, the COVID-19 pandemic, new challenges arise, ranging from social and environmental phenomena to economic issues. One of the most affected economic sectors was the cultural one, especially independent artists, whose financial stability is usually inconsistent. The aim of this article was to test the immediate reactions of the cultural sector, both public and private, to the pandemic shock and, implicitly, to the restrictions imposed during the state of emergency in Romania (27 February–14 May 2020). By using grounded theory, 36 public documents of cultural stakeholders were coded and analyzed. All documents were identified in the Romanian online environment during the state of emergency. Based on the identified interrelationships, it was found that the independent contractors, self-employed workers in the creative-cultural sector, whether or not associated with NGOs or employees of public institutions, need financial and community support. However, the resilience of the cultural sector is conditioned by the creation of new multi-level policies for crisis management.
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17
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Kumar M, Kuroda K, Barcelo D, Furumai H. Monsoon dilutes the concurrence but increases the correlation of viruses and Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) in the urban waters of Guwahati, India: The context of pandemic viruses. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 813:152282. [PMID: 34902398 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152282] [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: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Concurrence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), pathogenic viruses, metals and microbial pollution along with their seasonal variations in the water environment are overarching in the context of existing pandemic, especially for tropical countries. The present study focuses on the seasonal influence on the vulnerability of urban water in Guwahati, the largest city in North-eastern India, through examining the concurrence of seven PPCPs, five viruses, faecal bacteria and nine metals in surface waters during monsoon (Summer-July 2017) and pre-monsoon (Winter-March 2018). Surface water sampling was carried out at different locations of the Brahmaputra River, its tributary Bharalu River (an unlined urban drain), and Dipor Bill Lake (Ramsar-recognized wetland). Both PPCPs and viruses were at high concentrations (e.g. up to 970 ng L-1 caffeine, 2.5 × 103 copies mL-1 pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV)) at the confluence points of urban drains and the river, while they were mostly undetectable at both upstream and downstream locations, implying strong self-purification ability of the river. All the analysed PPCPs and viruses were at much higher concentrations during pre-monsoon i.e., winter than during monsoon, implying heavy dilution and temperature effect during the monsoon. Overall, PPCPs and viruses were more correlated in monsoon but the risk quotient in the urban tributary was higher in pre-monsoon (e.g. 5061 in pre-monsoon and 1515 in monsoon for caffeine). PMMoV was found to be an excellent faecal pollution indicator due to its prevalence, detectability and specificity in all seasons. Overall, the seasonal fluctuations of the non-enveloped viruses monitored in this study is likely to be relevant for SARS-CoV-2. We contribute to address the literature scarcity pertaining to seasonal variations in the prevalence of viruses and their concurrences with contaminants of emerging concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Kumar
- Sustainability Cluster, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248007, India.
| | - Keisuke Kuroda
- Department of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Toyama Prefectural University, Imizu 939-0398, Japan
| | - Damia Barcelo
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (OCRA-CERCA), Carrer Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain; Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain; Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Hiroaki Furumai
- Research Center for Water Environment Technology, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
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18
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Bernard K, Davis A, Simpson IM, Hale VL, Lee J, Winston RJ. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in urban stormwater: An environmental reservoir and potential interface between human and animal sources. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 807:151046. [PMID: 34673059 PMCID: PMC8522674 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
While wastewater has been found to harbor SARS-CoV-2, the persistence of SARSCoV-2 in stormwater and potential transmission is poorly understood. It is plausible that the virus is detectable in stormwater samples where human-originated fecal contamination may have occurred from sources like sanitary sewer overflows, leaky wastewater pipes, and non-human animal waste. Because of these potential contamination pathways, it is possible that stormwater could serve as an environmental reservoir and transmission pathway for SARS-CoV-2. The objectives of this study are: 1) determine whether the presence of SARS-CoV-2 could be detected in stormwater via RT-ddPCR (reverse transcription-digital droplet PCR); 2) quantify human-specific fecal contamination using microbial source tracking; and 3) examine whether rainfall characteristics influence virus concentrations. To accomplish these objectives, we investigated whether SARS-CoV-2 could be detected from 10 storm sewer outfalls each draining a single, dominant land use in Columbus, Xenia, and Springboro, Ohio. Of the 25 samples collected in 2020, at minimum one SARS-CoV-2 target gene (N2 [US-CDC and CN-CDC], and E) was detected in 22 samples (88%). A single significant correlation (p = 0.001), between antecedent dry period and the USCDC N2 gene, was found between target gene concentrations and rainfall characteristics. Grouped by city, two significant relationships emerged showing cities had different levels of the SARS-CoV-2 E gene. Given the differences in scale, the county-level COVID-19 confirmed cases COVID-19 rates were not significantly correlated with stormwater outfall-scale SARS-CoV-2 gene concentrations. Countywide COVID-19 data did not accurately portray neighborhood-scale confirmed COVID-19 case rates. Potential hazards may arise when human fecal contamination is present in stormwater and facilitates future investigation on the threat of viral outbreaks via surfaces waters where fecal contamination may have occurred. Future studies should investigate whether humans are able to contract SARS-CoV-2 from surface waters and the factors that may affect viral longevity and transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay Bernard
- Department of Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering, The Ohio State University, 590 Woody Hayes Dr., Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Angela Davis
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, 1841 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ian M Simpson
- Department of Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering, The Ohio State University, 590 Woody Hayes Dr., Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Vanessa L Hale
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, 1920 Coffey Rd, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jiyoung Lee
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, 1841 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Food Science and Technology, The Ohio State University, 2021 Fyffe Rd, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ryan J Winston
- Department of Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering, The Ohio State University, 590 Woody Hayes Dr., Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geodetic Engineering, The Ohio State University, 2070 Neil Ave., Columbus, OH, USA
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19
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Owolabi TA, Mohandes SR, Zayed T. Investigating the impact of sewer overflow on the environment: A comprehensive literature review paper. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 301:113810. [PMID: 34731959 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Sewer networks play a pivotal role in our everyday lives by transporting the stormwater and urban sewage away from the urban areas. In this regard, Sewer Overflow (SO) has been considered as a detrimental threat to our environment and health, which results from the wastewater discharge into the environment. In order to grapple with such deleterious phenomenon, numerous studies have been conducted; however, there has not been any review paper that provides the researchers undertaking research in this area with the following inclusive picture: (1) detailed-scientometric analysis of the research undertaken hitherto, (2) the types of methodologies used in the previous studies, (3) the aspects of environment impacted by the SO occurrence, and (4) the gaps existing in the relative literature together with the potential future works to be undertaken. Based on the comprehensive review undertaken, it is observed that simulation and artificial intelligence-based methods have been the most popular approaches. In addition, it has come to the attention that the detrimental impacts associated with the SO are fourfold as follows: air, quality of water, soil, and business and structure. Among these, the majority of the studies' focus have been tilted towards the impact of SO on the quality of ground water. The outcomes of this state-of-the-art review provides the researchers and environmental engineers with inclusive hindsight in dealing with such serious issue, which in turn, this culminates in a significant improvement in our environment as well as humans' well-beings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Titilayo Abimbola Owolabi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
| | - Saeed Reza Mohandes
- Department of Building and Real Estate (BRE), Faculty of Construction and Environment (FCE), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
| | - Tarek Zayed
- Department of Building and Real Estate (BRE), Faculty of Construction and Environment (FCE), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
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20
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Sojobi AO, Zayed T. Impact of sewer overflow on public health: A comprehensive scientometric analysis and systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 203:111609. [PMID: 34216613 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Sewer overflow (SO), which has attracted global attention, poses serious threat to public health and ecosystem. SO impacts public health via consumption of contaminated drinking water, aerosolization of pathogens, food-chain transmission, and direct contact with fecally-polluted rivers and beach sediments during recreation. However, no study has attempted to map the linkage between SO and public health including Covid-19 using scientometric analysis and systematic review of literature. Results showed that only few countries were actively involved in SO research in relation to public health. Furthermore, there are renewed calls to scale up environmental surveillance to safeguard public health. To safeguard public health, it is important for public health authorities to optimize water and wastewater treatment plants and improve building ventilation and plumbing systems to minimize pathogen transmission within buildings and transportation systems. In addition, health authorities should formulate appropriate policies that can enhance environmental surveillance and facilitate real-time monitoring of sewer overflow. Increased public awareness on strict personal hygiene and point-of-use-water-treatment such as boiling drinking water will go a long way to safeguard public health. Ecotoxicological studies and health risk assessment of exposure to pathogens via different transmission routes is also required to appropriately inform the use of lockdowns, minimize their socio-economic impact and guide evidence-based welfare/social policy interventions. Soft infrastructures, optimized sewer maintenance and prescreening of sewer overflow are recommended to reduce stormwater burden on wastewater treatment plant, curtail pathogen transmission and marine plastic pollution. Comprehensive, integrated surveillance and global collaborative efforts are important to curtail on-going Covid-19 pandemic and improve resilience against future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tarek Zayed
- Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
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21
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Yasar SA, Mills TJT, Uluturk ZI, Ruszczyk JMS, LeBard RJ, Neilan BA. Quantitative detection of human- and canine-associated Bacteroides genetic markers from an urban coastal lagoon. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2021; 84:1732-1744. [PMID: 34662309 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2021.341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The contamination of water catchments by nonpoint source faecal pollution is a major issue affecting the microbial quality of receiving waters and is associated with the occurrence of a range of enteric illnesses in humans. The potential sources of faecal pollution in surface waters are diverse, including urban sewage leaks, surface runoff and wildlife contamination originating from a range of hosts. The major contributing hosts require identification to allow targeted management of this public health concern. In this study, two high-performing Microbial Source Tracking (MST) assays, HF183/Bac242 and BacCan-UCDmodif, were used for their ability to detect host-specific Bacteroides 16Sr RNA markers for faecal pollution in a 12-month study on an urban coastal lagoon in Sydney, Australia. The lagoon was found to contain year-round high numbers of human and canine faecal markers, as well as faecal indicator bacteria counts, suggesting considerable human and animal faecal pollution. The high sensitivity and specificity of the HF183/Bac242 and BacCan-UCDmodif assays, together with the manageable levels of PCR inhibition and high level DNA extraction efficiency obtained from lagoon water samples make these markers candidates for inclusion in an MST 'toolbox' for investigating host origins of faecal pollution in urban surface waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serhat A Yasar
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Toby J T Mills
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia E-mail:
| | - Zehra I Uluturk
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Rebecca J LeBard
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Brett A Neilan
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia E-mail:
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22
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Sala-Comorera L, Reynolds LJ, Martin NA, Pascual-Benito M, Stephens JH, Nolan TM, Gitto A, O'Hare GMP, O'Sullivan JJ, García-Aljaro C, Meijer WG. crAssphage as a human molecular marker to evaluate temporal and spatial variability in faecal contamination of urban marine bathing waters. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 789:147828. [PMID: 34052479 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147828] [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: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Bathing water quality may be negatively impacted by diffuse pollution arising from urban and agricultural activities and wildlife, it is therefore important to be able to differentiate between biological and geographical sources of faecal pollution. crAssphage was recently described as a novel human-associated microbial source tracking marker. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the crAssphage marker in designated bathing waters. The sensitivity and specificity of the crAss_2 marker was evaluated using faecal samples from herring gulls, dogs, sewage and a stream impacted by human pollution (n = 80), which showed that all human impacted samples tested positive for the marker while none of the animal samples did. The crAss_2 marker was field tested in an urban marine bathing water close to the discharge point of human impacted streams. In addition, the bathing water is affected by dog and gull fouling. Analysis of water samples taken at the compliance point every 30 min during a tidal cycle following a rain event showed that the crAss_2 and HF183 markers performed equally well (Spearman correlation ρ = 0.84). The levels of these marker and faecal indicators (Escherichia coli, intestinal enterococci, somatic coliphages) varied by up to 2.5 log10 during the day. Analysis of a high-tide transect perpendicular to the shoreline revealed high levels of localised faecal contamination 1 km offshore, with a concomitant spike in the gull marker. In contrast, both the crAss_2 and HF183 markers remained at a constant level, showing that human faecal contamination is homogenously distributed, while gull pollution is localised. Performance of the crAss_2 and HF183 assay was further evaluated in bimonthly compliance point samples over an 18-month period. The co-occurrence between the crAss_2 and HF183 markers in compliance sampling was 76%. A combination of both markers should be applied in low pollution impacted environments to obtain a high confidence level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Sala-Comorera
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Earth Institute, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Liam J Reynolds
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Earth Institute, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Niamh A Martin
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Earth Institute, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Míriam Pascual-Benito
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jayne H Stephens
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Earth Institute, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tristan M Nolan
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Earth Institute, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aurora Gitto
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Earth Institute, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gregory M P O'Hare
- UCD School of Computer Science and UCD Earth Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - John J O'Sullivan
- UCD School of Civil Engineering, UCD Dooge Centre for Water Resources Research, UCD Earth Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Cristina García-Aljaro
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Wim G Meijer
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Earth Institute, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Ireland.
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23
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Gyawali P, Devane M, Scholes P, Hewitt J. Application of crAssphage, F-RNA phage and pepper mild mottle virus as indicators of human faecal and norovirus contamination in shellfish. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 783:146848. [PMID: 33865125 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Shellfish growing waters contaminated with inadequately treated human wastewater is a major source of norovirus in shellfish and poses a significant human health risk to consumers. Microbial source tracking (MST) markers have been widely used to identify the source (s) of faecal contamination in water but data are limited on their use for shellfish safety. This study evaluated the source specificity, sensitivity, occurrence and concentration of three viral MST markers i.e. cross-assembly phage (crAssphage), F-specific RNA bacteriophage genogroup II (F-RNA phage GII) and pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) using animal faeces (n = 119; 16 animal groups), influent wastewater (n = 12), effluent wastewater (n = 16) and shellfish (n = 33). CrAssphage, F-RNA phage GII and PMMoV had source specific values of 0.97, 0.99 and 0.91, respectively. The sensitivity of MST markers was confirmed by their 100% detection frequency in influent wastewaters. The frequency of detection in effluent wastewater ranged from 81.3% (F-RNA phage GII) to 100% (PMMoV). Concentration of F-RNA phage GII was one log10 (influent wastewater) and 2-3 log10 (effluent wastewater) lower than crAssphage and PMMoV, respectively. Despite lower prevalence of F-RNA phage GII in oysters and mussels compared to crAssphage and PMMoV, concentrations of the three MST markers were similar in mussels. As an indicator of norovirus contamination in shellfish, crAssphage and PMMoV had greater predictive sensitivity (100%; [95% CI; 81.5%-100%)]) and F-RNA phage GII had greater predictive specificity (93.3%; [95% CI; 68.1%-99.8%]). In contrast, crAssphage and F-RNA phage GII have similar accuracy for predicting norovirus in shellfish, however, PMMoV significantly overestimated its presence. Therefore, a combination of crAssphage and F-RNA phage GII analysis of shellfish could provide a robust estimation of the presence of human faecal and norovirus contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradip Gyawali
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd (ESR), Porirua 5240, New Zealand.
| | - Megan Devane
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd (ESR), Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
| | - Paula Scholes
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd (ESR), Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
| | - Joanne Hewitt
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd (ESR), Porirua 5240, New Zealand.
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24
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Mohan Viswanathan P, Sabarathinam C, Karuppannan S, Gopalakrishnan G. Determination of vulnerable regions of SARS-CoV-2 in Malaysia using meteorology and air quality data. ENVIRONMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY 2021; 24:8856-8882. [PMID: 34393622 PMCID: PMC8354098 DOI: 10.1007/s10668-021-01719-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED This study aims to explore the state-wise assessment of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic spread in Malaysia with focus on influence of meteorological parameters and air quality. In this study, state-wise COVID-19 data, meteorological parameters and air quality index (AQI) were collected from March 13 to April 30, 2020, which encompass three movement control order (MCO) periods in the country. Overall, total infected cases were observed to be higher in MCO phase 1 and 2 and significantly reduced in MCO phase 3. Due to the variation in the spatial interval of population density and individual immunity, the relationship of these parameters to pandemic spread could not be achieved. The study infers that temperature (T) between 23 and 25 °C and relative humidity (RH) (70-80%) triggered the pandemic spread by increase in the infected cases in northern and central Peninsular Malaysia. Selangor, WP Kuala Lumpur and WP Putrajaya show significantly high infected cases and a definite trend was not observed with respect to a particular meteorological factor. It is identified that high precipitation (PPT), RH and good air quality have reduced the spread in East Malaysia. A negative correlation of T and AQI and positive correlation of RH with total infected cases were found during MCO phase 3. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that T, RH, PPT, dew point (DP) and AQI are the main controlling factors for the spread across the country apart from social distancing. Vulnerability zones were identified based on the spatial analysis of T, RH, PPT and AQI with reference to total infected cases. Based on time series analysis, it was determined that higher RH and T in Peninsular Malaysia and high amount of PPT, RH and good air quality in East Malaysia have controlled the spreading during MCO phase 3. The predominance of D614 mutant was observed prior to March and decreases at the end of March, coinciding with the fluctuation of meteorological factors and air quality. The outcome of this study gives a general awareness to the public on COVID-19 and the influence of meteorological factors. It will also help the policymakers to enhance the management plans against the pandemic spreading apart from social distancing in the next wave of COVID-19. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10668-021-01719-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasanna Mohan Viswanathan
- Department of Applied Geology, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Curtin University, Malaysia, CDT 250, 98009 Miri, Sarawak Malaysia
| | - Chidambaram Sabarathinam
- Water Research Centre, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, P.O. Box 24885, 13109 Safat, Kuwait
| | - Shankar Karuppannan
- Department of Applied Geology, School of Applied Natural Science, Adama Science and Technology University, Adama, Ethiopia
| | - Gnanachandrasamy Gopalakrishnan
- School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275 People’s Republic of China
- Center for Earth, Environment and Resources, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275 People’s Republic of China
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25
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Sala-Comorera L, Nolan TM, Reynolds LJ, Venkatesh A, Cheung L, Martin NA, Stephens JH, Gitto A, O'Hare GMP, O'Sullivan JJ, Meijer WG. Bacterial and Bacteriophage Antibiotic Resistance in Marine Bathing Waters in Relation to Rivers and Urban Streams. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:718234. [PMID: 34381437 PMCID: PMC8350879 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.718234] [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: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Fecal pollution of surface water may introduce bacteria and bacteriophages harboring antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) into the aquatic environment. Watercourses discharging into the marine environment, especially close to designated bathing waters, may expose recreational users to fecal pollution and therefore may increase the likelihood that they will be exposed to ARGs. This study compares the bacterial and bacteriophage ARG profiles of two rivers (River Tolka and Liffey) and two small urban streams (Elm Park and Trimleston Streams) that discharge close to two marine bathing waters in Dublin Bay. Despite the potential differences in pollution pressures experienced by these waterways, microbial source tracking analysis showed that the main source of pollution in both rivers and streams in the urban environment is human contamination. All ARGs included in this study, blaTEM, blaSHV, qnrS, and sul1, were present in all four waterways in both the bacterial and bacteriophage fractions, displaying a similar ARG profile. We show that nearshore marine bathing waters are strongly influenced by urban rivers and streams discharging into these, since they shared a similar ARG profile. In comparison to rivers and streams, the levels of bacterial ARGs were significantly reduced in the marine environment. In contrast, the bacteriophage ARG levels in freshwater and the marine were not significantly different. Nearshore marine bathing waters could therefore be a potential reservoir of bacteriophages carrying ARGs. In addition to being considered potential additional fecal indicators organism, bacteriophages may also be viewed as indicators of the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Sala-Comorera
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Earth Institute, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tristan M Nolan
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Earth Institute, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Liam J Reynolds
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Earth Institute, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anjan Venkatesh
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Earth Institute, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lily Cheung
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Earth Institute, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Niamh A Martin
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Earth Institute, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jayne H Stephens
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Earth Institute, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aurora Gitto
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Earth Institute, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gregory M P O'Hare
- UCD School of Computer Science, UCD Earth Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John J O'Sullivan
- UCD School of Civil Engineering, UCD Dooge Centre for Water Resources Research, UCD Earth Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Wim G Meijer
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Earth Institute, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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26
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Cadamuro RD, Viancelli A, Michelon W, Fonseca TG, Mass AP, Krohn DMA, Peter NRW, Fongaro G. Enteric viruses in lentic and lotic freshwater habitats from Brazil's Midwest and South regions in the Guarani Aquifer area. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:31653-31658. [PMID: 33609241 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13029-y] [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: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The present study reports the monitoring of viruses indicating fecal contamination in two distinct regions affected by poor management of wastewater located above the Guarani Aquifer, which is one of the biggest freshwater reservoirs in the world. In the city of Três Lagoas (located in the Midwest region, in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul), water samples were collected from Lagoa Maior, a lake used for recreation, and in Concórdia (located in the South region, in the state of Santa Catarina), from the Queimados River, which crosses the urban area. Four sampling sites were monitored from March to July 2018 in Lagoa Maior, and four sampling sites were monitored along the urban part of the Queimados River area over two periods (rainy and dry). Water samples were analyzed by concentration of Human adenovirus (HAdV), Norovirus (NoV), Rotavirus A (RAV), and Hepatitis A virus (HAV) for the Lagoa Maior samples and RVA, HAV, and Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) for the Queimados River samples. All sampling sites presented enteric viruses, demonstrating fecal input and potential contamination of groundwater. Results highlight the need for wastewater management to improve environmental health quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Dorighello Cadamuro
- Laboratory of Applied Virology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, João Pio Duarte Silva, 241, Córrego Grande, Florianópolis, SC, 88037-000, Brazil
| | - Aline Viancelli
- Universidade do Contestado, PMPECSA-UnC, Victor Sopelsa, 3000, Salete, Concórdia, SC, 89711-330, Brazil
| | - William Michelon
- Universidade do Contestado, PMPECSA-UnC, Victor Sopelsa, 3000, Salete, Concórdia, SC, 89711-330, Brazil
| | - Tauani Gabriela Fonseca
- Universidade do Contestado, PMPECSA-UnC, Victor Sopelsa, 3000, Salete, Concórdia, SC, 89711-330, Brazil
| | - Apolline Parise Mass
- Universidade do Contestado, PMPECSA-UnC, Victor Sopelsa, 3000, Salete, Concórdia, SC, 89711-330, Brazil
| | | | - Nivia Rosana Weber Peter
- Universidade do Contestado, PMPECSA-UnC, Victor Sopelsa, 3000, Salete, Concórdia, SC, 89711-330, Brazil
| | - Gislaine Fongaro
- Laboratory of Applied Virology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, João Pio Duarte Silva, 241, Córrego Grande, Florianópolis, SC, 88037-000, Brazil.
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27
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Codello A, McLellan SL, Steinberg P, Potts J, Scanes P, Ferguson A, Hose GC, Griffith M, Roguet A, Lydon KA, Maher WA, Krikowa F, Chariton A. A weight-of-evidence approach for identifying potential sources of untreated sewage inputs into a complex urbanized catchment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 275:116575. [PMID: 33582627 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116575] [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: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The Hawkesbury-Nepean River (HNR) is the largest catchment in the Sydney region and is undergoing unprecedented population growth. The HNR system receives a mix of anthropogenic inputs such as treated sewage, stormwater and agricultural runoff. Combined, these can diminish the ecological system health and pose potential concerns to human health. Of particular concern are inputs of untreated sewage, that can occur due to a range of different reasons including illegal point source discharges, failure of the sewerage network, and overloading of wastewater treatment plants during storm events. Here, we present findings of an intensive assessment across the HNR catchment where we used a weight-of-evidence (WOE) approach to identify untreated sewage contamination in surface waters against the background of treated effluent and diffuse inputs during post high flow conditions. Total nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations were used to assess treated effluent and diffuse inputs, and microbial analysis, including both culture-based traditional methods for E. coli and enterococci and qPCR analysis of Bacteroides and Lachnospiraceae, were used to assess raw sewage contamination. Despite a background of diffuse inputs from recent high flow events and the influence of treated wastewater, we found no gradient of faecal contamination along the HNR system or its tributaries. We observed two sites with evidence of untreated sewage contamination, where the human markers Bacteroides and Lachnospiraceae qPCR copy numbers were high. The biological and chemical approaches suggested these latter two hotspots originate from an industrial runoff source and possibly from a dry weather sewage leak. Our findings demonstrate the potential of a WOE approach in the assessment of human faecal signal in an urban river that can also pinpoint small sources of contamination as a strategy that can reshape the way monitoring is performed and the chemical end-points chosen to provide pertinent information on the potential risks to aquatic system health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annachiara Codello
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, 2113, Australia.
| | - Sandra L McLellan
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Peter Steinberg
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, 19 Chowder Bay Rd, Mosman, NSW, 2088, Australia; School of BEES, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, 20152, Australia
| | - Jaimie Potts
- NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, EES Laboratories, 480 Weeroona Road, Lidcombe, NSW, 2141, Australia
| | - Peter Scanes
- NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, EES Laboratories, 480 Weeroona Road, Lidcombe, NSW, 2141, Australia
| | - Angus Ferguson
- NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, EES Laboratories, 480 Weeroona Road, Lidcombe, NSW, 2141, Australia
| | - Grant C Hose
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, 2113, Australia
| | | | - Adelaide Roguet
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Keri A Lydon
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - William A Maher
- Research School of Earth Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia, 2601
| | - Frank Krikowa
- Research School of Earth Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia, 2601
| | - Anthony Chariton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, 2113, Australia
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28
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Vicente VA, Lustosa BPR, Grisolia ME, Pavini Beato C, Balsanelli E, de Souza Gubert Fruet V, Bordignon Nogueira M, Raboni SM, Carvalho KAT, Flôr IC, Ferreira Voidaleski M, Etchepare RG, Meis JF, Soccol VT, Souza EM. Environmental Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Virus RNA in Health Facilities in Brazil and a Systematic Review on Contamination Sources. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:3824. [PMID: 33917465 PMCID: PMC8038740 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 environmental monitoring can track the rate of viral contamination and can be used to establish preventive measures. This study aimed to detect by RT-PCR the presence of SARS-CoV-2 from inert surface samples in public health settings with a literature review about surface contamination and its burden on spread virus. Samples were collected from health settings in Curitiba, Brazil, between July and December 2020. A literature review was conducted using PRISMA. A total of 711 environmental surface samples were collected from outpatient areas, dental units, doctors' offices, COVID-19 evaluation areas, and hospital units, of which 35 (4.9%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The frequency of environmental contamination was higher in primary care units than in hospital settings. The virus was detected on doctors' personal items. Remarkably, the previously disinfected dental chair samples tested positive. These findings agree with those of other studies in which SARS-CoV-2 was found on inanimate surfaces. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on surfaces in public health settings, including those not meant to treat COVID-19, indicates widespread environmental contamination. Therefore, the intensification of disinfection measures for external hospital areas may be important for controlling community COVID-19 dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vania Aparecida Vicente
- Engineering Bioprocess and Biotechnology Graduate Program, Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81530-000, Brazil; (B.P.R.L.); (M.E.G.); (J.F.M.); (V.T.S.)
- Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology Graduate Program, Department of Basic Pathology, Microbiology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81530-000, Brazil; (I.C.F.); (M.F.V.)
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81530-000, Brazil;
| | - Bruno Paulo Rodrigues Lustosa
- Engineering Bioprocess and Biotechnology Graduate Program, Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81530-000, Brazil; (B.P.R.L.); (M.E.G.); (J.F.M.); (V.T.S.)
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81530-000, Brazil;
| | - Maria Eduarda Grisolia
- Engineering Bioprocess and Biotechnology Graduate Program, Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81530-000, Brazil; (B.P.R.L.); (M.E.G.); (J.F.M.); (V.T.S.)
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81530-000, Brazil;
| | - Caroline Pavini Beato
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81530-000, Brazil;
| | - Eduardo Balsanelli
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81530-000, Brazil;
| | | | - Meri Bordignon Nogueira
- Virology Laboratory, Clinical Hospital, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 80060-900, Brazil; (M.B.N.); (S.M.R.)
| | - Sonia Maria Raboni
- Virology Laboratory, Clinical Hospital, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 80060-900, Brazil; (M.B.N.); (S.M.R.)
| | - Katherine Athayde Teixeira Carvalho
- The Pelé Pequeno Príncipe Institute, Child and Adolescent Health Research & Pequeno Príncipe Faculties and Pequeno Príncipe Hospital, Curitiba 802450-0260, Brazil;
| | - Izadora Cervelin Flôr
- Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology Graduate Program, Department of Basic Pathology, Microbiology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81530-000, Brazil; (I.C.F.); (M.F.V.)
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81530-000, Brazil;
| | - Morgana Ferreira Voidaleski
- Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology Graduate Program, Department of Basic Pathology, Microbiology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81530-000, Brazil; (I.C.F.); (M.F.V.)
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81530-000, Brazil;
| | - Ramiro Gonçalves Etchepare
- Technology Sector, Department of Hydraulics and Sanitation, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81530-000, Brazil;
| | - Jacques F. Meis
- Engineering Bioprocess and Biotechnology Graduate Program, Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81530-000, Brazil; (B.P.R.L.); (M.E.G.); (J.F.M.); (V.T.S.)
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, 6525GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Vanete Thomaz Soccol
- Engineering Bioprocess and Biotechnology Graduate Program, Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81530-000, Brazil; (B.P.R.L.); (M.E.G.); (J.F.M.); (V.T.S.)
| | - Emanuel Maltempi Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81530-000, Brazil;
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Upfold NS, Luke GA, Knox C. Occurrence of Human Enteric Viruses in Water Sources and Shellfish: A Focus on Africa. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2021; 13:1-31. [PMID: 33501612 PMCID: PMC7837882 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-020-09456-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Enteric viruses are a diverse group of human pathogens which are primarily transmitted by the faecal-oral route and are a major cause of non-bacterial diarrhoeal disease in both developed and developing countries. Because they are shed in high numbers by infected individuals and can persist for a long time in the environment, they pose a serious threat to human health globally. Enteric viruses end up in the environment mainly through discharge or leakage of raw or inadequately treated sewage into water sources such as springs, rivers, dams, or marine estuaries. Human exposure then follows when contaminated water is used for drinking, cooking, or recreation and, importantly, when filter-feeding bivalve shellfish are consumed. The human health hazard posed by enteric viruses is particularly serious in Africa where rapid urbanisation in a relatively short period of time has led to the expansion of informal settlements with poor sanitation and failing or non-existent wastewater treatment infrastructure, and where rural communities with limited or no access to municipal water are dependent on nearby open water sources for their subsistence. The role of sewage-contaminated water and bivalve shellfish as vehicles for transmission of enteric viruses is well documented but, to our knowledge, has not been comprehensively reviewed in the African context. Here we provide an overview of enteric viruses and then review the growing body of research where these viruses have been detected in association with sewage-contaminated water or food in several African countries. These studies highlight the need for more research into the prevalence, molecular epidemiology and circulation of these viruses in Africa, as well as for development and application of innovative wastewater treatment approaches to reduce environmental pollution and its impact on human health on the continent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole S Upfold
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa
| | - Garry A Luke
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, School of Biology, Biomolecular Sciences Building, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Scotland, KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Caroline Knox
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa.
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Sangkaew W, Kongprajug A, Chyerochana N, Ahmed W, Rattanakul S, Denpetkul T, Mongkolsuk S, Sirikanchana K. Performance of viral and bacterial genetic markers for sewage pollution tracking in tropical Thailand. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 190:116706. [PMID: 33310444 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Identifying sewage contamination via microbial source tracking (MST) marker genes has proven useful for effective water quality management worldwide; however, performance evaluations for these marker genes in tropical areas are limited. Therefore, this research evaluated four human-associated MST marker genes (human polyomaviruses (JC and BK viruses [HPyVs]), bacteriophage crAssphage (CPQ_056), Lachnospiraceae Lachno3, and Bacteroides BacV6-21) for tracking sewage pollution in aquatic environments of Thailand. The viral marker genes, HPyV and crAssphage were highly sensitive and specific to sewage from onsite wastewater treatment plants (OWTPs; n = 19), with no cross-detection in 120 composite swine, cattle, chicken, duck, goat, sheep, and buffalo fecal samples. The bacterial marker genes, Lachno3 and BacV6-21, demonstrated high sensitivity but moderate specificity; however, using both markers could improve specificity to >0.80 (max value of 1.00). The most abundant markers in OWTP samples were Lachno3 and BacV6-21 (5.42-8.02 and nondetect-8.05 log10 copies/100 mL), crAssphage (5.28-7.38 log10 copies/100 mL), and HPyVs (3.66-6.53 log10 copies/100 mL), respectively. Due to their increased specificity, the abundance of viral markers were further investigated in environmental waters, in which HPyVs showed greater levels (up to 4.33 log10 copies/100 mL) and greater detection rates (92.7%) in two coastal beaches (n = 41) than crAssphage (up to 3.51 log10 copies/100 mL and 56.1%). HPyVs were also found at slightly lower levels (up to 5.10 log10 copies/100 mL), but at higher detection rates (92.6%), in a freshwater canal (n = 27) than crAssphage (up to 5.21 log10 copies/100 mL and 88.9%). HPyVs and crAssphage marker genes were identified as highly sensitive and specific for tracking sewage pollution in aquatic environments of Thailand. This study underlines the importance of characterizing and validating MST markers in host groups and environmental waters before including them in a water quality management toolbox.
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Affiliation(s)
- Watsawan Sangkaew
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, 54 Kampangpetch 6 Road, Laksi, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand
| | - Akechai Kongprajug
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, 54 Kampangpetch 6 Road, Laksi, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand
| | - Natcha Chyerochana
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, 54 Kampangpetch 6 Road, Laksi, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand
| | - Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Qld 4102, Australia
| | - Surapong Rattanakul
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, 126 Pracha Uthit Rd., Bang Mod, Thung Khru, Bangkok 10140, Thailand
| | - Thammanitchpol Denpetkul
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchawithi Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Skorn Mongkolsuk
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, 54 Kampangpetch 6 Road, Laksi, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand; Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology, CHE, Ministry of Education, 272 Rama 6 Road, Ratchathevi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Kwanrawee Sirikanchana
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, 54 Kampangpetch 6 Road, Laksi, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand; Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology, CHE, Ministry of Education, 272 Rama 6 Road, Ratchathevi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
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Paruch L, Paruch AM. Cross-tracking of faecal pollution origins, macronutrients, pharmaceuticals and personal care products in rural and urban watercourses. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2021; 83:610-621. [PMID: 33600365 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2020.603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study describes microbial and chemical source tracking approaches for water pollution in rural and urban catchments. Culturable faecal indicator bacteria, represented by Escherichia coli, were quantified. Microbial source tracking (MST) using host-specific DNA markers was applied to identify the origins of faecal contamination. Chemical source tracking (CST) was conducted to determine contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) of human/anthropogenic origin, including pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). In addition, the eutrophication-causing macronutrients nitrogen and phosphorus were studied. MST tests revealed both anthropogenic and zoogenic faecal origins, with a dominance of human sources in the urban stream; non-human/environmental sources were prevalent in the rural creek. CST analyses revealed a higher number of CECs in the urban stream than in the rural watercourse. Positive correlations between PPCPs and both E. coli and the human DNA marker were uncovered in the urban stream, while in the rural creek, PPCPs were only highly correlated with the anthropogenic marker. Interestingly, macronutrients were strongly associated with primary faecal pollution origins in both watercourses. This correlation pattern determines the main pollutant contributors (anthropogenic or zoogenic) to eutrophication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Paruch
- Division of Environment and Natural Resources, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), Oluf Thesens vei 43, 1433 Ås, Norway E-mail:
| | - Adam M Paruch
- Division of Environment and Natural Resources, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), Oluf Thesens vei 43, 1433 Ås, Norway E-mail:
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Ahmed W, Toze S, Veal C, Fisher P, Zhang Q, Zhu Z, Staley C, Sadowsky MJ. Comparative decay of culturable faecal indicator bacteria, microbial source tracking marker genes, and enteric pathogens in laboratory microcosms that mimic a sub-tropical environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 751:141475. [PMID: 32890804 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Enteric pathogens can be present in drinking water catchments due to several point and non-point sources of faecal contamination. Pathogen and contaminant signatures will decay due to environmental stresses, such as temperature, Ultra Violet (UV) radiation, salinity, and predation. In this study, we determined the decay of the culturable faecal indicator bacterium (FIB) Escherichia coli (E. coli), two sewage-associated marker genes (Bacteroides HF183 and crAssphage CPQ_056), and enteric pathogens (Campylobacter spp., human adenovirus 40/41, and Cryptosporidium parvum) in two freshwater laboratory microcosms using culture-based, quantitative PCR (qPCR) and vital dye (determine the fraction of viable Cryptosporidium oocysts) assays. Freshwater samples from the Lake Wappa and Lake Wivenhoe (Australia) were seeded with untreated sewage and C. parvum oocysts, and their declining concentrations were measured over a 28-day period. Moreover, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing was also undertaken to determine the change/shift in sewage-associated bacterial communities using SourceTracker. Overall, culturable E. coli and the HF183 marker gene decayed significantly (p < 0.05) faster than did the qPCR measured enteric pathogens suggesting that the absence of culturable FIB or qPCR HF183 in water samples may not indicate the absence of pathogens. The decay of crAssphage was similar to that of HAdV 40/41 and other pathogens tested, suggesting crAssphage may be a better surrogate for enteric viruses in sub-tropical catchment waters. The decay rates were greater at 25 °C compared to 15 °C, suggesting that FIB and pathogens persist longer in the winter season compared to summer. Overall decay rates of the tested microorganisms in this microcosm study suggest that sub-tropical conditions, especially temperature, have a negative impact on the persistence of tested microorganisms. Sewage-associated bacterial communities also showed similar patterns. Based on the results, which showed differences in simulated summer and winter temperatures for pathogen decay, corresponding management options and treatment need to be adjusted accordingly to minimize human health risks effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, QLD, Australia.
| | - Simon Toze
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, QLD, Australia
| | - Cameron Veal
- Seqwater, 117 Brisbane Street, Ipswich, QLD, Australia
| | - Paul Fisher
- Seqwater, 117 Brisbane Street, Ipswich, QLD, Australia
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, and the BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Zhigang Zhu
- Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, MN 55455, USA
| | | | - Michael J Sadowsky
- Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, and the BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
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Wei ZL, Miao J, Yang ZW, Shi DY, Wu HY, Yang D, Yin J, Wang HR, Li HB, Chen ZS, Li JW, Jin M. Contamination sources of the enteric virus in recreational marine water shift in a seasonal pattern. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 743:140641. [PMID: 32653709 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140641] [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: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Human enteric virus occurrence in bathing beaches poses a potential health risk to swimmers. They may come from several sources, but the understanding of the seasonal contribution of contamination sources to virus occurrence is still lacking. Here, the surveillance of human enteric viruses at the First Bathing Beach in Qingdao was performed January-December 2018. The occurrence of Enteric viruses, assayed with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), was analyzed at temporal and spatial levels to determine the viral contamination sources. The results showed that only Astroviruses (AstVs) and Adenoviruses (HAdVs) were found in the swimming area. Their occurrence correlated significantly with the sewage-polluted area, but HAdVs were only found in autumn and AstVs in spring. Meanwhile, enteric viruses in the swimming area showed significantly higher levels than the surrounding area, particularly AstVs in summer with the swimmer crowd. All these data imply that sewage discharge and swimmers co-contribute to the viral occurrence in a seasonal pattern, with the former being more focused in warm seasons (spring and autumn) and the latter in hot seasons (summer). These results indicate that sewage discharge and crowd swimmers, as unsafe swimming conditions, should be avoided to improve public health at the bathing beaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Lin Wei
- Department of Environment and Health, Tianjin Institute of Environmental & Operational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment & Food Safety, No. 1 Dali Road, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Jing Miao
- Department of Environment and Health, Tianjin Institute of Environmental & Operational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment & Food Safety, No. 1 Dali Road, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Zhong-Wei Yang
- Department of Environment and Health, Tianjin Institute of Environmental & Operational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment & Food Safety, No. 1 Dali Road, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Dan-Yang Shi
- Department of Environment and Health, Tianjin Institute of Environmental & Operational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment & Food Safety, No. 1 Dali Road, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Hai-Yan Wu
- Department of Environment and Health, Tianjin Institute of Environmental & Operational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment & Food Safety, No. 1 Dali Road, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Dong Yang
- Department of Environment and Health, Tianjin Institute of Environmental & Operational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment & Food Safety, No. 1 Dali Road, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Jing Yin
- Department of Environment and Health, Tianjin Institute of Environmental & Operational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment & Food Safety, No. 1 Dali Road, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Hua-Ran Wang
- Department of Environment and Health, Tianjin Institute of Environmental & Operational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment & Food Safety, No. 1 Dali Road, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Hai-Bei Li
- Department of Environment and Health, Tianjin Institute of Environmental & Operational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment & Food Safety, No. 1 Dali Road, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Zheng-Shan Chen
- Department of Environment and Health, Tianjin Institute of Environmental & Operational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment & Food Safety, No. 1 Dali Road, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Jun-Wen Li
- Department of Environment and Health, Tianjin Institute of Environmental & Operational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment & Food Safety, No. 1 Dali Road, Tianjin 300050, China.
| | - Min Jin
- Department of Environment and Health, Tianjin Institute of Environmental & Operational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment & Food Safety, No. 1 Dali Road, Tianjin 300050, China.
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McKenzie T, Holloway C, Dulai H, Tucker JP, Sugimoto R, Nakajima T, Harada K, Santos IR. Submarine groundwater discharge: A previously undocumented source of contaminants of emerging concern to the coastal ocean (Sydney, Australia). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 160:111519. [PMID: 32781267 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111519] [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: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) is rarely considered as a pathway for contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). Here, we investigated SGD as a source of CECs in Sydney Harbour, Australia. CEC detection frequencies based on presence/absence of a specific compound were >90% for caffeine, carbamazepine, and dioxins, and overall ranged from 25 to 100% in five studied embayments. SGD rates estimated from radium isotopes explained >80% of observed CEC inventories for one or more compounds (caffeine, carbamazepine, dioxins, sulfamethoxazole, fluoroquinolones and ibuprofen) in four out of the five embayments. Radium-derived residence times imply mixing is also an important process for driving coastal inventories of these persistent chemicals. Two compounds (ibuprofen and dioxins) were in concentrations deemed a high risk to the ecosystem. Overall, we demonstrate that SGD can act as a vector for CECs negatively impacting coastal water quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan McKenzie
- Department of Earth Sciences, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, USA.
| | - Ceylena Holloway
- National Marine Science Centre, School of Environment, Science, and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Henrietta Dulai
- Department of Earth Sciences, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - James P Tucker
- National Marine Science Centre, School of Environment, Science, and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ryo Sugimoto
- Research Center for Marine Bioresources, Fukui Prefectural University, Fukui, Japan
| | - Toshimi Nakajima
- Research Center for Marine Bioresources, Fukui Prefectural University, Fukui, Japan
| | - Kana Harada
- Research Center for Marine Bioresources, Fukui Prefectural University, Fukui, Japan
| | - Isaac R Santos
- National Marine Science Centre, School of Environment, Science, and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Ahmed W, Payyappat S, Cassidy M, Harrison N, Besley C. Interlaboratory accuracy and precision among results of three sewage-associated marker genes in urban environmental estuarine waters and freshwater streams. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 741:140071. [PMID: 32887015 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The application of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) based microbial source tracking (MST) marker genes are increasingly being used to identify contaminating sources and inform management decisions. In this study, we assessed interlaboratory agreement on duplicate environmental water samples collected from estuarine and freshwater locations, by comparing results of qPCR based testing for Bacteroides HF183, crAssphage CPQ_056, and pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV). The overall agreements (co-detection and non-co-detection) between CSIRO Land and Water (CLW) laboratory and Sydney Water (SW) laboratory for the HF183, crAssphage CPQ_056 and PMMoV marker genes for duplicate water samples were 74, 75 and 74%, respectively. Cohene's kappa (k) revealed fair to moderate agreements and acceptable relative percent difference (RPD) values of <15% for duplicate samples. The pooled mean abundances of HF183, CPQ_056, and PMMoV in measurable samples at the CLW laboratory were 5.19 ± 0.93, 5.12 ± 0.82, and 4.42 ± 0.65 log10 copies/L, respectively. However, the pooled mean abundances were significantly lower at the SW laboratory, HF183 (4.58 ± 0.84 log10 copies/L), crAssphage CPQ_056 (4.20 ± 0.63 log10 copies/L), and PMMoV (3.89 ± 0.41 log10 copies/L). At individual sample level, most of the paired samples had <1 log10 difference. Significant positive Spearman rank correlations were obtained between two laboratories for the HF183 (Rs = 0.65; p < 0.05), CPQ_056 (Rs = 0.79; p < 0.05), and PMMoV (Rs = 0.54; p < 0.05) marker genes. Several factors such as standards, qPCR platforms, PCR inhibitors, nucleic acid extraction efficiency and low levels of targets in some samples may have contributed to the observed discrepancies. Results presented in this study highlight the importance of standardized protocol, laboratory equipment (such as digital PCR), sample processing strategies and appropriate quality controls that may need implementation to further improve accuracy and precision of results between laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Sudhi Payyappat
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
| | - Michele Cassidy
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
| | - Nathan Harrison
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
| | - Colin Besley
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
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Ahmed W, Payyappat S, Cassidy M, Harrison N, Marinoni O, Besley C. Prevalence and abundance of traditional and host-associated fecal indicators in urban estuarine sediments: Potential implications for estuarine water quality monitoring. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 184:116109. [PMID: 32818744 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the prevalence and abundance of sewage and animal fecal contamination of sediment at seven estuarine locations in Sydney, NSW, Australia. Sediment samples were tested for the occurrence of microbial targets including molecular marker genes of enterococci (ENT), Bacteroides HF183 (HF183), Methanobrevibacter smithii (nifH), human adenovirus (HAdV) and emerging sewage-associated marker genes crAssphage (CPQ_056) and Lachnospiraceae (Lachno3) and animal feces-associated marker genes, including avian feces-associated Helicobacter spp. (GFD), canine-feces associated Bacteroides (DogBact), cattle-feces associated (cowM2) and horse feces-associated Bacteroides (HoF597). Results from this study showed that urban estuarine sediment can act as a reservoir of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) and several microbial source tracking (MST) marker genes, including previously unreported Lachno3. The sewage-associated marker gene CPQ_056 was most prevalent, in 63.8% of sediment samples, while the avian associated marker gene GFD had the highest mean abundance. The GFD marker gene was highly abundant and widely detected in sediment samples from all seven locations compared to the other animal feces-associated marker genes. In all, 31 (44.9%) sediment samples were positive for at least two sewage-associated marker genes. However, the non-quantifiable detection of the HAdV marker gene did not always align with the detection of two or more sewage-associated marker genes. In addition, the most frequent wet weather overflow exposure occurred at locations that did not have a consistent pattern of detection of the sewage-associated marker genes, suggesting sediments may not be a suitable measure of recent sewage contamination. To assist water quality and public health managers better understand past microbial contamination of estuarine sediment, further studies seem justified to explore the role of decay of MST marker genes in sediment. Further work is also needed on the role of resuspension of MST marker genes from sediment during storm events to the water column as a source of contamination for both the GFD and sewage-associated marker genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD, 4102, Australia.
| | - Sudhi Payyappat
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW, 2150, Australia
| | - Michele Cassidy
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW, 2150, Australia
| | - Nathan Harrison
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW, 2150, Australia
| | - Oswald Marinoni
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Colin Besley
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW, 2150, Australia
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Farkas K, Walker DI, Adriaenssens EM, McDonald JE, Hillary LS, Malham SK, Jones DL. Viral indicators for tracking domestic wastewater contamination in the aquatic environment. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 181:115926. [PMID: 32417460 PMCID: PMC7211501 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.115926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Waterborne enteric viruses are an emerging cause of disease outbreaks and represent a major threat to global public health. Enteric viruses may originate from human wastewater and can undergo rapid transport through aquatic environments with minimal decay. Surveillance and source apportionment of enteric viruses in environmental waters is therefore essential for accurate risk management. However, individual monitoring of the >100 enteric viral strains that have been identified as aquatic contaminants is unfeasible. Instead, viral indicators are often used for quantitative assessments of wastewater contamination, viral decay and transport in water. An ideal indicator for tracking wastewater contamination should be (i) easy to detect and quantify, (ii) source-specific, (iii) resistant to wastewater treatment processes, and (iv) persistent in the aquatic environment, with similar behaviour to viral pathogens. Here, we conducted a comprehensive review of 127 peer-reviewed publications, to critically evaluate the effectiveness of several viral indicators of wastewater pollution, including common enteric viruses (mastadenoviruses, polyomaviruses, and Aichi viruses), the pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV), and gut-associated bacteriophages (Type II/III FRNA phages and phages infecting human Bacteroides species, including crAssphage). Our analysis suggests that overall, human mastadenoviruses have the greatest potential to indicate contamination by domestic wastewater due to their easy detection, culturability, and high prevalence in wastewater and in the polluted environment. Aichi virus, crAssphage and PMMoV are also widely detected in wastewater and in the environment, and may be used as molecular markers for human-derived contamination. We conclude that viral indicators are suitable for the long-term monitoring of viral contamination in freshwater and marine environments and that these should be implemented within monitoring programmes to provide a holistic assessment of microbiological water quality and wastewater-based epidemiology, improve current risk management strategies and protect global human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kata Farkas
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2UW, UK; School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, LL59 5AB, UK.
| | - David I Walker
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UB, UK
| | | | - James E McDonald
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Luke S Hillary
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Shelagh K Malham
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, LL59 5AB, UK
| | - Davey L Jones
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2UW, UK; UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
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Ahmed W, Angel N, Edson J, Bibby K, Bivins A, O'Brien JW, Choi PM, Kitajima M, Simpson SL, Li J, Tscharke B, Verhagen R, Smith WJM, Zaugg J, Dierens L, Hugenholtz P, Thomas KV, Mueller JF. First confirmed detection of SARS-CoV-2 in untreated wastewater in Australia: A proof of concept for the wastewater surveillance of COVID-19 in the community. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 728:138764. [PMID: 32387778 PMCID: PMC7165106 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1124] [Impact Index Per Article: 281.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Infection with SARS-CoV-2, the etiologic agent of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, is accompanied by the shedding of the virus in stool. Therefore, the quantification of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater affords the ability to monitor the prevalence of infections among the population via wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE). In the current work, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was concentrated from wastewater in a catchment in Australia and viral RNA copies were enumerated using reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) resulting in two positive detections within a six day period from the same wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The estimated viral RNA copy numbers observed in the wastewater were then used to estimate the number of infected individuals in the catchment via Monte Carlo simulation. Given the uncertainty and variation in the input parameters, the model estimated a median range of 171 to 1,090 infected persons in the catchment, which is in reasonable agreement with clinical observations. This work highlights the viability of WBE for monitoring infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, in communities. The work also draws attention to the need for further methodological and molecular assay validation for enveloped viruses in wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Nicola Angel
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Janette Edson
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Kyle Bibby
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering & Earth Science, University of Notre Dame, 156 Fitzpatrick Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Aaron Bivins
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering & Earth Science, University of Notre Dame, 156 Fitzpatrick Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Jake W O'Brien
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4103, Australia
| | - Phil M Choi
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4103, Australia
| | - Masaaki Kitajima
- Division of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, North 13 West 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8628, Japan
| | | | - Jiaying Li
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4103, Australia
| | - Ben Tscharke
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4103, Australia
| | - Rory Verhagen
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4103, Australia
| | - Wendy J M Smith
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Bioscience Precinct, St Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia
| | - Julian Zaugg
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Leanne Dierens
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Philip Hugenholtz
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Kevin V Thomas
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4103, Australia
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4103, Australia
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Kongprajug A, Chyerochana N, Mongkolsuk S, Sirikanchana K. Effect of Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction Data Analysis Using Sample Amplification Efficiency on Microbial Source Tracking Assay Performance and Source Attribution. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:8232-8244. [PMID: 32484662 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c01559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The widely used microbial source tracking (MST) technique, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), quantifies host-specific gene abundance in polluted water to identify and prioritize contamination sources. This study characterized the effects of a qPCR data analysis using the sample PCR efficiencies (the LinRegPCR model) on gene abundance and compared them with the standard curve-based method (the mixed model). Five qPCR assays were evaluated: the universal GenBac3, human-specific HF183/BFDrev and CPQ_056, swine-specific Pig-2-Bac, and cattle-specific Bac3qPCR assays. The LinRegPCR model increased the low-copy amplification, especially in the HF183/BFDrev assay, thus lowering the specificity to 0.34. Up to 1.41 log10 copies/g and 0.41 log10 copies/100 mL differences were observed for composite fecal and sewage samples (n = 147) by the LinRegPCR approach, corresponding to an 18.2% increase and 6.4% decrease, respectively. Freshwater samples (n = 48) demonstrated a maximum of 1.95 log10 copies/100 mL difference between the two models. Identical attributing sources by both models were shown in 54.55% of environmental samples; meanwhile, the LinRegPCR approach improved the inability to identify sources by the mixed model in 29.55% of the samples. This study emphasizes the need for a standardized data analysis protocol for qPCR MST assays for interlaboratory consistency and comparability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akechai Kongprajug
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Lak Si, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Natcha Chyerochana
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Lak Si, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Skorn Mongkolsuk
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Lak Si, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
- Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), Ministry of Education, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Kwanrawee Sirikanchana
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Lak Si, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
- Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), Ministry of Education, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
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