1
|
Carson LR, Goodman C, van Duin B, Neumann NF. Application of a microbial and pathogen source tracking toolbox to identify infrastructure problems in stormwater drainage networks: a case study. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0033724. [PMID: 39109868 PMCID: PMC11371268 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00337-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Water scarcity and increasing urbanization are forcing municipalities to consider alternative water sources, such as stormwater, to fill in water supply gaps or address hydromodification of receiving urban streams. Mounting evidence suggests that stormwater is often contaminated with human feces, even in stormwater drainage systems separate from sanitary sewers. Pinpointing sources of human contamination in drainage networks is challenging given the diverse sources of fecal pollution that can impact these systems and the non-specificity of traditional fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) for identifying these host sources. As such, we used a toolbox approach that encompassed microbial source tracking (MST), FIB monitoring, and bacterial pathogen monitoring to investigate microbial contamination of stormwater in an urban municipality. We demonstrate that human sewage frequently contaminated stormwater (in >50% of routine samples), based on the presence of the human fecal marker HF183, and often exceeded microbial water quality criteria. Arcobacter butzleri, a pathogen of emerging concern, was also detected in >50% of routine samples, with 75% of these pathogen-positive samples also being positive for the human fecal marker HF183, suggesting human municipal sewage as the likely source for this pathogen. MST and FIB were used to track human fecal pollution in the drainage network to the most likely point source of contamination, for which a sewage cross-connection was identified and confirmed using tracer dyes. These results point to the ubiquitous presence of human sewage in stormwater and also provide municipalities with the tools to identify sources of anthropogenic contamination in storm drainage networks.IMPORTANCEWater scarcity, increased urbanization, and population growth are driving municipalities worldwide to consider stormwater as an alternative water source in urban environments. However, many studies suggest that stormwater is relatively poor in terms of microbial water quality, is frequently contaminated with human sewage, and therefore could represent a potential health risk depending on the type of exposure (e.g., irrigation of community gardens). Traditional monitoring of water quality based on fecal bacteria does not provide any information about the sources of fecal pollution contaminating stormwater (i.e., animals/human feces). Herein, we present a case study that uses fecal bacterial monitoring, microbial source tracking, and bacterial pathogen analysis to identify a cross-connection that contributed to human fecal intrusion into an urban stormwater network. This microbial toolbox approach can be useful for municipalities in identifying infrastructure problems in stormwater drainage networks to reduce risks associated with water reuse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liam R. Carson
- School of Public
Health, University of Alberta,
Edmonton, Alberta,
Canada
| | - Clint Goodman
- Community
Infrastructure, City of Airdrie,
Airdrie, Alberta,
Canada
| | - Bert van Duin
- City & Regional
Planning, City of Calgary,
Calgary, Alberta,
Canada
| | - Norman F. Neumann
- School of Public
Health, University of Alberta,
Edmonton, Alberta,
Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hynes JM, Beattie RE, Blackwood AD, Clerkin T, Gallard-Góngora J, Noble RT. Using a combination of quantitative culture, molecular, and infrastructure data to rank potential sources of fecal contamination in Town Creek Estuary, North Carolina. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299254. [PMID: 38640136 PMCID: PMC11029655 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Estuarine water quality is declining worldwide due to increased tourism, coastal development, and a changing climate. Although well-established methods are in place to monitor water quality, municipalities struggle to use the data to prioritize infrastructure for monitoring and repair and to determine sources of contamination when they occur. The objective of this study was to assess water quality and prioritize sources of contamination within Town Creek Estuary (TCE), Beaufort, North Carolina, by combining culture, molecular, and geographic information systems (GIS) data into a novel contamination source ranking system. Water samples were collected from TCE at ten locations on eight sampling dates in Fall 2021 (n = 80). Microbiological water quality was assessed using US Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) approved culture-based methods for fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), including analysis of total coliforms (TC), Escherichia coli (EC), and Enterococcus spp. (ENT). The quantitative microbial source tracking (qMST) human-associated fecal marker, HF183, was quantified using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). This information was combined with environmental data and GIS information detailing proximal sewer, septic, and stormwater infrastructure to determine potential sources of fecal contamination in the estuary. Results indicated FIB concentrations were significantly and positively correlated with precipitation and increased throughout the estuary following rainfall events (p < 0.01). Sampling sites with FIB concentrations above the U.S. EPA threshold also had the highest percentages of aged, less durable piping materials. Using a novel ranking system combining concentrations of FIB, HF183, and sewer infrastructure data at each site, we found that the two sites nearest the most aged sewage infrastructure and stormwater outflows were found to have the highest levels of measurable fecal contamination. This case study supports the inclusion of both traditional water quality measurements and local infrastructure data to support the current need for municipalities to identify, prioritize, and remediate failing infrastructure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenna M. Hynes
- Department of Earth, Marine and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Marine Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Morehead City, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Rachelle E. Beattie
- Department of Earth, Marine and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Marine Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Morehead City, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - A. Denene Blackwood
- Department of Earth, Marine and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Marine Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Morehead City, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Thomas Clerkin
- Department of Earth, Marine and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Marine Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Morehead City, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Javier Gallard-Góngora
- Department of Earth, Marine and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Marine Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Morehead City, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Rachel T. Noble
- Department of Earth, Marine and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Marine Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Morehead City, North Carolina, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Carr MM, Gold AC, Harris A, Anarde K, Hino M, Sauers N, Da Silva G, Gamewell C, Nelson NG. Fecal Bacteria Contamination of Floodwaters and a Coastal Waterway From Tidally-Driven Stormwater Network Inundation. GEOHEALTH 2024; 8:e2024GH001020. [PMID: 38655490 PMCID: PMC11036072 DOI: 10.1029/2024gh001020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Inundation of coastal stormwater networks by tides is widespread due to sea-level rise (SLR). The water quality risks posed by tidal water rising up through stormwater infrastructure (pipes and catch basins), out onto roadways, and back out to receiving water bodies is poorly understood but may be substantial given that stormwater networks are a known source of fecal contamination. In this study, we (a) documented temporal variation in concentrations of Enterococcus spp. (ENT), the fecal indicator bacteria standard for marine waters, in a coastal waterway over a 2-month period and more intensively during two perigean spring tide periods, (b) measured ENT concentrations in roadway floodwaters during tidal floods, and (c) explained variation in ENT concentrations as a function of tidal inundation, antecedent rainfall, and stormwater infrastructure using a pipe network inundation model and robust linear mixed effect models. We find that ENT concentrations in the receiving waterway vary as a function of tidal stage and antecedent rainfall, but also site-specific characteristics of the stormwater network that drains to the waterway. Tidal variables significantly explain measured ENT variance in the waterway, however, runoff drove higher ENT concentrations in the receiving waterway. Samples of floodwaters on roadways during both perigean spring tide events were limited, but all samples exceeded the threshold for safe public use of recreational waters. These results indicate that inundation of stormwater networks by tides could pose public health hazards in receiving water bodies and on roadways, which will likely be exacerbated in the future due to continued SLR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. M. Carr
- Department of Biological and Agricultural EngineeringNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNCUSA
| | | | - A. Harris
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental EngineeringNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNCUSA
| | - K. Anarde
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental EngineeringNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNCUSA
| | - M. Hino
- Department of City and Regional PlanningUniversity of North Carolina—Chapel HillChapel HillNCUSA
| | - N. Sauers
- Department of Biological and Agricultural EngineeringNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNCUSA
| | - G. Da Silva
- Department of Biological and Agricultural EngineeringNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNCUSA
| | - C. Gamewell
- Department of Biological and Agricultural EngineeringNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNCUSA
| | - N. G. Nelson
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental EngineeringNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNCUSA
- Center for Geospatial AnalyticsNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNCUSA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sherchan S, Shahin S, Alarcon J, Brosky H, Potter C, Dada AC. Microbial source tracking of fecal contamination in stormwater runoff. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2022; 20:1271-1283. [PMID: 36170186 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2022.286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Concerns over fecal contamination in stormwater canals have promoted the need for pollution control strategies, including the use of microbial source tracking, to identify fecal contamination in the Greater New Orleans Area. Surface water samples were collected over a 12-month period at five canal locations within Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and the IDEXX method were used to assess the concentrations of coliforms, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and human fecal 183 bacteroides (HF183) in stormwater samples. A 100% positive detection rate of total coliforms and E. coli was observed across all tested sites. Despite the closeness of the five sites, when averaged across all sampling time points, Kruskal-Wallis tests indicated that E. coli was present at significantly different concentrations in these locations (χ2(5) = 19.8, p = 0.0005). HF183 was detected in 62% of the water samples collected during the stormwater sampling. Without further testing for HF183 markers, the conclusion from this study would have been that fecal contamination from an unknown source was always present at varying levels during the study period. Analysis of HF183 markers therefore adds another layer of conclusions to the results deductible from E. coli concentrations. A 100% E. coli detection rate, high E. coli concentrations coupled with low rates of HF183 detection particularly at the Esplanade, Poplar Street, and Bonnabel Boat Launch sites, the sites closest to the lake outlet, throughout the study period, indicate that fecal contamination at these stormwater canal sites comes primarily from non-human sources. However, the Metairie Road and Napoleon Avenue sites, which have the highest HF183 detection rates, on top of chronic pollution by other non-human sources, are also influenced by human fecal pollution, possibly because of human development and faulty infrastructure. This study highlights the advantages of the use of microbial source-tracking methods to complement traditional indicator bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samendra Sherchan
- Department of Global Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA E-mail: ; Department of Biology, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD 21251, USA
| | - Shalina Shahin
- Department of Global Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA E-mail:
| | - Joshua Alarcon
- Department of Global Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA E-mail:
| | - Hanna Brosky
- Department of Global Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA E-mail:
| | - Collin Potter
- Department of Global Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA E-mail:
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rugh MB, Grant SB, Hung WC, Jay JA, Parker EA, Feraud M, Li D, Avasarala S, Holden PA, Liu H, Rippy MA, Werfhorst LCVD, Kefela T, Peng J, Shao S, Graham KE, Boehm AB, Choi S, Mohanty SK, Cao Y. Highly variable removal of pathogens, antibiotic resistance genes, conventional fecal indicators and human-associated fecal source markers in a pilot-scale stormwater biofilter operated under realistic stormflow conditions. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 219:118525. [PMID: 35533621 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118525] [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: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Green stormwater infrastructure systems, such as biofilters, provide many water quality and other environmental benefits, but their ability to remove human pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) from stormwater runoff is not well documented. In this study, a field scale biofilter in Southern California (USA) was simultaneously evaluated for the breakthrough of a conservative tracer (bromide), conventional fecal indicators, bacterial and viral human-associated fecal source markers (HF183, crAssphage, and PMMoV), ARGs, and bacterial and viral pathogens. When challenged with a 50:50 mixture of untreated sewage and stormwater (to mimic highly contaminated storm flow) the biofilter significantly removed (p < 0.05) 14 of 17 microbial markers and ARGsin descending order of concentration reduction: ermB (2.5 log(base 10) reduction) > Salmonella (2.3) > adenovirus (1.9) > coliphage (1.5) > crAssphage (1.2) > E. coli (1.0) ∼ 16S rRNA genes (1.0) ∼ fecal coliform (1.0) ∼ intl1 (1.0) > Enterococcus (0.9) ∼ MRSA (0.9) ∼ sul1 (0.9) > PMMoV (0.7) > Entero1A (0.5). No significant removal was observed for GenBac3, Campylobacter, and HF183. From the bromide data, we infer that 0.5 log-units of attenuation can be attributed to the dilution of incoming stormwater with water stored in the biofilter; removal above this threshold is presumably associated with non-conservative processes, such as physicochemical filtration, die-off, and predation. Our study documents high variability (>100-fold) in the removal of different microbial contaminants and ARGs by a field-scale stormwater biofilter operated under transient flow and raises further questions about the utility of human-associated fecal source markers as surrogates for pathogen removal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megyn B Rugh
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Stanley B Grant
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Occoquan Watershed Monitoring Laboratory, Virginia Tech, 9408 Prince William Street, Manassas VA 20110, USA; Center for Coastal Studies, Virginia Tech, 1068A Derring Hall (0420), Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Wei-Cheng Hung
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jennifer A Jay
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Emily A Parker
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Occoquan Watershed Monitoring Laboratory, Virginia Tech, 9408 Prince William Street, Manassas VA 20110, USA
| | - Marina Feraud
- Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, 2400 Bren Hall, UC Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara CA 93106, USA
| | - Dong Li
- Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, 2400 Bren Hall, UC Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara CA 93106, USA
| | - Sumant Avasarala
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Bourns Hall A239, UC Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Patricia A Holden
- Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, 2400 Bren Hall, UC Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara CA 93106, USA
| | - Haizhou Liu
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Bourns Hall A239, UC Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Megan A Rippy
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Center for Coastal Studies, Virginia Tech, 1068A Derring Hall (0420), Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Laurie C Van De Werfhorst
- Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, 2400 Bren Hall, UC Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara CA 93106, USA
| | - Timnit Kefela
- Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, 2400 Bren Hall, UC Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara CA 93106, USA
| | - Jian Peng
- Orange County Environmental Resources, 2301 North Glassell Street, Orange, CA 92865, USA
| | - Stella Shao
- GSI Environmental Inc., 19200 Von Karman Ave, St 800, Irvine, CA 92612, USA
| | - Katherine E Graham
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Alexandria B Boehm
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Samuel Choi
- Orange County Sanitation District, 10844 Ellis Avenue, Fountain Valley, CA 92708, USA
| | - Sanjay K Mohanty
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yiping Cao
- Orange County Sanitation District, 10844 Ellis Avenue, Fountain Valley, CA 92708, USA; Source Molecular Corporation, 15280 NW 79th 10 Court, St 107, Miami Lakes, FL 33016, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Williams NLR, Siboni N, Potts J, Campey M, Johnson C, Rao S, Bramucci A, Scanes P, Seymour JR. Molecular microbiological approaches reduce ambiguity about the sources of faecal pollution and identify microbial hazards within an urbanised coastal environment. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 218:118534. [PMID: 35537251 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118534] [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: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Urbanised beaches are regularly impacted by faecal pollution, but management actions to resolve the causes of contamination are often obfuscated by the inability of standard Faecal Indicator Bacteria (FIB) analyses to discriminate sources of faecal material or detect other microbial hazards, including antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). We aimed to determine the causes, spatial extent, and point sources of faecal contamination within Rose Bay, a highly urbanised beach within Sydney, Australia's largest city, using molecular microbiological approaches. Sampling was performed across a network of transects originating at 9 stormwater drains located on Rose Bay beach over the course of a significant (67.5 mm) rainfall event, whereby samples were taken 6 days prior to any rain, on the day of initial rainfall (3.8 mm), three days later after 43 mm of rain and then four days after any rain. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to target marker genes from bacteria (i.e., Lachnospiraceae and Bacteroides) that have been demonstrated to be specific to human faeces (sewage), along with gene sequences from Heliobacter and Bacteriodes that are specific to bird and dog faeces respectively, and ARGs (sulI, tetA, qnrS, dfrA1 and vanB). 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was also used to discriminate microbial signatures of faecal contamination. Prior to the rain event, low FIB levels (mean: 2.4 CFU/100 ml) were accompanied by generally low levels of the human and animal faecal markers, with the exception of one transect, potentially indicative of a dry weather sewage leak. Following 43 mm of rain, levels of both human faecal markers increased significantly in stormwater drain and seawater samples, with highest levels of these markers pinpointing several stormwater drains as sources of sewage contamination. During this time, sewage contamination was observed up to 1000 m from shore and was significantly and positively correlated with often highly elevated levels of the ARGs dfrA1, qnrS, sulI and vanB. Significantly elevated levels of the dog faecal marker in stormwater drains at this time also indicated that rainfall led to increased input of dog faecal material from the surrounding catchment. Using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, several indicator taxa for stormwater contamination such as Arcobacter spp. and Comamonadaceae spp. were identified and the Bayesian SourceTracker tool was used to model the relative impact of specific stormwater drains on the surrounding environment, revealing a heterogeneous contribution of discrete stormwater drains during different periods of the rainfall event, with the microbial signature of one particular drain contributing up to 50% of bacterial community in the seawater directly adjacent. By applying a suite of molecular microbiological approaches, we have precisely pinpointed the causes and point-sources of faecal contamination and other associated microbiological hazards (e.g., ARGs) at an urbanised beach, which has helped to identify the most suitable locations for targeted management of water quality at the beach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan L R Williams
- Climate Change Cluster Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nachshon Siboni
- Climate Change Cluster Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jaimie Potts
- Waters, Wetlands, Coasts Science Branch, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Environment, Lidcombe, NSW, 2141, Australia
| | - Meredith Campey
- Waters, Wetlands, Coasts Science Branch, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Environment, Lidcombe, NSW, 2141, Australia
| | - Colin Johnson
- Waters, Wetlands, Coasts Science Branch, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Environment, Lidcombe, NSW, 2141, Australia
| | - Shivanesh Rao
- Waters, Wetlands, Coasts Science Branch, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Environment, Lidcombe, NSW, 2141, Australia
| | - Anna Bramucci
- Climate Change Cluster Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter Scanes
- Waters, Wetlands, Coasts Science Branch, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Environment, Lidcombe, NSW, 2141, Australia
| | - Justin R Seymour
- Climate Change Cluster Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wetz MS, Powers NC, Turner JW, Huang Y. No widespread signature of the COVID-19 quarantine period on water quality across a spectrum of coastal systems in the United States of America. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 807:150825. [PMID: 34627882 PMCID: PMC9751947 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
During the recent COVID-19 related quarantine period, anecdotal evidence emerged pointing to a rapid, sharp improvement in water quality in some localities. Here we present results from an analysis of the impacts of the COVID-19 quarantine period using two long-term coastal water quality datasets. These datasets rely on sampling that operates at appropriate timescales to quantify the influence of reduced human activity on coastal water quality and span coastal ecosystems ranging from low human influence to highly urbanized systems. We tested two hypotheses: 1) reduced tourism during the COVID-19 quarantine period would lead to improved coastal water quality, and 2) water quality improvements would scale to the level of human influence, meaning that highly urbanized or tourist-centric watersheds would see greater improvement than more rural watersheds. A localized reduction in fecal indicator bacteria was observed in four highly impacted regions of the Texas (USA) coast, but this pattern was not widespread. In less impacted regions, the signature of natural, decadal environmental variability (e.g., dissolved oxygen and turbidity) overwhelmed any potential signature of reduced human activity. Results from this study add to the growing body of literature on the environmental impacts of the COVID-19 quarantine period, and when considered with existing literature, emphasize that coastal water quality improvements appear to be ephemeral and reserved for the most severely affected (by human activity) systems. Furthermore, results show the importance of assessing COVID-19 signatures against long-term, decadal datasets that adequately reveal a system's natural variation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Wetz
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA; Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA.
| | - Nicole C Powers
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Turner
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA
| | - Yuxia Huang
- School of Engineering and Computing Sciences, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Orel N, Fadeev E, Klun K, Ličer M, Tinta T, Turk V. Bacterial Indicators Are Ubiquitous Members of Pelagic Microbiome in Anthropogenically Impacted Coastal Ecosystem. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:765091. [PMID: 35111137 PMCID: PMC8801744 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.765091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Coastal zones are exposed to various anthropogenic impacts, such as different types of wastewater pollution, e.g., treated wastewater discharges, leakage from sewage systems, and agricultural and urban runoff. These various inputs can introduce allochthonous organic matter and microbes, including pathogens, into the coastal marine environment. The presence of fecal bacterial indicators in the coastal environment is usually monitored using traditional culture-based methods that, however, fail to detect their uncultured representatives. We have conducted a year-around in situ survey of the pelagic microbiome of the dynamic coastal ecosystem, subjected to different anthropogenic pressures to depict the seasonal and spatial dynamics of traditional and alternative fecal bacterial indicators. To provide an insight into the environmental conditions under which bacterial indicators thrive, a suite of environmental factors and bacterial community dynamics were analyzed concurrently. Analyses of 16S rRNA amplicon sequences revealed that the coastal microbiome was primarily structured by seasonal changes regardless of the distance from the wastewater pollution sources. On the other hand, fecal bacterial indicators were not affected by seasons and accounted for up to 34% of the sequence proportion for a given sample. Even more so, traditional fecal indicator bacteria (Enterobacteriaceae) and alternative wastewater-associated bacteria (Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, Arcobacteraceae, Pseudomonadaceae and Vibrionaceae) were part of the core coastal microbiome, i.e., present at all sampling stations. Microbial source tracking and Lagrangian particle tracking, which we employed to assess the potential pollution source, revealed the importance of riverine water as a vector for transmission of allochthonous microbes into the marine system. Further phylogenetic analysis showed that the Arcobacteraceae in our data set was affiliated with the pathogenic Arcobacter cryaerophilus, suggesting that a potential exposure risk for bacterial pathogens in anthropogenically impacted coastal zones remains. We emphasize that molecular analyses combined with statistical and oceanographic models may provide new insights for environmental health assessment and reveal the potential source and presence of microbial indicators, which are otherwise overlooked by a cultivation approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neža Orel
- Marine Biology Station Piran, National Institute of Biology, Piran, Slovenia
- *Correspondence: Neža Orel,
| | - Eduard Fadeev
- Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katja Klun
- Marine Biology Station Piran, National Institute of Biology, Piran, Slovenia
| | - Matjaž Ličer
- Marine Biology Station Piran, National Institute of Biology, Piran, Slovenia
- Office for Meteorology, Hydrology and Oceanography, Slovenian Environment Agency, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tinkara Tinta
- Marine Biology Station Piran, National Institute of Biology, Piran, Slovenia
- Tinkara Tinta,
| | - Valentina Turk
- Marine Biology Station Piran, National Institute of Biology, Piran, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Price MT, Blackwood AD, Noble RT. Integrating culture and molecular quantification of microbial contaminants into a predictive modeling framework in a low-lying, tidally-influenced coastal watershed. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 792:148232. [PMID: 34147794 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148232] [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: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Examinations of stormwater delivery in the context of tidal inundation are lacking. Along the coastal plains of the southeastern United States, tidal inundation is increasing in frequency and severity, often with dramatic adverse impacts on timely stormwater discharge, coastal flooding hazards, and even "sunny day flooding". Therefore, a comprehensive study was conducted to examine tidally-influenced stormwater outfalls discharging to Taylor's Creek, an estuary proximal to Beaufort, NC used regularly for recreation and tourism. Over a wide range of meteorological conditions, water samples were collected and analyzed for fecal indicator bacteria (FIB, used for water quality management) and previously published quantitative microbial source tracking (qMST) markers. Nineteen sampling events were conducted from July 2017-June 2018 with samples classified according to tidal state and defined as either inundated, receding, or transition. A first-of-its-kind multiple linear regression model was developed to predict concentrations of Enterococcus sp. by tidal cycle, salinity and antecedent rainfall. We demonstrated that the majority of variability associated with the concentration of Enterococcus sp. could be predicted by E. coli concentration and tidal phase. FIB concentrations were significantly (<0.05) influenced by tide with higher concentrations observed in samples collected during receding (low) tides (EC: log 3.12 MPN/100 mL; ENT: 2.67 MPN/100 mL) compared to those collected during inundated (high) (EC: log 2.62 MPN/100 mL; ENT: 2.11 MPN/100 mL) or transition (EC: log 2.74 MPN/100 mL; ENT: 2.53 MPN/100 mL) tidal periods. Salinity, was also found to significantly (<0.05) correlate with Enterococcus sp. concentrations during inundated (high) tidal conditions (sal: 17 ppt; ENT: 2.04 MPN/100 mL). Tide, not precipitation, was shown to be a significant driver in explaining the variability in Enterococcus sp. concentrations. Precipitation has previously been shown to be a driver of Enterococcus sp. concentrations, but our project demonstrates the need for tidal parameters to be included in the future development of water quality monitoring programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew T Price
- UNC Institute of Marine Sciences, 3431 Arendell St., Morehead City, NC 28557, USA
| | - Angelia D Blackwood
- UNC Institute of Marine Sciences, 3431 Arendell St., Morehead City, NC 28557, USA
| | - Rachel T Noble
- UNC Institute of Marine Sciences, 3431 Arendell St., Morehead City, NC 28557, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hart JD, Blackwood AD, Noble RT. Examining coastal dynamics and recreational water quality by quantifying multiple sewage specific markers in a North Carolina estuary. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 747:141124. [PMID: 32795790 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141124] [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: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Fecal contamination is observed downstream of municipal separate storm sewer systems in coastal North Carolina. While it is well accepted that wet weather contributes to this phenomenon, less is understood about the contribution of the complex hydrology in this low-lying coastal plain. A quantitative microbial assessment was conducted in Beaufort, North Carolina to identify trends and potential sources of fecal contamination in stormwater receiving waters. Fecal indicator concentrations were significantly higher in receiving water downstream of a tidally submerged outfall compared to an outfall that was permanently submerged (p < 0.001), though tidal height was not predictive of human-specific microbial source tracking (MST) marker concentrations at the tidally submerged site. Short-term rainfall (i.e. <12 h) was predictive of E. coli, Enterococcus spp., and human-specific MST marker concentrations (Fecal Bacteroides, BacHum, and HF183) in receiving waters. The strong correlation between 12-hr antecedent rainfall and Enterococcus spp. (r = 0.57, p < 0.001, n = 92) suggests a predictive model could be developed based on rainfall to communicate risk for bathers. Additional molecular marker data indicates that the delivery of fecal sources is complex and highly variable, likely due to the influence of tidal influx (saltwater intrusion from the estuary) into the low-lying stormwater pipes. In particular, elevated MST marker concentrations (up to 2.56 × 104 gene copies HF183/mL) were observed in standing water near surcharging street storm drain. These data are being used to establish a baseline for stormwater dynamics prior to dramatic rainfall in 2018 and to characterize the interaction between complex stormwater dynamics and water quality impairment in coastal NC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin D Hart
- University of North Carolina Institute of Marine Sciences, Morehead City, NC, United States of America; Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - A Denene Blackwood
- University of North Carolina Institute of Marine Sciences, Morehead City, NC, United States of America
| | - Rachel T Noble
- University of North Carolina Institute of Marine Sciences, Morehead City, NC, United States of America; Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Somerville R, Fisher M, Persson L, Ehnert-Russo S, Gelsleichter J, Bielmyer-Fraser G. Analysis of Trace Element Concentrations and Antioxidant Enzyme Activity in Muscle Tissue of the Atlantic Sharpnose Shark, Rhizoprionodon terraenovae. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2020; 79:371-390. [PMID: 32865634 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-020-00753-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Metals occur naturally in the environment; however, anthropogenic practices have greatly increased metal concentrations in waterways, sediments, and biota. Metals pose health risks to marine organisms and have been associated with oxidative stress, which can lead to protein denaturation, DNA mutations, and cellular apoptosis. Sharks are important species ecologically, recreationally, and commercially. Because they occupy a high trophic level, assessing muscle tissue metal concentrations in sharks may reflect metal transfer in marine food webs. In this study, concentrations of cadmium, copper, lead, nickel, selenium, silver, and zinc were measured in the muscle of Rhizoprionodon terraenovae (Atlantic sharpnose shark) from 12 sites along the coast of the southeastern United States. Activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase) also were examined in the muscle tissue of R. terraenovae. A total of 165 samples were analyzed, and differences in trace element bioaccumulation and enzyme activity were observed across sites. R. terraenovae samples collected from South Florida and South Carolina had the highest cumulative trace element concentrations whereas those collected from North Carolina and Alabama had the lowest cumulative concentrations. Trace element concentrations in shark muscle tissue were significantly correlated to antioxidant enzyme activity, particularly with glutathione peroxidase, suggesting that this enzyme may serve as a non-lethal, biomarker of metal exposure in R. terraenovae. This is one of the most extensive studies providing reference levels of trace elements and oxidative stress enzymes in a single elasmobranch species within the U.S.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Somerville
- Jacksonville University, 2800 University Blvd N, Jacksonville, FL, 32211, USA.
| | - Maya Fisher
- Jacksonville University, 2800 University Blvd N, Jacksonville, FL, 32211, USA
| | - Louise Persson
- Jacksonville University, 2800 University Blvd N, Jacksonville, FL, 32211, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Relationship between Rainfall, Fecal Pollution, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Microbial Diversity in an Urbanized Subtropical Bay. Appl Environ Microbiol 2020; 86:AEM.01229-20. [PMID: 32709726 PMCID: PMC7499047 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01229-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of human enteric pathogens, stemming from fecal pollution, is a serious environmental and public health concern in recreational waters. Accurate assessments of fecal pollution are therefore needed to properly assess exposure risks and guide water quality policies and practices. In this study, the absence of a direct correlation between enterococci and source-specific human and animal markers disputes the utility of enterococci as an indicator of fecal pollution in urbanized subtropical bays. Moreover, the inverse correlation between enterococci and the human-specific marker HF183 indicates that recreational beach advisories, triggered by elevated enterococcus concentrations, are a misleading practice. This study clearly demonstrates that a multiparameter approach that includes the quantitation of host-specific markers, as well as analyses of microbial diversity, is a more effective means of assessing water quality in urbanized subtropical bays. Urbanized bays are vulnerable to fecal bacterial pollution, and the extent of this pollution, in marine recreational waters, is commonly assessed by quantifying enterococcus concentrations. Recent reports have questioned the utility of enterococci as an indicator of fecal bacterial pollution in subtropical bays impaired by non-point source pollution, and enterococcus data alone cannot identify fecal bacterial sources (i.e., hosts). The purpose of this study was to assess relationships between rainfall, fecal bacterial pollution, antimicrobial resistance, and microbial diversity in an urbanized subtropical bay. Thus, a comprehensive bacterial source tracking (BST) study was conducted using a combination of traditional and modern BST methods. Findings show that rainfall was directly correlated with elevated enterococcus concentrations, including the increased prevalence of Enterococcus faecium, although it was not correlated with an increase in the prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant strains. Rainfall was also correlated with decreased microbial diversity. In contrast, neither rainfall nor enterococcus concentrations were directly correlated with the concentrations of three omnipresent host-associated fecal markers (i.e., human, canine, and gull). Notably, the human fecal marker (HF183) was inversely correlated with enterococcus concentrations, signifying that traditional enterococcus data alone are not an accurate proxy for human fecal waste in urbanized subtropical bays. IMPORTANCE The presence of human enteric pathogens, stemming from fecal pollution, is a serious environmental and public health concern in recreational waters. Accurate assessments of fecal pollution are therefore needed to properly assess exposure risks and guide water quality policies and practices. In this study, the absence of a direct correlation between enterococci and source-specific human and animal markers disputes the utility of enterococci as an indicator of fecal pollution in urbanized subtropical bays. Moreover, the inverse correlation between enterococci and the human-specific marker HF183 indicates that recreational beach advisories, triggered by elevated enterococcus concentrations, are a misleading practice. This study clearly demonstrates that a multiparameter approach that includes the quantitation of host-specific markers, as well as analyses of microbial diversity, is a more effective means of assessing water quality in urbanized subtropical bays.
Collapse
|
13
|
O'Dea C, Zhang Q, Staley C, Masters N, Kuballa A, Fisher P, Veal C, Stratton H, Sadowsky MJ, Ahmed W, Katouli M. Compositional and temporal stability of fecal taxon libraries for use with SourceTracker in sub-tropical catchments. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 165:114967. [PMID: 31430652 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.114967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Characterization of microbial communities using high-throughput amplicon sequencing is an emerging approach for microbial source tracking of fecal pollution. This study used SourceTracker software to examine temporal and geographical variability of fecal bacterial community profiles to identify pollutant sources in three freshwater catchments in sub-tropical Australia. Fecal bacterial communities from 10 animal species, humans, and composite wastewater samples from six sewage treatment plants were characterized and compared to freshwater samples using Illumina amplicon sequencing of the V5-V6 regions of the 16S rRNA gene. Source contributions were calculated in SourceTracker using new fecal taxon libraries as well as previously generated libraries to determine the effects of geographic and temporal variability on source assignments. SourceTracker determined 16S rRNA bacterial communites within freshwater samples, shared taxonomic similarities to that of wastewater at low levels (typically <3%). SourceTraker also predicted occasional fecal detection of deer and flying fox sources in the water samples. No significant differences in source contributions were observed within sequences from current and previously characterized fecal samples (P ≥ 0.107). However, significant differences were observed between previously characterized and newly characterized source communities (ANOSIM P ≤ 0.001), which shared <15% community composition. Results suggest temporal instability of fecal taxon libraries among tested sources and highlight continual evaluation of community-based MST using confirmatory qPCR analyses of marker genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian O'Dea
- Genecology Research Centre, School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, 4558, Australia.
| | - Qian Zhang
- The Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, MN, 55108, USA.
| | - Christopher Staley
- The Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, MN, 55108, USA; Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, MN, 55455, USA.
| | - Nicole Masters
- Genecology Research Centre, School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, 4558, Australia.
| | - Anna Kuballa
- Genecology Research Centre, School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, 4558, Australia.
| | - Paul Fisher
- Seqwater, 117 Brisbane Street, Ipswich, QLD, Australia.
| | - Cameron Veal
- Seqwater, 117 Brisbane Street, Ipswich, QLD, Australia.
| | - Helen Stratton
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia.
| | - Michael J Sadowsky
- The Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, MN, 55108, USA; Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, University of Minnesota, MN, 55108, USA; Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, MN, 55108, USA.
| | - Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, QLD, Australia.
| | - Mohammad Katouli
- Genecology Research Centre, School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, 4558, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Almakki A, Jumas-Bilak E, Marchandin H, Licznar-Fajardo P. Antibiotic resistance in urban runoff. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 667:64-76. [PMID: 30826682 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.02.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Aquatic ecosystems subjected to anthropogenic pressures are places of rapid evolution of microbial communities and likely hotspots for selection and emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria. In urban settings, water quality and the risk of infection are generally assessed in sewers and in effluents of wastewater treatment plants. Physical and chemical parameters as well as the presence of antibiotics, antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes of resistance are driven by urban activities, with adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems. In this paper we review the environmental pressures exerted on bacterial communities in urban runoff waters and discuss the impact of these settings on antibiotic resistance. Considering the worrisome epidemiology of infectious diseases and estimated mortality due to antimicrobial resistance in the coming decades, there is an urgent need to identify all environmental reservoirs of resistant bacteria and resistance genes to complete our knowledge of the epidemiological cycle and of the dynamics of urban antibiotic resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayad Almakki
- HSM, Univ Montpellier, IRD, CNRS, Montpellier, France; Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Basrah, Iraq
| | - Estelle Jumas-Bilak
- HSM, Univ Montpellier, IRD, CNRS, Département d'Hygiène Hospitalière, CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Hélène Marchandin
- HSM, Univ Montpellier, IRD, CNRS, Montpellier, France, Département de Microbiologie, CHU Nîmes, Nîmes, France
| | - Patricia Licznar-Fajardo
- HSM, Univ Montpellier, IRD, CNRS, Département d'Hygiène Hospitalière, CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Newton RJ, McClary JS. The flux and impact of wastewater infrastructure microorganisms on human and ecosystem health. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2019; 57:145-150. [PMID: 31009920 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2019.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Wastewater infrastructure is designed, in part, to remove microorganisms. However, many microorganisms are able to colonize infrastructure and resist treatment, resulting in an enormous flux of microorganisms to urban adjacent waters. These urban-associated microorganisms are discharged through three primary routes 1) failing infrastructure, 2) stormwater, and 3) treated wastewater effluent. Bacterial load estimates indicate failing infrastructure should be considered an equivalent source of microbial pollution as the other routes, but overall discharges are not well parameterized. More sophisticated methods, such as machine learning algorithms and microbiome characterization, are now used to track urban-derived microorganisms, including targets beyond fecal indicators, but development of methods to quantify the impact of these microbes/genes on human and ecosystem health is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Newton
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 600 E. Greenfield Ave., Milwaukee, WI, 53204, USA.
| | - Jill S McClary
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 600 E. Greenfield Ave., Milwaukee, WI, 53204, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Devane ML, Moriarty EM, Robson B, Lin S, Wood D, Webster-Brown J, Gilpin BJ. Relationships between chemical and microbial faecal source tracking markers in urban river water and sediments during and post-discharge of human sewage. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 651:1588-1604. [PMID: 30360285 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.09.258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This study explores the relationships between faecal source tracking (FST) markers (quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) markers and steroids), microbial indicators, the faecal ageing ratio of atypical colonies/total coliforms (AC/TC) and potential human pathogens (Giardia, Cryptosporidium and Campylobacter). Faecal source PCR markers tested were GenBac3, HumM3, HumBac (HF183-Bac708R); Bifidobacterium adolescentis, wildfowl and canine-associated markers. Sediment and water samples from the Avon River were collected during and post-discharge of untreated human sewage inputs, following a series of earthquakes, which severely damaged the Christchurch sewerage system. Significant, positive Spearman Ranks (rs) correlations were observed between human-associated qPCR markers and steroid FST markers and Escherichia coli and F-specific RNA bacteriophage (rs 0.57 to 0.84, p < 0.001) in water samples. These human source indicative FST markers demonstrated that they were also effective predictors of potentially pathogenic protozoa in water (rs 0.43-0.74, p ≤ 0.002), but correlated less well with Campylobacter. Human-associated qPCR and steroid markers showed significant, substantial agreement between the two FST methods (Cohen's kappa, 0.78, p = 0.023), suggesting that water managers could be confident in the results using either method under these contamination conditions. Low levels of fluorescent whitening agents (FWA) (mean 0.06 μg/L, range 0.01-0.40 μg/L) were observed in water throughout the study, but steroids and FWA appeared to be retained in river sediments, months after continuous sewage discharges had ceased. No relationship was observed between chemical FST markers in sediments and the overlying water, and few correlations in sediment between chemical FST markers and target microorganisms. The low values observed for the faecal ageing ratio, AC/TC in water, were significantly, negatively correlated with increasing pathogen detection. This study provides support for the use of the AC/TC ratio, and qPCR and steroid FST markers as indicators of health risks associated with the discharge of raw human sewage into a freshwater system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan L Devane
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited, Christchurch Science Centre, PO Box 29-181, Christchurch, New Zealand.
| | - Elaine M Moriarty
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited, Christchurch Science Centre, PO Box 29-181, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Beth Robson
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited, Christchurch Science Centre, PO Box 29-181, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Susan Lin
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited, Christchurch Science Centre, PO Box 29-181, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - David Wood
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited, Christchurch Science Centre, PO Box 29-181, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Jenny Webster-Brown
- Waterways Centre for Freshwater Management, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Brent J Gilpin
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited, Christchurch Science Centre, PO Box 29-181, Christchurch, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Alves RIS, Machado CS, Beda CF, Fregonesi BM, Nadal M, Sierra J, Domingo JL, Segura-Muñoz SI. Water Quality Assessment of the Pardo River Basin, Brazil: A Multivariate Approach Using Limnological Parameters, Metal Concentrations and Indicator Bacteria. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2018; 75:199-212. [PMID: 29305811 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-017-0493-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Located in the southeast of Brazil, the Pardo River Basin has a large population and an economy focused on agriculture, with a strong predominance of the sugarcane agro-industry. The purpose of the study was to assess the water quality of the Pardo River Basin under a multivariate approach using limnological parameters, metal concentrations, and indicator bacteria. Nine sampling campaigns were performed during both the dry and rainy seasons. Element concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP-MS, Perkin Elmer Elan 6000). A battery of test to determine limnological parameters was performed (in situ). Total coliforms and Escherichia coli were detected and quantified using Defined Substrate Technology Colilert® and multiple tube dilutions. Principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis were used as multivariate exploratory analysis. In general, the results suggest the influence of rain, possible sewage discharges into the watercourse, and the input of organic matter in some sampling points in both seasons, besides the absence of riparian vegetation in much of the Pardo River. The likely influence of industrial activities that do not have great prominence in the region was supported by temporal/spatial assessment of Cr and V. The water quality monitoring of Pardo River is an important tool for environmental management, and its continuity is indicated to obtain a consistent series of systematic data and thereby support concretely the actions of planning and controlling the use of water from the Pardo River and soil around them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renato I S Alves
- Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Environmental Parasitology, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carolina S Machado
- Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Environmental Parasitology, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cassio F Beda
- Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Environmental Parasitology, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Brisa M Fregonesi
- Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Environmental Parasitology, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Martí Nadal
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jordi Sierra
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Josep L Domingo
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Susana I Segura-Muñoz
- Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Environmental Parasitology, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wang Y, Chen Y, Zheng X, Gui C, Wei Y. Spatio-temporal distribution of fecal indicators in three rivers of the Haihe River Basin, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:9036-9047. [PMID: 26695413 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-5907-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Because of their significant impact on public health, waterborne pathogens, especially bacteria and viruses, are frequently monitored in surface water to assess microbial quality of water bodies. However, more than one billion people worldwide currently lack access to safe drinking water, and a diversity of waterborne outbreaks caused by pathogens is reported in nations at all levels of economic development. Spatio-temporal distribution of conventional pollutants and five pathogenic microorganisms were discussed for the Haihe River Basin. Land use and socio-economic assessments were coupled with comprehensive water quality monitoring. Physical, chemical, and biological parameters were measured at 20 different sites in the watershed for 1 year, including pH, temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, chemical oxygen demand, ammonia-N, total and fecal coliforms, E. coli, and Enterococcus. The results highlighted the high spatio-temporal variability in pathogen distribution at watershed scale: high concentration of somatic coliphages and fecal indicator bacteria in March and December and their very low concentration in June and September. All pathogens were positively correlated to urban/rural residential/industrial land and negatively correlated to other four land use types. Microbial pollution was greatly correlated with population density, urbanization rate, and percentage of the tertiary industry in the gross domestic product. In the future, river microbial risk control strategy should focus more on the effective management of secondary effluent of wastewater treatment plant and land around rivers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yawei Wang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Yanan Chen
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing, 100872, China
| | - Xiang Zheng
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing, 100872, China.
| | - Chengmin Gui
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Yuansong Wei
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Recent Advances in the Use of Chemical Markers for Tracing Wastewater Contamination in Aquatic Environment: A Review. WATER 2017. [DOI: 10.3390/w9020143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
20
|
Stallard MA, Otter RR, Winesett S, Barbero M, Bruce M, Layton A, Bailey FC. A Watershed Analysis of Seasonal Concentration- and Loading-based Results for Escherichia coli in Inland Waters. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2016; 97:838-842. [PMID: 27663443 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-016-1928-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Fecal indicator bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, are frequently monitored in recreational waterbodies as indicators of potential fecal pathogen presence and exposure. The present watershed analysis investigated the influence of season on E. coli concentration (MPN/100 mL) and loading (MPN/day) measurements for inland waters at baseflow conditions. The master dataset collected during 2007-2012 for three watersheds included 896 E. coli (Colilert) samples with simultaneous flow taken for a subset (39 %) of samples. The outcomes for grouped watersheds were reflected in most cases for individual watersheds. Concentration- and loading-based results were highest in summer and spring, and lowest in the winter and fall, respectively. The comparison of these two measurement techniques (concentration and loading) highlight the impact of flow data during baseflow conditions for inland waters and reveal that caution should be used when inferring one method's results from another.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan A Stallard
- Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, P.O. Box 60, Murfreesboro, TN, 37132, USA.
- Metro Water Services, Stormwater Division/NPDES Office, 1607 County Hospital Road, Nashville, TN, 37218, USA.
| | - Ryan R Otter
- Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, P.O. Box 60, Murfreesboro, TN, 37132, USA
| | - Steve Winesett
- Metro Water Services, Stormwater Division/NPDES Office, 1607 County Hospital Road, Nashville, TN, 37218, USA
| | - Michelle Barbero
- Metro Water Services, Stormwater Division/NPDES Office, 1607 County Hospital Road, Nashville, TN, 37218, USA
- Gobbell Hays Partners, 217 Fifth Ave North, Nashville, TN, 37219, USA
| | - Mary Bruce
- Metro Water Services, Stormwater Division/NPDES Office, 1607 County Hospital Road, Nashville, TN, 37218, USA
| | - Alice Layton
- Center for Environmental Biotechnology, University of Tennessee, 676 Dabney Hall, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Frank C Bailey
- Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, P.O. Box 60, Murfreesboro, TN, 37132, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Templar HA, Dila DK, Bootsma MJ, Corsi SR, McLellan SL. Quantification of human-associated fecal indicators reveal sewage from urban watersheds as a source of pollution to Lake Michigan. WATER RESEARCH 2016; 100:556-567. [PMID: 27236594 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2016.05.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Sewage contamination of urban waterways from sewer overflows and failing infrastructure is a major environmental and public health concern. Fecal coliforms (FC) are commonly employed as fecal indicator bacteria, but do not distinguish between human and non-human sources of fecal contamination. Human Bacteroides and human Lachnospiraceae, two genetic markers for human-associated indicator bacteria, were used to identify sewage signals in two urban rivers and the estuary that drains to Lake Michigan. Grab samples were collected from the rivers throughout 2012 and 2013 and hourly samples were collected in the estuary across the hydrograph during summer 2013. Human Bacteroides and human Lachnospiraceae were highly correlated with each other in river samples (Pearson's r = 0.86), with average concentrations at most sites elevated during wet weather. These human indicators were found during baseflow, indicating that sewage contamination is chronic in these waterways. FC are used for determining total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) in management plans; however, FC concentrations alone failed to prioritize river reaches with potential health risks. While 84% of samples with >1000 CFU/100 ml FC had sewage contamination, 52% of samples with moderate (200-1000 CFU/100 ml) and 46% of samples with low (<200 CFU/100 ml) FC levels also had evidence of human sewage. Load calculations in the in the Milwaukee estuary revealed storm-driven sewage contamination varied greatly among events and was highest during an event with a short duration of intense rain. This work demonstrates urban areas have unrecognized sewage inputs that may not be adequately prioritized for remediation by the TMDL process. Further analysis using these approaches could determine relationships between land use, storm characteristics, and other factors that drive sewage contamination in urban waterways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hayley A Templar
- School of Freshwater Sciences, UW-Milwaukee, 600 E. Greenfield Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53204, USA
| | - Deborah K Dila
- School of Freshwater Sciences, UW-Milwaukee, 600 E. Greenfield Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53204, USA
| | - Melinda J Bootsma
- School of Freshwater Sciences, UW-Milwaukee, 600 E. Greenfield Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53204, USA
| | - Steven R Corsi
- U.S. Geological Survey, 8505 Research Way, Middleton, WI 53562, USA
| | - Sandra L McLellan
- School of Freshwater Sciences, UW-Milwaukee, 600 E. Greenfield Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53204, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Zhang S, Pang S, Wang P, Wang C, Han N, Liu B, Han B, Li Y, Anim-Larbi K. Antibiotic concentration and antibiotic-resistant bacteria in two shallow urban lakes after stormwater event. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:9984-9992. [PMID: 26865482 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-6237-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Stormwater runoff is generally characterized as non-point source pollution. In the present study, antibiotic concentration and antibiotic susceptibilities of cultivable heterotrophic bacteria were investigated in two small shallow urban lakes before and after strong storm event. Several antibiotics, lactose-fermenting bacteria and cultivable heterotrophic bacteria concentrations increased in surface water and/or surface sediment of two small urban lakes (Lake Xuanwu and Wulongtan) after strong storm event. In general, the frequencies of bacteria showing resistance to nine antibiotics increased after storm event. Based on the 16S rRNA genes of 50 randomly selected isolates from each water sample of two lakes, Aeromonas and Bacillus were dominant genera in samples from two lakes, while genera Proteus and Lysinibacillus were the third abundant genera in Lake Xuanwu and Wulongtu, respectively. Presences of nine antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the 100 isolates were detected and most of these isolates harbored at least two ARGs with different functions. The detection frequency of ARGs in Gram-negative isolates was higher than that in Gram-positive isolates. The most prevalent integron in 100 isolates was int(II) (n = 28), followed by int(I) (n = 17) and int(III) (n = 17). Our results indicate that strong storm events potentially contribute to the transfer of ARGs and antibiotic-resistant bacteria from land-sewer system to the urban Lakes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Songhe Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China.
| | - Si Pang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - PeiFang Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China.
| | - Chao Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Nini Han
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Institute of Pearl River Water Resources Protection, Pearl River Water Resources Commission of Ministry of Water Resource, Guangzhou, 510635, China
| | - Bing Han
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Yi Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Kwaku Anim-Larbi
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Paule-Mercado MA, Ventura JS, Memon SA, Jahng D, Kang JH, Lee CH. Monitoring and predicting the fecal indicator bacteria concentrations from agricultural, mixed land use and urban stormwater runoff. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 550:1171-1181. [PMID: 26895037 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Revised: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
While the urban runoff are increasingly being studied as a source of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), less is known about the occurrence of FIB in watershed with mixed land use and ongoing land use and land cover (LULC) change. In this study, Escherichia coli (EC) and fecal streptococcus (FS) were monitored from 2012 to 2013 in agricultural, mixed and urban LULC and analyzed according to the most probable number (MPN). Pearson correlation was used to determine the relationship between FIB and environmental parameters (physicochemical and hydrometeorological). Multiple linear regressions (MLR) were used to identify the significant parameters that affect the FIB concentrations and to predict the response of FIB in LULC change. Overall, the FIB concentrations were higher in urban LULC (EC=3.33-7.39; FS=3.30-7.36log10MPN/100mL) possibly because of runoff from commercial market and 100% impervious cover (IC). Also, during early-summer season; this reflects a greater persistence and growth rate of FIB in a warmer environment. During intra-event, however, the FIB concentrations varied according to site condition. Anthropogenic activities and IC influenced the correlation between the FIB concentrations and environmental parameters. Stormwater temperature (TEMP), turbidity, and TSS positively correlated with the FIB concentrations (p>0.01), since IC increased, implying an accumulation of bacterial sources in urban activities. TEMP, BOD5, turbidity, TSS, and antecedent dry days (ADD) were the most significant explanatory variables for FIB as determined in MLR, possibly because they promoted the FIB growth and survival. The model confirmed the FIB concentrations: EC (R(2)=0.71-0.85; NSE=0.72-0.86) and FS (R(2)=0.65-0.83; NSE=0.66-0.84) are predicted to increase due to urbanization. Therefore, these findings will help in stormwater monitoring strategies, designing the best management practice for FIB removal and as input data for stormwater models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M A Paule-Mercado
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Energy, Myongji University, 116 Myongji-ro, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17058, Republic of Korea
| | - J S Ventura
- Department of Engineering Science, College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology, University of the Philippines Los Banos, Los Banos, Laguna 4031, Philippines
| | - S A Memon
- Institute of Environmental Engineering and Management, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro, 76062, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - D Jahng
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Energy, Myongji University, 116 Myongji-ro, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17058, Republic of Korea
| | - J-H Kang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Dongguk University-Seoul, Seoul 100-715, Republic of Korea
| | - C-H Lee
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Energy, Myongji University, 116 Myongji-ro, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17058, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Liao H, Krometis LAH, Cully Hession W, Benitez R, Sawyer R, Schaberg E, von Wagoner E, Badgley BD. Storm loads of culturable and molecular fecal indicators in an inland urban stream. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 530-531:347-356. [PMID: 26050960 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.05.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2015] [Revised: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Elevated concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria in receiving waters during wet-weather flows are a considerable public health concern that is likely to be exacerbated by future climate change and urbanization. Knowledge of factors driving the fate and transport of fecal indicator bacteria in stormwater is limited, and even less is known about molecular fecal indicators, which may eventually supplant traditional culturable indicators. In this study, concentrations and loading rates of both culturable and molecular fecal indicators were quantified throughout six storm events in an instrumented inland urban stream. While both concentrations and loading rates of each fecal indicator increased rapidly during the rising limb of the storm hydrographs, it is the loading rates rather than instantaneous concentrations that provide a better estimate of transport through the stream during the entire storm. Concentrations of general fecal indicators (both culturable and molecular) correlated most highly with each other during storm events but not with the human-associated HF183 Bacteroides marker. Event loads of general fecal indicators most strongly correlated with total runoff volume, maximum discharge, and maximum turbidity, while event loads of HF183 most strongly correlated with the time to peak flow in a hydrograph. These observations suggest that collection of multiple samples during a storm event is critical for accurate predictions of fecal indicator loading rates and total loads during wet-weather flows, which are required for effective watershed management. In addition, existing predictive models based on general fecal indicators may not be sufficient to predict source-specific genetic markers of fecal contamination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hehuan Liao
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States.
| | - Leigh-Anne H Krometis
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
| | - W Cully Hession
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
| | - Romina Benitez
- Department of Crop & Soil Environmental Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
| | - Richard Sawyer
- Department of Crop & Soil Environmental Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
| | - Erin Schaberg
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
| | - Emily von Wagoner
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
| | - Brian D Badgley
- Department of Crop & Soil Environmental Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Automated Sampling Procedures Supported by High Persistence of Bacterial Fecal Indicators and Bacteroidetes Genetic Microbial Source Tracking Markers in Municipal Wastewater during Short-Term Storage at 5°C. Appl Environ Microbiol 2015; 81:5134-43. [PMID: 26002900 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00998-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Because of high diurnal water quality fluctuations in raw municipal wastewater, the use of proportional autosampling over a period of 24 h at municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to evaluate carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus removal has become a standard in many countries. Microbial removal or load estimation at municipal WWTPs, however, is still based on manually recovered grab samples. The goal of this study was to establish basic knowledge regarding the persistence of standard bacterial fecal indicators and Bacteroidetes genetic microbial source tracking markers in municipal wastewater in order to evaluate their suitability for automated sampling, as the potential lack of persistence is the main argument against such procedures. Raw and secondary treated wastewater of municipal origin from representative and well-characterized biological WWTPs without disinfection (organic carbon and nutrient removal) was investigated in microcosm experiments at 5 and 21°C with a total storage time of 32 h (including a 24-h autosampling component and an 8-h postsampling phase). Vegetative Escherichia coli and enterococci, as well as Clostridium perfringens spores, were selected as indicators for cultivation-based standard enumeration. Molecular analysis focused on total (AllBac) and human-associated genetic Bacteroidetes (BacHum-UCD, HF183 TaqMan) markers by using quantitative PCR, as well as 16S rRNA gene-based next-generation sequencing. The microbial parameters showed high persistence in both raw and treated wastewater at 5°C under the storage conditions used. Surprisingly, and in contrast to results obtained with treated wastewater, persistence of the microbial markers in raw wastewater was also high at 21°C. On the basis of our results, 24-h autosampling procedures with 5°C storage conditions can be recommended for the investigation of fecal indicators or Bacteroidetes genetic markers at municipal WWTPs. Such autosampling procedures will contribute to better understanding and monitoring of municipal WWTPs as sources of fecal pollution in water resources.
Collapse
|
26
|
Villemur R, Imbeau M, Vuong MN, Masson L, Payment P. An environmental survey of surface waters using mitochondrial DNA from human, bovine and porcine origin as fecal source tracking markers. WATER RESEARCH 2015; 69:143-153. [PMID: 25463935 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2014.10.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Revised: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Fecal contamination of surface waters is one the major sources of waterborne pathogens and consequently, is an important concern for public health. For reliable fecal source tracking (FST) monitoring, there is a need for a multi-marker toolbox as no single all-encompassing method currently exists. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) as a source tracking marker has emerged as a promising animal-specific marker. However, very few comprehensive field studies were done on the occurrence of this marker in surface waters. In this report, water samples were obtained from 82 sites in different watersheds over a six year period. The samples were analyzed for the presence of human, bovine and porcine mtDNA by endpoint nested PCR, along with the human-specific Bacteroidales HF183 marker. These sites represented a mix of areas with different anthropogenic activities, natural, urban and agricultural. The occurrences of mitoHu (human), mitoBo (bovine), mitoPo (porcine) and HF183 specific PCR amplifications from the samples were 46%, 23%, 6% and 50%, respectively. The occurrence of mitoHu and HF183 was high in all environment types with higher occurrence in the natural and urban areas, whereas the occurrence of mitoBo was higher in agricultural areas. FST marker concentrations were measured by real-time PCR for samples positive for these markers. The concentration of the mitoHu markers was one order of magnitude lower than HF183. There was co-linearity between the concentrations of the mitoHu and HF183 markers. Co-linearity was also observed between HF183 concentration and fecal coliform levels. Such a relationship was not observed between the mitoHu concentration and fecal coliform levels. In summary, our results showed a high incidence of human fecal pollution throughout the environment while demonstrating the potential of mtDNA as suitable FST markers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Villemur
- INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, 531 Boulevard des Prairies, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada.
| | - Marianne Imbeau
- INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, 531 Boulevard des Prairies, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada
| | - Minh N Vuong
- National Research Council of Canada, 6100 Royalmount Ave, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Luke Masson
- National Research Council of Canada, 6100 Royalmount Ave, Montreal, QC, Canada; Université de Montréal, Dépt. Microbiologie et Immunologie, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Pierre Payment
- INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, 531 Boulevard des Prairies, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Nshimyimana JP, Ekklesia E, Shanahan P, Chua LHC, Thompson JR. Distribution and abundance of human-specific Bacteroides and relation to traditional indicators in an urban tropical catchment. J Appl Microbiol 2014; 116:1369-83. [PMID: 24460587 PMCID: PMC4271309 DOI: 10.1111/jam.12455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2013] [Revised: 01/20/2014] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The study goals were to determine the relationship between faecal indicator bacteria (FIB), the HF183 marker and land use, and the phylogenetic diversity of HF183 marker sequences in a tropical urban watershed. METHODS AND RESULTS Total coliforms, Escherichia coli, and HF183 were quantified in 81 samples categorized as undeveloped, residential and horticultural from the Kranji Reservoir and Catchment in Singapore. Quantitative-PCR for HF183 followed by analysis of variance indicated that horticultural areas had significantly higher geometric means for marker levels (4·3 × 10(4) HF183-GE 100 ml(-1)) than nonhorticultural areas (3·07 × 10(3) HF183-GE 100 ml(-1)). E. coli and HF183 were moderately correlated in horticultural areas (R = 0·59, P = 0·0077), but not elsewhere in the catchment. Initial upstream surveys of candidate sources revealed elevated HF183 in a wastewater treatment effluent but not in aquaculture ponds. The HF183 marker was cloned, sequenced and determined by phylogenetic analysis to match the original marker description. CONCLUSION We show that quantification of the HF183 marker is a useful tool for mapping the spatial distribution and potential sources of human sewage contamination in tropical environments such as Singapore. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT A major challenge for assessment of water quality in tropical environments is the natural occurrence and nonconservative behaviour of FIB. The HF183 marker has been employed in temperate environments as an alternative indicator for human sewage contamination. Our study supports the use of the HF183 marker as an indicator for human sewage in Singapore and motivates further work to determine HF183 marker levels that correspond to public health risk in tropical environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J P Nshimyimana
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Lee DY, Lee H, Trevors JT, Weir SC, Thomas JL, Habash M. Characterization of sources and loadings of fecal pollutants using microbial source tracking assays in urban and rural areas of the Grand River Watershed, Southwestern Ontario. WATER RESEARCH 2014; 53:123-131. [PMID: 24509346 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2014.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Revised: 12/13/2013] [Accepted: 01/01/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Sources of fecal water pollution were assessed in the Grand River and two of its tributaries (Ontario, Canada) using total and host-specific (human and bovine) Bacteroidales genetic markers in conjunction with reference information, such as land use and weather. In-stream levels of the markers and culturable Escherichia coli were also monitored during multiple rain events to gain information on fecal loadings to catchment from diffuse sources. Elevated human-specific marker levels were accurately identified in river water impacted by a municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent and at a downstream site in the Grand River. In contrast, the bovine-specific marker showed high levels of cattle fecal pollution in two tributaries, both of which are characterized as intensely farmed areas. The bovine-specific Bacteroidales marker increased with rainfall in the agricultural tributaries, indicating enhanced loading of cattle-derived fecal pollutants to river from non-point sources following rain events. However, rain-triggered fecal loading was not substantiated in urban settings, indicating continuous inputs of human-originated fecal pollutants from point sources, such as WWTP effluent. This study demonstrated that the Bacteroidales source tracking assays, in combination with land use information and hydrological data, may provide additional insight into the spatial and temporal distribution of source-specific fecal contamination in streams impacted by varying land uses. Using the approach described in this study may help to characterize impacted water sources and to design targeted land use management plans in other watersheds in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dae-Young Lee
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1
| | - Hung Lee
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1
| | - Jack T Trevors
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1
| | - Susan C Weir
- Laboratory Services Branch, Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada M9P 3V6
| | - Janis L Thomas
- Environmental Monitoring and Reporting Branch, Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada M9P 3V6
| | - Marc Habash
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Liang Z, He Z, Zhou X, Powell CA, Yang Y, He LM, Stoffella PJ. Impact of mixed land-use practices on the microbial water quality in a subtropical coastal watershed. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2013; 449:426-33. [PMID: 23454704 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.01.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2012] [Revised: 01/20/2013] [Accepted: 01/27/2013] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Surface runoff water is an important non-point source of fecal pollution to downstream water; however, there is a lack of systematic studies on the microbial quality of surface runoff water from watersheds with mixed land uses. In this study water samples from 12 surface runoff holding water bodies (SRW), which collected runoff from various patterns of land use within the St. Lucie watershed along the southeastern coastline of Florida, were collected monthly for 22 months. The concentration of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) and frequency of detection of Salmonella and host specific markers (HF183, CF128, CF193, and HS-esp) were determined, and their associations with land use, rainfall, and water physico-chemical parameters were investigated. Higher FIB concentrations were observed from urban land and cattle ranch sites. Within the same primary land use pattern, different sub-patterns did not have the same level of FIB: golf communities contributed less to fecal pollution than residential areas, and plant nursery sites contained relative higher FIB concentrations than other agricultural sites. Salmonella, CF128, and CF193 markers were more frequently detected from the cattle ranch sites. In contrast the frequency of detecting human specific markers (HF183 and HS-esp) was much higher in residential sites. Rainfall positively affected the concentration of FIB and occurrence of Salmonella, possibly by providing more inputs or mobilizing the sources from sediments. Water temperature, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and nutrient levels were positively correlated with FIB concentrations and occurrence in SRW, possibly by promoting their growth and survival. This study indicated the need for site specific mitigation strategies to improve SRW and downstream water quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhanbei Liang
- Indian River Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Fort Pierce, FL 34945, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Gonzalez RA, Conn KE, Crosswell JR, Noble RT. Application of empirical predictive modeling using conventional and alternative fecal indicator bacteria in eastern North Carolina waters. WATER RESEARCH 2012; 46:5871-82. [PMID: 22981488 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2012.07.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2012] [Revised: 07/12/2012] [Accepted: 07/27/2012] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Coastal and estuarine waters are the site of intense anthropogenic influence with concomitant use for recreation and seafood harvesting. Therefore, coastal and estuarine water quality has a direct impact on human health. In eastern North Carolina (NC) there are over 240 recreational and 1025 shellfish harvesting water quality monitoring sites that are regularly assessed. Because of the large number of sites, sampling frequency is often only on a weekly basis. This frequency, along with an 18-24 h incubation time for fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) enumeration via culture-based methods, reduces the efficiency of the public notification process. In states like NC where beach monitoring resources are limited but historical data are plentiful, predictive models may offer an improvement for monitoring and notification by providing real-time FIB estimates. In this study, water samples were collected during 12 dry (n = 88) and 13 wet (n = 66) weather events at up to 10 sites. Statistical predictive models for Escherichiacoli (EC), enterococci (ENT), and members of the Bacteroidales group were created and subsequently validated. Our results showed that models for EC and ENT (adjusted R(2) were 0.61 and 0.64, respectively) incorporated a range of antecedent rainfall, climate, and environmental variables. The most important variables for EC and ENT models were 5-day antecedent rainfall, dissolved oxygen, and salinity. These models successfully predicted FIB levels over a wide range of conditions with a 3% (EC model) and 9% (ENT model) overall error rate for recreational threshold values and a 0% (EC model) overall error rate for shellfish threshold values. Though modeling of members of the Bacteroidales group had less predictive ability (adjusted R(2) were 0.56 and 0.53 for fecal Bacteroides spp. and human Bacteroides spp., respectively), the modeling approach and testing provided information on Bacteroidales ecology. This is the first example of a set of successful statistical predictive models appropriate for assessment of both recreational and shellfish harvesting water quality in estuarine waters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raul A Gonzalez
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 3431 Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC 28557, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Gentry-Shields J, Rowny JG, Stewart JR. HuBac and nifH source tracking markers display a relationship to land use but not rainfall. WATER RESEARCH 2012; 46:6163-74. [PMID: 23021338 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2012.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2012] [Revised: 08/15/2012] [Accepted: 09/06/2012] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Identification of the source of fecal pollution is becoming a priority for states and territories in the U.S. in order to meet water quality standards and to develop and implement total maximum daily loads. The goal of this research was to relate microbial source tracking (MST) assay concentrations to land use and levels of impervious surfaces in order to gauge how increasing development is associated with human fecal contamination in inland watersheds. The concentrations of two proposed MST markers, targeting nifH of Methanobrevibacter smithii and HuBac of Bacteroides sp., were positively correlated with increasing anthropogenic development and impervious surfaces. Higher concentrations of these MST markers in more urbanized watersheds suggest that increasing development negatively affects water quality. Neither MST marker concentration was correlated with antecedent rainfall levels, and detection of markers did not differ between dry weather and rain events. Water samples were also analyzed for norovirus and enterovirus, but these enteric viruses were rarely detected. These MST results differ from previous studies that have found correlations between traditional fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) and antecedent rainfall. This difference suggests that the MST markers used in this study may be more specific for recent, land-based contamination events as opposed to resuspension of particle-associated organisms in waterways. HuBac was detected in 98% of samples, correlating with fecal coliform and Escherichia coli concentrations. The ubiquity of the HuBac marker in our samples suggests that this marker does not provide sufficiently different or additional information than FIB, and it is likely this marker was amplifying non-human targets. The nifH marker was detected in 30% of samples. Less than half of the nifH-positive samples contained levels of fecal coliforms or E. coli above regulatory thresholds, suggesting that nifH would be more useful when utilized simultaneously with FIB than in a tiered monitoring strategy. The results of this research suggests that land use factors play an important role in characterizing and mitigating fecal contamination in watersheds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Gentry-Shields
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7431, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|