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Virgin TL, Sonthiphand P, Coyotzi S, Hall MW, Venkiteswaran JJ, Elgood RJ, Schiff SL, Neufeld JD. Microbial communities change along the 300 km length of the Grand River for extreme high- and low-flow regimes. Can J Microbiol 2024; 70:289-302. [PMID: 38747604 DOI: 10.1139/cjm-2023-0092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
The Grand River watershed is the largest catchment in southern Ontario. The river's northern and southern sections are influenced by agriculture, whereas central regions receive wastewater effluent and urban runoff. To characterize in-river microbial communities, as they relate to spatial and environmental factors, we conducted two same-day sampling events along the entire 300 km length of the river, representing contrasting flow seasons (high flow spring melt and low flow end of summer). Through high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA genes, we assessed the relationship between river microbiota and spatial and physicochemical variables. Flow season had a greater impact on communities than spatial or diel effects and profiles diverged with distance between sites under both flow conditions, but low-flow profiles exhibited higher beta diversity. High-flow profiles showed greater species richness and increased presence of soil and sediment taxa, which may relate to increased input from terrestrial sources. Total suspended solids, dissolved inorganic carbon, and distance from headwaters significantly explained microbial community variation during the low-flow event, whereas conductivity, sulfate, and nitrite were significant explanatory factors for spring melt. This study establishes a baseline for the Grand River's microbial community, serving as a foundation for modeling the microbiology of anthropogenically impacted freshwater systems affected by lotic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor L Virgin
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Prinpida Sonthiphand
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, 272 Rama VI Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Sara Coyotzi
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Michael W Hall
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
- Faculty of Computer Science, Dalhousie University, 6050 University Ave, Halifax, NS B3H 1W5, Canada
| | - Jason J Venkiteswaran
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Ave West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3C5, Canada
| | - Richard J Elgood
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Sherry L Schiff
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Josh D Neufeld
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
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Kirschner AKT, Schachner-Groehs I, Kavka G, Hoedl E, Kovacs A, Farnleitner AH. Long-term impact of basin-wide wastewater management on faecal pollution levels along the entire Danube River. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:45697-45710. [PMID: 38977549 PMCID: PMC11269416 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34190-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
The Danube River is, at 2857 km, the second longest river in Europe and the most international river in the world with 19 countries in its catchment. Along the entire river, faecal pollution levels are mainly influenced by point-source emissions from treated and untreated sewage of municipal origin under base-flow conditions. In the past 2 decades, large investments in wastewater collection and treatment infrastructure were made in the European Union (EU) Member States located in the Danube River Basin (DRB). Overall, the share of population equivalents with appropriately biologically treated wastewater (without disinfection) has increased from 69% to more than 85%. The proportion of tertiary treatment has risen from 46 to 73%. In contrast, no comparable improvements of wastewater infrastructure took place in non-EU Member States in the middle and lower DRB, where a substantial amount of untreated wastewater is still directly discharged into the Danube River. Faecal pollution levels along the whole Danube River and the confluence sites of the most important tributaries were monitored during four Danube River expeditions, the Joint Danube Surveys (JDS). During all four surveys, the longitudinal patterns of faecal pollution were highly consistent, with generally lower levels in the upper section and elevated levels and major hotspots in the middle and lower sections of the Danube River. From 2001 to 2019, a significant decrease in faecal pollution levels could be observed in all three sections with average reduction rates between 72 and 86%. Despite this general improvement in microbiological water quality, no such decreases were observed for the highly polluted stretch in Central Serbia. Further improvements in microbiological water quality can be expected for the next decades on the basis of further investments in wastewater infrastructure in the EU Member States, in the middle and lower DRB. In the upper DRB, and due to the high compliance level as regards collection and treatment, improvements can further be achieved by upgrading sewage treatment plants with quaternary treatment steps as well as by preventing combined sewer overflows. The accession of the Western Balkan countries to the EU would also significantly boost investments in wastewater infrastructure and water quality improvements in the middle section of the Danube. Continuing whole-river expeditions such as the Joint Danube Surveys is highly recommended to monitor the developments in water quality in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander K T Kirschner
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology - Water Microbiology, Medical University Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
- Division Water Quality and Health, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Dr. Karl Dorrek Straße 30, 3500, Krems, Austria.
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre Water & Health (http://www.waterandhealth.at), Vienna, Austria.
| | - Iris Schachner-Groehs
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology - Water Microbiology, Medical University Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre Water & Health (http://www.waterandhealth.at), Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerhard Kavka
- Federal Agency for Water Management, Petzenkirchen, Austria
| | - Edith Hoedl
- International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR), Vienna International Centre, Vienna, Austria
| | - Adam Kovacs
- International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR), Vienna International Centre, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas H Farnleitner
- Division Water Quality and Health, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Dr. Karl Dorrek Straße 30, 3500, Krems, Austria
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre Water & Health (http://www.waterandhealth.at), Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics, Technische Universität Wien, E166/5/3 and E057-08, Gumpendorferstraße 1a, 1060, Vienna, Austria
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Sekgobela JM, Murei A, Khabo-Mmekoa CM, Momba MNB. Identification of fecal contamination sources of groundwater in rural areas of Vhembe District Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2023; 95:e10965. [PMID: 38151283 DOI: 10.1002/wer.10965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Groundwater is a valuable source of drinking water worldwide, recognized as an improved drinking water source. However, on-site sanitation systems may put groundwater at risk of fecal contamination. In the present study, two approaches were used to ascertain the sources of fecal contamination in groundwater used by communities of the Vhembe District Municipality. Overall, 87.5% of boreholes (n = 70) in the wet and 72.5% in the dry season were contaminated with Escherichia coli, and septic tank (n = 18) wastewaters displayed up to 104 cfu/mL E. coli. Host-specific Bacteroidales quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays established the presence of human (BacHum and HF183) and animal (Cytb, BacCan, and Pig-2Bac) genetic markers in groundwater from 15.7% of boreholes (wet) and 10% of boreholes (dry). No strong associations were founded between culturable E. coli counts and the presence/absence of marker genes for all the markers except for Cytb marker, which showed a weak significant correlation (r = 0.217; p = <0.01) between E. coli and the Cytb marker under dry seasonal conditions. Human markers and Cytb were present in the household septic tank wastewater samples. Significant differences in marker genes distribution in wastewater were observed using the Chi-squared test: HF183 (p = <0.001) and BacHum (p = <0.001). Overall, no association was recorded between markers in groundwater and in wastewater for 18 households' septic tanks. A combined culturable E. coli and host-specific Bacteroidales qPCR assays remain an appropriate approach for the identification of fecal contamination of groundwater. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Households primarily used private boreholes for drinking water, as a primary source. Most households used on-site sanitation systems, including ventilated improved pit latrines and flush toilets connected to septic tanks. Escherichia coli was detected in groundwater, and the sources of fecal contamination were humans and animals (pigs, dogs, and chickens). The presence of human and animal markers in groundwater suggests that humans and animals are liable for fecal contamination. Fecal contamination in drinking water sources poses a significant concern due to pathogenic microorganisms posing potential human health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeridah Matlhokha Sekgobela
- Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Arinao Murei
- Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Maggy Ndombo Benteke Momba
- Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa
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Digaletos M, Ptacek CJ, Thomas J, Liu Y. Chemical and biological tracers to identify source and transport pathways of septic system contamination to streams in areas with low permeability soils. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 870:161866. [PMID: 36709906 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Septic systems are widely used in rural areas that lack centralized sewage treatment systems. Incomplete removal of domestic wastewater contaminants in septic systems can lead to leaching of nutrients (P and N), bacteria/viruses, and trace contaminants to surrounding groundwater and surface water. This study focuses on delineating the fate of wastewater contaminants in localities where septic systems are installed in moderate to fine-grained overburden materials to assess potential impacts on groundwater and surface water quality in these settings. Nutrients and a suite of anthropogenic tracers, including host-specific fecal indicator bacteria (bovine- and human-specific Bacteroides), pharmaceutical compounds (caffeine, carbamazepine, gemfibrozil, ibuprofen, naproxen, and sulfamethoxazole), and an artificial sweetener (acesulfame-K), were selected to evaluate differences in transport properties. Surface water samples (n = 103) were collected from streams upstream (US) and downstream (DS) of three rural hamlets up to two times monthly over one year. Results indicate the presence of wastewater indicators in the streams, with DS locations showing significantly elevated concentrations of both chemical and biological anthropogenic tracers. Human-specific Bacteroides, caffeine, and acesulfame-K were consistently observed at elevated concentrations at all DS sites. Nutrients exhibited varied concentrations between US and DS locations at three study sites. The occurrence of human-specific Bacteroides in the surface water samples suggests the presence of preferential flow pathways within the silt/clay overburden. These results demonstrate the advantages of using a combined tracer approach, involving a conservative tracer such as acesulfame-K coupled with the human-specific biological indicator Bacteroides (BacHum), to understand not only impacting sources but also potential transport pathways of septic system contamination to nearby streams. Septic systems may be an underappreciated contaminant source in rural hamlets located in fine-grained overburden materials; although, a distinction of specific nutrient sources (septic systems vs. agriculture) remains challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Digaletos
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. W, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Carol J Ptacek
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. W, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Janis Thomas
- Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, 125 Resources Rd., Toronto, Ontario M9P 3V6, Canada; Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. W, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - YingYing Liu
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. W, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.
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Feng J, Duan T, Zhou Y, Chang X, Li Y. An improved nonnegative matrix factorization with the imputation method model for pollution source apportionment during rainstorm events. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 328:116888. [PMID: 36516713 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Data scarcity caused by extreme conditions during storms adds difficulties in performing pollution source apportionment. This study integrated nonnegative matrix factorization with the imputation method (NMF-IM) to fill in missing data (NAs) and conduct source apportionment. A total of 367 river samples and 35 runoff samples were taken from the Banqiao and Nanfei River basins located in Hefei, China, during four rainfall events from June to August 2020. Sixteen indicators were quantified and used for source diagnostics using NMF-IM. The results showed that total phosphorus (TP) had higher concentrations and more violent fluctuations than total nitrogen (TN) in river samples taken from rain. NMF-IM was shown to recover the value distribution of NAs approximately. The source profiles and contribution rates calculated by NMF-IM with NAs were close to the original results calculated by NMF without NAs, with root mean square error of less than 2.3% and differences less than 9.5%. Multiple forms of nitrogen and phosphorus indicators benefit reaching reasonable source diagnostics results. At least four indicators were needed to reach the same contribution rates as 16 indicator diagnostics. The two good indicator combination groups are nitrate (NO3-N), nitrite (NO2-N), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), and total suspended solids (TSS) and NO3-N, NO2-N, phosphorus (PO4-P), and TSS. The pollution source contributions changed with the Antecedent dry period (ADPs) of rain events. Treated tailwater and untreated sewage were major sources, contributing more than 80% of the total pollution of the rainstorm events with short ADPs. Dust wash became the dominant contributor after 60 min and contributed 36% of the total pollution of rainstorm events with long ADPs. The average source contribution rates for rainfall events in the Banqiao River were treated tailwater (41%) > untreated sewage (27%) > dust wash (19%) > other sources (16%). The pollution source diagnostics results were verified to be reasonable by simulation using tested run-off data and literature results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiashen Feng
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of the Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Duan
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of the Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanqing Zhou
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of the Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuan Chang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of the Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yingxia Li
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of the Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
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6
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Derx J, Kılıç HS, Linke R, Cervero-Aragó S, Frick C, Schijven J, Kirschner AKT, Lindner G, Walochnik J, Stalder G, Sommer R, Saracevic E, Zessner M, Blaschke AP, Farnleitner AH. Probabilistic fecal pollution source profiling and microbial source tracking for an urban river catchment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 857:159533. [PMID: 36270368 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
We developed an innovative approach to estimate the occurrence and extent of fecal pollution sources for urban river catchments. The methodology consists of 1) catchment surveys complemented by literature data where needed for probabilistic estimates of daily produced fecal indicator (FIBs, E. coli, enterococci) and zoonotic reference pathogen numbers (Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium and Giardia) excreted by human and animal sources in a river catchment, 2) generating a hypothesis about the dominant sources of fecal pollution and selecting a source targeted monitoring design, and 3) verifying the results by comparing measured concentrations of the informed choice of parameters (i.e. chemical tracers, C. perfringensspores, and host-associated genetic microbial source tracking (MST) markers) in the river, and by multi-parametric correlation analysis. We tested the approach at a study area in Vienna, Austria. The daily produced microbial particle numbers according to the probabilistic estimates indicated that, for the dry weather scenario, the discharge of treated wastewater (WWTP) was the primary contributor to fecal pollution. For the wet weather scenario, 80-99 % of the daily produced FIBs and pathogens resulted from combined sewer overflows (CSOs) according to the probabilistic estimates. When testing our hypothesis in the river, the measured concentrations of the human genetic fecal marker were log10 4 higher than for selected animal genetic fecal markers. Our analyses showed for the first-time statistical relationships between C. perfringens spores (used as conservative microbial tracer for communal sewage) and a human genetic fecal marker (i.e. HF183/BacR287) with the reference pathogen Giardia in river water (Spearman rank correlation: 0.78-0.83, p < 0.05. The developed approach facilitates urban water safety management and provides a robust basis for microbial fate and transport models and microbial infection risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Derx
- Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management, TU Wien, Austria.
| | - H Seda Kılıç
- Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management, TU Wien, Austria
| | - Rita Linke
- Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics 166/5/3, TU Wien, Austria
| | - Sílvia Cervero-Aragó
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Christina Frick
- Vienna City Administration, Municipal Department 39, Division of Hygiene, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jack Schijven
- Utrecht University, Faculty of Geosciences, Department of Earth Sciences, Utrecht, the Netherlands; National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Department of Statistics, Informatics and Modelling, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Alexander K T Kirschner
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria; Division Water Quality and Health, Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Microbiology, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems an der Donau, Austria
| | - Gerhard Lindner
- Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management, TU Wien, Austria
| | - Julia Walochnik
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Gabrielle Stalder
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Regina Sommer
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Ernis Saracevic
- Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Zessner
- Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alfred P Blaschke
- Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management, TU Wien, Austria
| | - Andreas H Farnleitner
- Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics 166/5/3, TU Wien, Austria.; Division Water Quality and Health, Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Microbiology, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems an der Donau, Austria
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Flood MT, Hernandez-Suarez JS, Nejadhashemi AP, Martin SL, Hyndman D, Rose JB. Connecting microbial, nutrient, physiochemical, and land use variables for the evaluation of water quality within mixed use watersheds. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 219:118526. [PMID: 35598465 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
As non-point sources of pollution begin to overtake point sources in watersheds, source identification and complicating variables such as rainfall are growing in importance. Microbial source tracking (MST) allows for identification of fecal contamination sources in watersheds; when combined with data on land use and co-occuring variables (e.g., nutrients, sediment runoff) MST can provide a basis for understanding how to effectively remediate water quality. To determine spatial and temporal trends in microbial contamination and correlations between MST and nutrients, water samples (n = 136) were collected between April 2017 and May of 2018 during eight sampling events from 17 sites in 5 mixed-use watersheds. These samples were analyzed for three MST markers (human - B. theta; bovine - CowM2; porcine - Pig2Bac) along with E. coli, nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus species), and physiochemical paramaters. These water quality variables were then paired with data on land use, streamflow, precipitation and management practices (e.g., tile drainage, septic tank density, tillage practices) to determine if any significant relationships existed between the observed microbial contamination and these variables. The porcine marker was the only marker that was highly correlated (p value <0.05) with nitrogen and phosphorus species in multiple clustering schemes. Significant relationships were also identified between MST markers and variables that demonstrated temporal trends driven by precipitation and spatial trends driven by septic tanks and management practices (tillage and drainage) when spatial clustering was employed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew T Flood
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing MI 48824, USA.
| | | | - A Pouyan Nejadhashemi
- Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing MI 48824, USA
| | - Sherry L Martin
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing MI
| | - David Hyndman
- Department of Geosciences, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX, 75080, USA
| | - Joan B Rose
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing MI 48824, USA
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Butler AJ, Pintar K, Thomas JL, Fleury M, Kadykalo S, Ziebell K, Nash J, Lapen D. Microbial water quality at contrasting recreational areas in a mixed-use watershed in eastern Canada. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2021; 19:975-989. [PMID: 34874904 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2021.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Recreational water use is an important source of human enteric illness. Enhanced (episodic) surveillance of natural recreational waters as a supplement to beach monitoring can enrich our understanding of human health risks. From 2011 to 2013, water sampling was undertaken at recreational sites on a watershed in eastern Canada. This study compared the prevalence and associations of human enteric pathogens and fecal indicator organisms. Beach water samples had lower pathogen presence than those along the main river, due to different pollution sources and the hydrological disposition. Pathogen profiles identified from the beach sites suggested a more narrow range of sources, including birds, indicating that wild bird management could help reduce public health risks at these sites. The presence and concentration of indicator organisms did not differ significantly between beaches and the river. However, higher concentrations of generic Escherichia coli were observed when Salmonella and Cryptosporidium were present at beach sites, when Salmonella was present at the river recreational site, and when verotoxigenic E. coli were present among all sites sampled. In this watershed, generic E. coli concentrations were good indicators of potential contamination, pathogen load, and elevated human health risk, supporting their use for routine monitoring where enhanced pathogen testing is not possible.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Janis L Thomas
- Environmental Monitoring and Reporting Branch, Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks, Toronto, Canada
| | - Manon Fleury
- Centre for Food-borne, Environmental and Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Public Health Agency of Canada, Guelph, Canada E-mail:
| | - Stefanie Kadykalo
- Centre for Food-borne, Environmental and Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Public Health Agency of Canada, Guelph, Canada E-mail:
| | - Kim Ziebell
- National Microbiology Laboratory at Guelph, Public Health Agency of Canada, Guelph, Canada
| | - John Nash
- National Microbiology Laboratory at Toronto, Public Health Agency of Canada, Toronto, Canada
| | - David Lapen
- Science and Technology Branch, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0C6, Canada
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Automated Targeted Sampling of Waterborne Pathogens and Microbial Source Tracking Markers Using Near-Real Time Monitoring of Microbiological Water Quality. WATER 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/w13152069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Waterborne pathogens are heterogeneously distributed across various spatiotemporal scales in water resources, and representative sampling is therefore crucial for accurate risk assessment. Since regulatory monitoring of microbiological water quality is usually conducted at fixed time intervals, it can miss short-term fecal contamination episodes and underestimate underlying microbial risks. In the present paper, we developed a new automated sampling methodology based on near real-time measurement of a biochemical indicator of fecal pollution. Online monitoring of β-D-glucuronidase (GLUC) activity was used to trigger an automated sampler during fecal contamination events in a drinking water supply and at an urban beach. Significant increases in protozoan parasites, microbial source tracking markers and E. coli were measured during short-term (<24 h) fecal pollution episodes, emphasizing the intermittent nature of their occurrence in water. Synchronous triggering of the automated sampler with online GLUC activity measurements further revealed a tight association between the biochemical indicator and culturable E. coli. The proposed event sampling methodology is versatile and in addition to the two triggering modes validated here, others can be designed based on specific needs and local settings. In support to regulatory monitoring schemes, it should ultimately help gathering crucial data on waterborne pathogens more efficiently during episodic fecal pollution events.
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Li X, Kelty CA, Sivaganesan M, Shanks OC. Variable fecal source prioritization in recreational waters routinely monitored with viral and bacterial general indicators. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 192:116845. [PMID: 33508720 PMCID: PMC8186395 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.116845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Somatic and F+ coliphage methods are under consideration as potential routine surface water quality monitoring tools to identify unsafe levels of fecal pollution in recreational waters. However, little is known about the cooccurrence of these virus-based fecal indicators and host-associated genetic markers used to prioritize key pollution sources for remediation. In this study, paired measurements of cultivated coliphage (somatic and F+) and bacterial (E. coli and enterococci) general fecal indicators and genetic markers indicative of human (HF183/BacR287 and HumM2), ruminant (Rum2Bac), canine (DG3), and avian (GFD) fecal pollution sources were assessed in 365 water samples collected from six Great Lakes Basin beach and river sites over a 15-week recreational season. Water samples were organized into groups based on defined viral and bacterial fecal indicator water quality thresholds and average log10 host-associated genetic marker fecal score ratios were estimated to compare pollutant source inferences based on variable routine water quality monitoring practices. Eligible log10 fecal score ratios ranged from -0.051 (F+ coliphage, GFD) to 2.08 (enterococci, Rum2Bac). Using a fecal score ratio approach, findings suggest that general fecal indicator selection for routine water quality monitoring can influence the interpretation of host-associated genetic marker measurements, in some cases, prioritizing different pollutant sources for remediation. Variable trends were also observed between Great Lake beach and river sites suggesting disparate management practices may be useful for each water type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China 518055
| | - Catherine A Kelty
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Mano Sivaganesan
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Orin C Shanks
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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11
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Abstract
The aquatic ecosystem is continuously threatened by the infiltration and discharge of anthropogenic wastewaters. This issue requires the unending improvement of monitoring systems to become more comprehensive and specific to targeted pollutants. This review intended to elucidate the overall aspects explored by researchers in developing better water pollution monitoring tools in recent years. The discussion is encircled around three main elements that have been extensively used as the basis for the development of monitoring methods, namely the dissolved compounds, bacterial indicator, and nucleic acids. The latest technologies applied in wastewater and surface water mapped from these key players were reviewed and categorized into physicochemical and compound characterizations, biomonitoring, and molecular approaches in taxonomical and functional analyses. Overall, researchers are continuously rallying to enhance the detection of causal source for water pollution through either conventional or mostly advanced approaches focusing on spectrometry, high-throughput sequencing, and flow cytometry technology among others. From this review’s perspective, each pollution evaluation technology has its own advantages and it would be beneficial for several aspects of pollutants assessments to be combined and established as a complementary package for better aquatic environmental management in the long run.
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Hinojosa J, Green J, Estrada F, Herrera J, Mata T, Phan D, Pasha ABMT, Matta A, Johnson D, Kapoor V. Determining the primary sources of fecal pollution using microbial source tracking assays combined with land-use information in the Edwards Aquifer. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 184:116211. [PMID: 32721766 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The Edwards Aquifer serves as a primary source of drinking water to more than 2 million people in south-central Texas, and as a karst aquifer, is vulnerable to human and animal fecal contamination which poses a serious risk to human and environmental health. A one-year study (Jan 2018 - Feb 2019) was conducted to determine the primary sources of fecal pollution along the Balcones and Leon Creek within the Edwards Aquifer recharge and contributing zones using general (E. coli, enterococci, and universal Bacteriodales) and host-associated (human-, dog-, cow- and chicken/duck-associated Bacteriodales) microbial source tracking (MST) assays. Additionally, sites were classified based on surrounding land use as a potential source predictor and marker levels were correlated with rain events and water quality parameters. Levels for the three general indicators were highest and exhibited similar trends across the sampling sites, suggesting that the sole use of these markers is not sufficient for specific fecal source identification. Among the host-associated markers, highest concentrations were observed for the dog marker (BacCan) in the Leon Creek area and the cow marker (BacCow) in the Balcones Creek area. Additionally, Chicken/Duck-Bac, BacCan and BacCow all exhibited higher concentrations during the spring season and the end of fall/early winter. Relatively lower concentrations were observed for the human-associated markers (HF183 and BacHum), however, levels were higher in the Leon Creek area and highest following rainfall events. Additionally, relatively higher levels in HF183 and BacHum were observed at sites having greater human population and septic tank density and may be attributed to leaks or breaks in these infrastructures. This study is the first to examine and compare fecal contamination at rural and urban areas in the recharge and contributing zones of the Edwards Aquifer using a molecular MST approach targeting Bacteroidales 16S rRNA gene-based assays. The Bacteroidales marker assays, when combined with land use and weather information, can allow for a better understanding of the sources and fluxes of fecal contamination, which can help devise effective mitigation measures to protect water quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Hinojosa
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Jemima Green
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Fabiola Estrada
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Jonathan Herrera
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Troy Mata
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Duc Phan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - A B M Tanvir Pasha
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Akanksha Matta
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Drew Johnson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Vikram Kapoor
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA.
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13
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Microbial Water Quality Conditions Associated with Livestock Grazing, Recreation, and Rural Residences in Mixed-Use Landscapes. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12125207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Contamination of surface waters with microbial pollutants from fecal sources is a significant human health issue. Identification of relative fecal inputs from the mosaic of potential sources common in rural watersheds is essential to effectively develop and deploy mitigation strategies. We conducted a cross-sectional longitudinal survey of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) concentrations associated with extensive livestock grazing, recreation, and rural residences in three rural, mountainous watersheds in California, USA during critical summer flow conditions. Overall, we found that 86% to 87% of 77 stream sample sites across the study area were below contemporary Escherichia coli-based microbial water quality standards. FIB concentrations were lowest at recreation sites, followed closely by extensive livestock grazing sites. Elevated concentrations and exceedance of water quality standards were highest at sites associated with rural residences, and at intermittently flowing stream sites. Compared to national and state recommended E. coli-based water quality standards, antiquated rural regional policies based on fecal coliform concentrations overestimated potential fecal contamination by as much as four orders of magnitude in this landscape, hindering the identification of the most likely fecal sources and thus the efficient targeting of mitigation practices to address them.
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14
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Kadykalo S, Thomas J, Parmley EJ, Pintar K, Fleury M. Antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella and generic Escherichia coli isolated from surface water samples used for recreation and a source of drinking water in southwestern Ontario, Canada. Zoonoses Public Health 2020; 67:566-575. [PMID: 32511870 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the aquatic environment represents an important means of introduction and dissemination of resistance genes, and presence of resistant pathogens in surface waters may pose a public health concern to recreational and drinking water users. The purpose of this study was to explore antimicrobial resistance patterns in water samples collected from the Grand River watershed (southwestern Ontario, Canada) to describe the composition, trends and potential risks of AMR in the aquatic environment. As part of FoodNet Canada and the Canadian Integrated Program for Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance (CIPARS), stream water samples were collected bi-weekly from sampling sites within the Grand River watershed in the Waterloo, Ontario sentinel site and tested for the presence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella spp. (2005-2013) and generic Escherichia coli (2012-2013). Of all samples tested, 16% of Salmonella and 22% of E. coli isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial, including three Salmonella isolates and two E. coli isolates that were resistant to Category I antimicrobials, which are classified as very high importance for the treatment of serious bacterial infections in humans. The greatest proportion of resistant E. coli isolates were observed from the river site upstream of the drinking water intake, while the greatest proportion of resistant Salmonella isolates were from sites upstream in the watershed, and at one recreational water site. Salmonella resistance trends remained fairly stable between 2007 and 2013, with the exception of streptomycin and tetracycline which increased in 2010 and 2013. Continued surveillance of antimicrobial resistance patterns and exploration of risk factor data will allow for a better understanding of resistance transmission in the aquatic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Kadykalo
- Centre for Food-Borne, Environmental and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Public Health Agency of Canada, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Janis Thomas
- Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - E Jane Parmley
- Centre for Food-Borne, Environmental and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Public Health Agency of Canada, Guelph, ON, Canada.,Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | | | - Manon Fleury
- Centre for Food-Borne, Environmental and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Public Health Agency of Canada, Guelph, ON, Canada
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15
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Chen L, Zhang X, Zhi X, Dai Y, Zhang P, Xiao Y, Shen Z. Tracking faecal microorganisms using the qPCR method in a typical urban catchment in China. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2020; 192:158. [PMID: 32016573 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-020-8130-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Faecal microorganisms represent a key threat to human health. Potential origins of faecal microbial contamination in a typical urban-representative micro-scale were evaluated. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method was used in this study. The Bacteroidetes is selected as the indicative microorganism in runoff samples that are collected during four representative stormwater events in north China. The principal component analysis (PCA) method indicated the distribution feature of the environmental factors. The largest contributor is dog, followed by bird and human to the faecal pollution in stormwater runoff. The output of human and dog faecal pollutants in response to the first flush effect of nonpoint source pollution while the transmit time of bird faecal pollutant is relatively longer. In addition, the number of antecedent drying days represents the key factor for dog faecal pollution, while human faecal pollution is impacted by more factors. The results of this study will provide sound evidence for the tracking and management of nonpoint source faecal pollution in urban catchment areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaosha Zhi
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, People's Republic of China
- Satellite Environment Centre, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Beijing, 100094, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, People's Republic of China
| | - Pu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuechen Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenyao Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, People's Republic of China.
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16
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Badgley BD, Steele MK, Cappellin C, Burger J, Jian J, Neher TP, Orentas M, Wagner R. Fecal indicator dynamics at the watershed scale: Variable relationships with land use, season, and water chemistry. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 697:134113. [PMID: 32380608 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Tracking fecal contamination in surface waters is critical to remediating water quality; however, general and source-specific fecal indicators often provide conflicting results. To understand the spatial and temporal dynamics of multiple fecal indicators and the sources they represent, we measured weekly concentrations of two general fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), a genetic indicator of human-associated Bacteroides (HF183), and surface water chemistry in nine mixed land-use watersheds in southwest Virginia, USA. At the watershed scale, general and source-specific indicators were decoupled, with distinct spatial, temporal, and chemical patterns. Random Forest analysis of individual sample variability identified temperature, watershed, nutrients, and cations as top predictors of indicator concentrations. However, these patterns - and the specific nutrients and cations identified - varied by indicator type. Among watersheds, FIB increased with developed land cover and during the summer months, while HF183 increased during the winter and only in urban watersheds. Nutrients generally related poorly to FIB and HF183, except E. coli, which correlated with total nitrogen. In contrast, all fecal indicators showed strong correlations with cations. FIB were more strongly related to calcium, magnesium, and potassium concentrations, while HF183 was related to sodium. These results suggest that, even at the watershed scale, 1) HF183 detects mainly human fecal contamination, while FIB detect broader ecosystem fecal inputs, and 2) poor correlation between specific and generalist fecal indicators is caused by unique spatial, temporal, and transport dynamics of different fecal sources in watersheds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian D Badgley
- School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech, United States of America.
| | - Meredith K Steele
- School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech, United States of America
| | - Catherine Cappellin
- School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech, United States of America
| | - Julie Burger
- School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech, United States of America
| | - Jinshi Jian
- School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech, United States of America
| | - Timothy P Neher
- School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech, United States of America
| | - Megan Orentas
- School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech, United States of America
| | - Regan Wagner
- School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech, United States of America
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17
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Tran NH, Reinhard M, Khan E, Chen H, Nguyen VT, Li Y, Goh SG, Nguyen QB, Saeidi N, Gin KYH. Emerging contaminants in wastewater, stormwater runoff, and surface water: Application as chemical markers for diffuse sources. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 676:252-267. [PMID: 31048157 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.04.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Diffuse sources of pollution such as sewer leakages, sewer overflows, illicit discharges and stormwater runoff affect the urban surface water quality but often remain unknown. Therefore, the development of chemical markers for identifying and characterizing the origin of diffuse sources of pollution in urban surface waters is a requisite for protecting and managing urban water resources. In this study, the occurrence of 31 emerging contaminants (ECs) in untreated wastewater, treated wastewater, urban stormwater runoff, agricultural stormwater runoff, and freshwater bodies was investigated. Artificial sweeteners (ASs), pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) were more frequently detected in the collected water samples. In raw wastewater, 21 target ECs were detected 100% in the collected samples with median concentrations ranging from 49.6 to 77,721 ng/L, while in freshwater bodies, only 13 compounds were found with detection frequency >50%. The median concentration of the majority of detected ECs in freshwater samples was below 100 ng/L. The suitability of ECs as chemical markers of diffuse sources in an urban watershed was assessed using a suite of criteria, including the detection frequency (DF), detection ratio (DR) (i.e. the ratio between median concentration and method quantification limit of a compound) and attenuation rates (i.e., biodegradation, sorption and abiotic degradation) in wastewater treatment processes. In addition, we propose a new key criterion, the concentration ratio (CR) of labile to conservative compounds, to evaluate the applicability of suitable chemical markers for source tracking. Using this new set of criteria (i.e. CR, DF, DR and attenuation rates), our analysis showed that among the investigated ECs, only acesulfame (ACE), acetaminophen (ACT), cyclamate (CYC), saccharin (SAC) were suitable as chemical markers of diffuse sources in surface waters. For caffeine (CF), N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET), crotamiton (CTMT), triclocarban (TCC) and triclosan (TCS), their median concentration ratio to sucralose (SUC) in water bodies was consistently higher than that in raw wastewater, suggesting that these compounds might be unsuitable as chemical markers of sewage leakage in surface waters for this study area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngoc Han Tran
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 5A Engineering Drive 1, T-Lab Building, Singapore 117411, Singapore; Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Viet Nam.
| | - Martin Reinhard
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, CA 94305, USA
| | - Eakalak Khan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), 4505S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
| | - Huiting Chen
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 5A Engineering Drive 1, T-Lab Building, Singapore 117411, Singapore
| | | | - Yiwen Li
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Shin Giek Goh
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 1 Engineering Drive 2, Singapore 117576, Singapore
| | - Q B Nguyen
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Viet Nam
| | - Nazanin Saeidi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 1 Engineering Drive 2, Singapore 117576, Singapore
| | - Karina Yew-Hoong Gin
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 5A Engineering Drive 1, T-Lab Building, Singapore 117411, Singapore; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 1 Engineering Drive 2, Singapore 117576, Singapore.
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18
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Shin SB, Lee JH, Lim CW, Son KT, Jeong SH. Fecal source tracking based on fecal coliform concentration and bacterial community structure in the Bong stream, Korea. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:5601-5612. [PMID: 30612367 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3995-6] [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: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Fecal source tracking of the Bong stream, a representative inland pollutant around the drainage basin of Gangjin Bay (an area where shellfish are grown for export), was performed three times in four confluence areas with 13 sampling sites by analyzing fecal coliform concentrations and two types of bacterial community structures. Identification of the origin of major fecal pollution in the area that inflowed simultaneously via several branch streams was difficult using fecal source tracking based on fecal coliform concentration. Bacterial community analyses using high-throughput sequencing showed that the dominant groups in the entire bacterial community at the class level were Beta-, Gamma-, and Alpha-proteobacteria; Flavobacteriia; and Bacteroidia, and the most abundant groups in the Bacteroidales-specific community at the genus level were Prevotella and Bacteroides. Hierarchical clustering and Bray-Curtis dissimilarity analysis for fecal source tracking indicated that the Bacteroidales-specific community was superior in water environments compared with analysis of the entire bacterial community. Conversely, when the degree of fecal pollution in the sample was low, fecal source tracking based on the entire bacterial community was more reliable. These results suggest that fecal source tracking based on bacterial communities is a useful tool for identifying the origin of fecal pollution in a large stream and implementing systematic guidelines for the establishment of an effective management plan to reduce fecal pollution sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soon Bum Shin
- South Sea Fisheries Research Institute, National Institute of Fisheries Science, 22, Sepodangmeori-gil, Hwayang-myeon, Yeosu, 59780, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hee Lee
- South Sea Fisheries Research Institute, National Institute of Fisheries Science, 22, Sepodangmeori-gil, Hwayang-myeon, Yeosu, 59780, Republic of Korea
| | - Chi Won Lim
- South Sea Fisheries Research Institute, National Institute of Fisheries Science, 22, Sepodangmeori-gil, Hwayang-myeon, Yeosu, 59780, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Tae Son
- Food Safety and Processing Research Division, National Institute of Fisheries Science, 216, Gijanghaean-ro, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan, 46083, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hyeon Jeong
- South Sea Fisheries Research Institute, National Institute of Fisheries Science, 22, Sepodangmeori-gil, Hwayang-myeon, Yeosu, 59780, Republic of Korea.
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19
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Nawrocki CC, Kiatsopit N, Namsanor J, Sithithaworn P, Carlton EJ. Culture of fecal indicator bacteria from snail intestinal tubes as a tool for assessing the risk of Opisthorchis viverrini infection in Bithynia snail habitat. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:66. [PMID: 30700304 PMCID: PMC6354346 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3313-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Like many trematodes of human health significance, the carcinogenic liver fluke, Opisthorchis viverrini, is spread via fecal contamination of snail habitat. Methods for assessing snail exposure to fecal waste can improve our ability to identify snail infection hotspots and potential sources of snail infections. We evaluated the feasibility of culturing fecal indicator bacteria from Bithynia snail intestinal tubes as a method for assessing snail exposure to fecal waste. Snails and water samples were collected from a site with a historically high prevalence of O. viverrini infected snails (“hotspot” site) and a site with historically no infected snails (“non-hotspot” site) on two sampling days. Snails were tested for O. viverrini and a stratified random sample of snails from each site was selected for intestinal tube removal and culture of gut contents for the fecal indicator bacteria, Escherichia coli. Water samples were tested for E. coli and nearby households were surveyed to assess sources of fecal contamination. Results At the hotspot site, 26 of 2833 Bithynia siamensis goniomphalos snails were infected with O. viverrini compared to 0 of 1421 snails at the non-hotspot site. A total of 186 snails were dissected and cultured. Escherichia coli were detected in the guts of 20% of uninfected snails, 4% of O. viverrini-positive snails and 8% of snails not examined for cercarial infection at the hotspot site. Only one of 75 snails from the non-hotspot site was positive for E. coli. Accounting for sampling weights, snails at the hotspot site were more likely to have gut E. coli than snails from the non-hotspot site. The concentration of fecal indicator bacteria in surface water was higher at the hotspot vs non-hotspot site on only the first sampling day. Conclusions Fecal indicator bacteria can be detected in the intestinal tubes of Bithynia snails. The presence of fecal indicator bacteria in Bithynia snail guts may indicate risk of O. viverrini infection in snail populations. This method has the potential to aid in identifying locations and time windows of peak snail infection risk and may be applicable to other trematodes of human-health significance. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3313-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney C Nawrocki
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Nadda Kiatsopit
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.,Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Jutamas Namsanor
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.,Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Paiboon Sithithaworn
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.,Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Elizabeth J Carlton
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
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20
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Dila DK, Corsi SR, Lenaker PL, Baldwin AK, Bootsma MJ, McLellan SL. Patterns of Host-Associated Fecal Indicators Driven by Hydrology, Precipitation, and Land Use Attributes in Great Lakes Watersheds. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:11500-11509. [PMID: 30192524 PMCID: PMC6437017 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b01945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Fecal contamination from sewage and agricultural runoff is a pervasive problem in Great Lakes watersheds. Most work examining fecal pollution loads relies on discrete samples of fecal indicators and modeling land use. In this study, we made empirical measurements of human and ruminant-associated fecal indicator bacteria and combined these with hydrological measurements in eight watersheds ranging from predominantly forested to highly urbanized. Flow composited river samples were collected over low-flow ( n = 89) and rainfall or snowmelt runoff events ( n = 130). Approximately 90% of samples had evidence of human fecal pollution, with highest loads from urban watersheds. Ruminant indicators were found in ∼60-100% of runoff-event samples in agricultural watersheds, with concentrations and loads related to cattle density. Rain depth, season, agricultural tile drainage, and human or cattle density explained variability in daily flux of human or ruminant indicators. Mapping host-associated indicator loads to watershed discharge points sheds light on the type, level, and possible health risk from fecal pollution entering the Great Lakes and can inform total maximum daily load implementation and other management practices to target specific fecal pollution sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah K. Dila
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53204, USA
| | - Steven R. Corsi
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wisconsin Water Science Center, Middleton, WI 53562, USA
| | - Peter L. Lenaker
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wisconsin Water Science Center, Middleton, WI 53562, USA
| | - Austin K. Baldwin
- U.S. Geological Survey, Idaho Water Science Center, Boise, ID 83702, USA
| | - Melinda J. Bootsma
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53204, USA
| | - Sandra L. McLellan
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53204, USA
- Corresponding Author:
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21
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Quantifying the Relative Contributions of Environmental Sources to the Microbial Community in an Urban Stream under Dry and Wet Weather Conditions. Appl Environ Microbiol 2018; 84:AEM.00896-18. [PMID: 29858206 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00896-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigating sources of microbial contamination in urban streams, especially when there are no contributions from combined sewer overflows or sewage effluent discharges, can be challenging. The objectives of this study were to identify the sources of microbes in an urban stream and quantify their relative contributions to the microbial community in the stream under dry and wet weather conditions. A microbial source tracking method relying on the 16S rRNA gene was used to investigate the microbial communities in water samples of an urban stream (i.e., from 11 dry and 6 wet weather events), as well as in streambed sediment, soils, street sweepings, sanitary sewage, an upstream lake, and feces of animals and birds collected between 2013 and 2015. The results showed that the Escherichia coli levels in the stream were significantly higher in wet weather flow than in dry weather flow. The upstream lake contributed approximately 93% of the microbes in dry weather flows. Water discharged from storm drain outfalls was the biggest source of microbes in wet weather flows, with a median contribution of approximately 90% in the rising limb and peak flow and about 75% in the declining limb of storms. Furthermore, about 70 to 75% of the microbes in the storm drain outfall water came from materials washed off from the street surfaces in the watershed. Fecal samples did not appear to contribute substantially to the microbes in environmental samples. The results highlight the significance of street surfaces in contributing microbial loads to urban streams under wet weather conditions.IMPORTANCE Identifying the sources of microbial contamination is important for developing best management practices to protect the water quality of urban streams for recreational uses. This study collected a large number of water samples from an urban stream under both dry and wet weather conditions and provided quantitative information on the relative contributions of various environmental compartments to the overall microbial contamination in the stream under the two weather conditions. The watershed in this study represents urban watersheds where no dominant fecal sources are consistently present. The findings highlight the importance of reducing the direct contribution of microbes from street surfaces in the watershed to urban streams under wet weather conditions. The methods and findings from this study are expected to be useful to stormwater managers and regulatory agencies.
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22
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da Rocha MP, Dourado PLR, Cardoso CAL, Cândido LS, Pereira JG, de Oliveira KMP, Grisolia AB. Tools for monitoring aquatic environments to identify anthropic effects. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2018; 190:61. [PMID: 29305724 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-017-6440-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Anthropic activities are directly related to the contamination of aquatic ecosystems owing to the release of numerous chemicals from agricultural and urban waste. These contaminants cause environmental degradation and a decrease in the availability of water quality. The objective of this search was to evaluate the efficiency of physicochemical, chemical, and microbiological tests; extraction of chlorophyll a; and genetic parameters to identify anthropic activities and weather condition effects on the stream water quality and the consequences of its use by the population. The physicochemical parameters were within the limits allowed by the Brazilian law. However, contamination by metals (Cd 0.510 mg L-1, Co 0.405 mg L-1, and Ni 0.316 mg L-1) has been found at various collection points to be more than the allowable values. The antibiotic oxytetracycline was detected in stream water in quantities of up to 89 μg L-1. In relation to microbiological contamination, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas spp. have been isolated. The averages of chlorophyll a were up to 0.15558 mg cm-2. Genetic tools identified greater number of micronuclei and DNA damage in periods that showed lower rainfall rates and lower amounts of metals. The analysis used for monitoring was efficient to verify the interference that animal breeding and planting of different cultures have caused on that stream. Thus, the continued use of this water for drinking, irrigation of vegetables, and recreational activities makes the population susceptible to contamination by bacteria and creates conditions for the development of genetic alterations in the long run.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monyque Palagano da Rocha
- FACET, Faculty of Exact Sciences and Technology/UFGD, Federal University of Grande Dourados, University City of Dourados, Rodovia Dourados/Itahum, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Priscila Leocadia Rosa Dourado
- IBILCE, Institute of Biosciences, Arts and Exact Sciences/UNESP, Paulista State University Júlio de Mesquita Filho, São José do Rio Preto Campus, Rua Cristóvão Colombo, 2265, Jardim Nazareth, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Claudia Andrea Lima Cardoso
- CERNA, Center for Studies in Natural Resources/UEMS, State University of Mato Grosso do Sul, University City of Dourados, Rodovia Dourados/Itahum, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Liliam Silva Cândido
- FCBA, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences/UFGD, Federal University of Grande Dourados, University City of Dourados, Rodovia Dourados/Itahum, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Joelson Gonçalves Pereira
- FCBA, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences/UFGD, Federal University of Grande Dourados, University City of Dourados, Rodovia Dourados/Itahum, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Kelly Mari Pires de Oliveira
- FCBA, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences/UFGD, Federal University of Grande Dourados, University City of Dourados, Rodovia Dourados/Itahum, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Alexeia Barufatti Grisolia
- FCBA, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences/UFGD, Federal University of Grande Dourados, University City of Dourados, Rodovia Dourados/Itahum, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
The science of microbial source tracking has allowed researchers and watershed managers to go beyond general indicators of fecal pollution in water such as coliforms and enterococci, and to move toward an understanding of specific contributors to water quality issues. The premise of microbial source tracking is that characteristics of microorganisms that are strongly associated with particular host species can be used to trace fecal pollution to particular animal species (including humans) or groups, e.g., ruminants or birds. Microbial source tracking methods are practiced largely in the realm of research, and none are approved for regulatory uses on a federal level. Their application in the conventional sense of forensics, i.e., to investigate a crime, has been limited, but as some of these methods become standardized and recognized in a regulatory context, they will doubtless play a larger role in applications such as total maximum daily load assessment, investigations of sewage spills, and contamination from agricultural practices.
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Ren Z, Wang F, Qu X, Elser JJ, Liu Y, Chu L. Taxonomic and Functional Differences between Microbial Communities in Qinghai Lake and Its Input Streams. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:2319. [PMID: 29213266 PMCID: PMC5702853 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding microbial communities in terms of taxon and function is essential to decipher the biogeochemical cycling in aquatic ecosystems. Lakes and their input streams are highly linked. However, the differences between microbial assemblages in streams and lakes are still unclear. In this study, we conducted an intensive field sampling of microbial communities from lake water and stream biofilms in the Qinghai Lake watershed, the largest lake in China. We determined bacterial communities using high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing and predicted functional profiles using PICRUSt to determine the taxonomic and functional differences between microbial communities in stream biofilms and lake water. The results showed that stream biofilms and lake water harbored distinct microbial communities. The microbial communities were different taxonomically and functionally between stream and lake. Moreover, streams biofilms had a microbial network with higher connectivity and modularity than lake water. Functional beta diversity was strongly correlated with taxonomic beta diversity in both the stream and lake microbial communities. Lake microbial assemblages displayed greater predicted metabolic potentials of many metabolism pathways while the microbial assemblages in stream biofilms were more abundant in xenobiotic biodegradation and metabolism and lipid metabolism. Furthermore, lake microbial assemblages had stronger predicted metabolic potentials in amino acid metabolism, carbon fixation, and photosynthesis while stream microbial assemblages were higher in carbohydrate metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, and nitrogen metabolism. This study adds to our knowledge of stream-lake linkages from the functional and taxonomic composition of microbial assemblages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze Ren
- Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, Polson, MT, United States
| | - Fang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Simulation and Regulation of Water Cycle in River Basin, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing, China
- Department of Water Resources, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaodong Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Simulation and Regulation of Water Cycle in River Basin, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing, China
- Department of Water Environment, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing, China
| | - James J. Elser
- Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, Polson, MT, United States
| | - Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Simulation and Regulation of Water Cycle in River Basin, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing, China
- Department of Water Resources, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing, China
| | - Limin Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Simulation and Regulation of Water Cycle in River Basin, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing, China
- Department of Water Resources, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing, China
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Traversetti L, Losito F, Arienzo A, Stalio O, Antonini G, Scalici M. Integrating running water monitoring tools with the Micro Biological Survey (MBS) method to improve water quality assessment. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0185156. [PMID: 28945808 PMCID: PMC5612684 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Running water habitats are among the most altered aquatic systems by human activities driving an increase in the organic components and the associated bacterial load as well. To contribute in improving the monitoring activities in running waters, here we tested the validity of the new Micro Biological Survey (MBS) method to specifically assess the bacterial load in running waters focusing on Total Viable Counts (at 22°C and 37°C) and Escherichia coli (at 44°C) in order to propose a new prognostic tool for watercourses. MBS method is an alternative colorimetric method for counting bacterial load in water and food samples that is easy to use and leads to a reliable and simple interpretation of results, being also faster and less expensive than traditional methods. Then, we compared MBS with the traditionally used reference method for the bacterial load, and with the most used biotic index for Italian watercourses based on the benthic invertebrates: the Extended Biotic Index (EBI). The last comparison was performed to validate the use of MBS in biomonitoring activities since the benthic invertebrate multi-species assemblage (and then EBI) alter own structure mainly depending on the organic component variation. During the first part of the study, the assessment of both linearity (regressions among bacterial concentrations) and accuracy (significant correlation between a measured value and a value used as reference) confirmed the validity of the MBS method. Second, the linear regressions between the three investigated microbial parameters vs. both physical-chemical descriptors and EBI, revealed the usefulness of MBS as a valid tool for routine microbiological analyses involved in rapid and easy field monitoring activities. This represents the first attempt to evaluate the river microbial status by exploiting the innovative MBS on running waters to propose it as new valuable monitoring tool in the biomonitoring field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca Losito
- INBB Interuniversity Consortium of Structural and Systems Biology, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Ottavia Stalio
- Department of Sciences, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Antonini
- Department of Sciences, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
- INBB Interuniversity Consortium of Structural and Systems Biology, Rome, Italy
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Bucci JP, Shattuck MD, Aytur SA, Carey R, McDowell WH. A case study characterizing animal fecal sources in surface water using a mitochondrial DNA marker. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2017; 189:406. [PMID: 28730580 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-017-6107-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Water quality impairment by fecal waste in coastal watersheds is a public health issue. The present study provided evidence for the use of a mitochondrial (mtDNA) marker to detect animal fecal sources in surface water. The accurate identification of fecal pollution is based on the notion that fecal microorganisms preferentially inhabit a host animal's gut environment. In contrast, mtDNA host-specific markers are inherent to eukaryotic host cells, which offers the advantage by detecting DNA from the host rather than its fecal bacteria. The present study focused on sampling water presumably from non-point sources (NPS), which can increase bacterial and nitrogen concentrations to receiving water bodies. Stream sampling sites located within the Piscataqua River Watershed (PRW), New Hampshire, USA, were sampled from a range of sites that experienced nitrogen inputs such as sewer and septic systems and suburban runoff. Three mitochondrial (mtDNA) gene marker assays (human, bovine, and canine) were tested from surface water. Nineteen sites were sampled during an 18-month period. Analyses of the combined single and multiplex assay results showed that the proportion of occurrence was highest for bovine (15.6%; n = 77) compared to canine (5.6%; n = 70) and human (5.7%; n = 107) mtDNA gene markers. For the human mtDNA marker, there was a statistically significant relationship between presence vs. absence and land use (Fisher's test p = 0.0031). This result was evident particularly for rural suburban septic, which showed the highest proportion of presence (19.2%) compared to the urban sewered (3.3%), suburban sewered (0%), and agricultural (0%) as well as forested septic (0%) sites. Although further testing across varied land use is needed, our study provides evidence for using the mtDNA marker in large watersheds.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Bucci
- School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, 03824, New Hampshire, USA.
| | - Michelle D Shattuck
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of New Hampshire, Durham, 03824, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Semra A Aytur
- Department of Health Management and Policy, University of New Hampshire, Durham, 03824, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Richard Carey
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Earth Systems Research Center, University of New Hampshire, Durham, 03824, New Hampshire, USA
| | - William H McDowell
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of New Hampshire, Durham, 03824, New Hampshire, USA
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27
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Kirs M, Kisand V, Wong M, Caffaro-Filho RA, Moravcik P, Harwood VJ, Yoneyama B, Fujioka RS. Multiple lines of evidence to identify sewage as the cause of water quality impairment in an urbanized tropical watershed. WATER RESEARCH 2017; 116:23-33. [PMID: 28292677 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2017.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Indicator bacteria, which are conventionally used to evaluate recreational water quality, can originate from various non-human enteric and extra-enteric sources, hence they may not be indicative of human health risk nor do they provide information on the sources of contamination. In this study we utilized traditional (enterococci and Escherichia coli) and alternative (Clostridium perfringens) indicator bacteria, F+-specific coliphage, molecular markers for microorganisms associated with human sewage (human-associated Bacteroides and polyomaviruses), and microbial community analysis tools (16S rRNA gene fragment amplicon sequencing), to identify and evaluate human sewage-related impact in the Manoa watershed in Honolulu, Hawaii. Elevated concentrations of enterococci (geometric mean ranging from 1604 to 2575 CFU 100 mL-1) and C. perfringens (45-77 CFU 100 mL-1) indicated impairment of the urbanized section of the stream, while indicator bacteria concentrations decreased downstream in the tidally influenced Ala Wai Canal. The threshold values triggering water quality violation notifications in Hawaii were exceeded in 33.3-75.0% of samples collected at sites in the urbanized section of Manoa Stream, but were not exceeded in any of the samples collected at an upstream site located in a forested area. Correlation between indicator bacteria concentrations and rainfall amounts was weak to moderate but significant (E. coli R = 0.251, P = 0.009; enterococci R = 0.369, P < 0.001; C. perfringens R = 0.343, P < 0.001), while concentrations of human fecal-associated molecular markers were not significantly correlated with rainfall (human-associated Bacteroides, R = 0.131, P = 0.256; human-associated polyomaviruses, R = 0.213, P = 0.464). Presence of human sewage was confirmed by detection of human-associated Bacteroides and human polyomavirus in the urbanized section of Manoa Stream (83.3-100% and 41.7-66.7% positive samples respectively). It was further confirmed by microbial community analyses which suggested that an average 2.4-3.4% of the total bacterial population in this section was associated with sewage. Microbial community profiles were significantly influenced by rainfall (R2 = 0.4390, P < 0.001), pH (R2 = 0.3077, P = 0.006), salinity (R2 = 0.2614, P = 0.038), and conductivity (R2 = 0.2676, P = 0.031). Although microbial diversity fluctuated throughout the watershed, it was lower in the impaired section. Leaking sewer systems and illegal cross-connections are implicated in the impairment of the watershed, hence both the sewer and the storm water lines should be routinely inspected. Collectively, our data suggest that information derived from the analysis of microbial communities complements current marker-based microbial source tracking techniques and environmental monitoring programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Kirs
- Water Resources Research Center, University of Hawaii, 2540 Dole Street, Holmes Hall 283, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA.
| | - Veljo Kisand
- Institute of Technology, Tartu University, Nooruse 1, Tartu, 50411, Estonia.
| | - Mayee Wong
- Water Resources Research Center, University of Hawaii, 2540 Dole Street, Holmes Hall 283, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA.
| | - Roberto A Caffaro-Filho
- Water Resources Research Center, University of Hawaii, 2540 Dole Street, Holmes Hall 283, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA.
| | - Philip Moravcik
- Water Resources Research Center, University of Hawaii, 2540 Dole Street, Holmes Hall 283, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA.
| | - Valerie J Harwood
- Division of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Avenue, SCA110, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA.
| | - Bunnie Yoneyama
- Water Resources Research Center, University of Hawaii, 2540 Dole Street, Holmes Hall 283, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA.
| | - Roger S Fujioka
- Water Resources Research Center, University of Hawaii, 2540 Dole Street, Holmes Hall 283, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA.
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Krolik J, Maier A, Thompson S, Majury A. Microbial source tracking of private well water samples across at-risk regions in southern Ontario and analysis of traditional fecal indicator bacteria assays including culture and qPCR. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2016; 14:1047-1058. [PMID: 27959884 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2016.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Many people living in rural areas rely on privately owned wells as their primary source of drinking water. These water sources are at risk for fecal contamination of human, wildlife, and livestock origin. While traditional bacteriological testing involves culture-based methods, microbial source tracking (MST) assays present an opportunity to additionally determine the source of fecal contamination. This study investigated the main host sources of contamination in private well water samples with high levels of Escherichia coli (E. coli), using MST with human and multi-species specific markers. Fecal contamination of human origin was detected in approximately 50% of samples, indicating that current contamination prevention strategies require reconsideration. The relationship between cattle density and fecal contamination of bovine origin was investigated using a Bovine Bacteroidales specific MST assay. Regional variations of microbial sources were examined, and may inform local primary prevention strategies. Additionally, in order to assess MST and E. coli quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays as indicators of fecal contamination, these were compared to E. coli culture methods. Variation in results was observed across all assay methods investigated, suggesting the most appropriate routine bacteriological testing methodology cannot be determined without comparison to a method that directly detects the presence of fecal contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Krolik
- Public Health Ontario, 181 Barrie Street, P.O. Box 240, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3K2, Canada E-mail:
| | - Allison Maier
- Public Health Ontario, 181 Barrie Street, P.O. Box 240, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3K2, Canada E-mail:
| | - Shawna Thompson
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Botterell Hall, Queen's University, 18 Stuart Street, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Anna Majury
- Public Health Ontario, 181 Barrie Street, P.O. Box 240, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3K2, Canada E-mail: ; Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Botterell Hall, Queen's University, 18 Stuart Street, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada; Department of Public Health Sciences, Carruthers Hall, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 2N8, Canada
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29
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Elhadidy AM, Van Dyke MI, Peldszus S, Huck PM. Application of flow cytometry to monitor assimilable organic carbon (AOC) and microbial community changes in water. J Microbiol Methods 2016; 130:154-163. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2016.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Revised: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Santiago-Rodriguez TM, Toranzos GA, Arce-Nazario JA. Assessing the microbial quality of a tropical watershed with an urbanization gradient using traditional and alternate fecal indicators. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2016; 14:796-807. [PMID: 27740545 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2016.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Urbanization affects the microbial loading into tropical streams, but its impact on water quality varies across watersheds. Rainfall in tropical environments also complicates microbial dynamics due to high seasonal and annual variations. Understanding the dynamics of fecal contamination in tropical surface waters may be further hindered by limitations from the utilization of traditional microbial indicators. We measured traditional (Enterococcus spp. and Escherichia coli), as well as alternate (enterophages and coliphages) indicators of fecal contamination in a tropical watershed in Puerto Rico during a 1-year period, and examined their relationship with rainfall events across an urbanization gradient. Enterococcus spp. and E. coli concentrations were 4 to 5 logs higher in non-urbanized or pristine sites when compared to enterophages and coliphages, suggesting that traditional fecal indicator bacteria may be natural inhabitants of pristine tropical waters. All of the tested indicators were positively correlated with rainfall and urbanization, except in the most urbanized sites, where rainfall may have had a dilution effect. The present study indicates that utilizing novel indicators of microbial water quality may improve the assessment of fecal contamination and pathogen risk for tropical watersheds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasha M Santiago-Rodriguez
- Department of Biology, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93407, USA and Center for Applications in Biotechnology, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, USA
| | - Gary A Toranzos
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan PR 00932, Puerto Rico
| | - Javier A Arce-Nazario
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, Cayey PR 00736, Puerto Rico and Instituto de Investigaciones Interdisciplinarias, University of Puerto Rico, Cayey PR 00736, Puerto Rico E-mail:
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31
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Oyafuso ZS, Baxter AE, Hall JE, Naman SM, Greene CM, Rhodes LD. Widespread detection of human- and ruminant-origin Bacteroidales markers in subtidal waters of the Salish Sea in Washington State. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2015; 13:827-837. [PMID: 26322768 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2015.253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Rising populations around coastal systems are increasing the threats to marine water quality. To assess anthropogenic fecal influence, subtidal waters were examined monthly for human- and ruminant-sourced Bacteroidales markers at 80 sites across six oceanographic basins of the Salish Sea (Washington State) from April through October, 2011. In the basins containing cities with individual populations>190,000, >50% of sites were positive for the human marker, while in the basins with high densities of dairy and cattle operations, ∼30% of sites were positive for the ruminant marker. Marker prevalence was elevated in spring (April and May) and fall (October) and reduced during summer (June through September), corresponding with seasonal precipitation. By logistic regression, the odds of human marker detection increased with percentage of adjacent catchment impervious surface, dissolved nitrate concentration, and abundance of low nucleic acid bacteria, but decreased with salinity and chlorophyll fluorescence. The odds of ruminant marker detection increased with dissolved ammonium concentration, mean flow rate for the nearest river, and adjacent shoreline length. These relationships are consistent with terrestrial to marine water flow as a transport mechanism. Thus, Bacteroidales markers traditionally used for identifying nearby sources can be used for assessing anthropogenic fecal inputs to regional marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zack S Oyafuso
- Joint Institute for the Study of the Atmosphere and Ocean, University of Washington, PO Box 355672, Seattle, WA 98195, USA Current address: Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, PO Box 1346, Kaneohe, HI 96744, USA
| | - Anne E Baxter
- Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA 98112, USA E-mail:
| | - Jason E Hall
- Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA 98112, USA E-mail:
| | - Sean M Naman
- Frank Orth and Associates, Under Contract to Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA 98112, USA Current address: Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, #4200-6270 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - Correigh M Greene
- Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA 98112, USA E-mail:
| | - Linda D Rhodes
- Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA 98112, USA E-mail:
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32
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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.
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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
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33
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Gibson KE. Tracking Pathogens in the Environment. Food Saf (Tokyo) 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-800245-2.00003-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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