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Quon H, Jiang S. Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment of Antibiotic-Resistant E. coli, Legionella pneumophila, and Mycobacteria in Nonpotable Wastewater Reuse Applications. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:12888-12898. [PMID: 39004818 PMCID: PMC11270989 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c01690] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) have become a major threat to public health and modern medicine. A simple death kinetics-based dose-response model (SD-DRM) was incorporated into a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) to assess the risks of exposure to reclaimed wastewater harboring antibiotic-resistant E. coli, Legionella pneumophila, and Mycobacterium avium for multiple exposure scenarios. The fractions of ARB and trace antibiotics present in the body were incorporated to demonstrate their impact on infection risks. Both ARB and antibiotic susceptible bacteria, ASB, are assumed to have the same dose-response in the absence of antibiotics but behave differently in the presence of residual antibiotics in the body. Annual risk of L. pneumophila infection exceeded the EPA 10-4 pppy (per person per year) benchmark at concentrations in reclaimed water greater than 103-104 CFU/L, depending on parameter variation. Enteropathogenic E. coli infection risks meet the EPA annual benchmark at concentrations around 105-106 total E. coli. The results illustrated that an increase in residual antibiotics from 0 to 40% of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) reduced the risk by about 1 order of magnitude for E. coli but was more likely to result in an untreatable infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hunter Quon
- Department of Civil and Environmental
Engineering, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-2175, United States
| | - Sunny Jiang
- Department of Civil and Environmental
Engineering, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-2175, United States
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2
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Ahmed W, Korajkic A, Gabrewold M, Payyappat S, Cassidy M, Harrison N, Besley C. Assessing the nucleic acid decay of human wastewater markers and enteric viruses in estuarine waters in Sydney, Australia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:171389. [PMID: 38432386 PMCID: PMC11070875 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171389] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
This research investigated the in-situ decay rates of four human wastewater-associated markers (Bacteroides HF183 (HF183), Lachnospiraceae Lachno3 (Lachno3), cross-assembling phage (crAssphage), pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) and three enteric viruses (human adenovirus 40/41 (HAdV 40/41), enterovirus (EV) and human norovirus GII (HNoV GII) in two estuarine water environments (Davidson Park (DP) and Hen and Chicken Bay (HCB) in temperate Sydney, NSW, Australia, employing qPCR and RT-qPCR assays. The study also aimed to compare decay rates observed in mesocosms with previously published laboratory microcosms, providing insights into the persistence of markers and viruses in estuarine environments. Results indicated varying decay rates between DP and HCB mesocosms, with HF183 exhibiting relatively faster decay rates compared to other markers and enteric viruses in sunlight and dark mesocosms. In DP mesocosms, HF183 decayed the fastest, contrasting with PMMoV, which exhibited the slowest. Sunlight induced higher decay rates for all markers and viruses in DP mesocosms. In HCB sunlight mesocosms, HF183 nucleic acid decayed most rapidly compared to other markers and enteric viruses. In dark mesocosms, crAssphage showed the fastest decay, while PMMoV decayed at the slowest rate in both sunlight and dark mesocosms. Comparisons with laboratory microcosms revealed faster decay of markers and enteric viruses in laboratory microcosms than the mesocosms, except for crAssphage and HAdV 40/41 in dark, and PMMoV in sunlight mesocosms. The study concludes that decay rates of markers and enteric viruses vary between estuarine mesocosms, emphasizing the impact of sunlight exposure, which was potentially influenced by the elevated turbidity at HCB estuarine waters. The generated decay rates contribute valuable insights for establishing site-specific risk-based thresholds of human wastewater-associated markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Environment, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Asja Korajkic
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, 26W Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
| | - Metasebia Gabrewold
- CSIRO Environment, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Sudhi Payyappat
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
| | - Michele Cassidy
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
| | - Nathan Harrison
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
| | - Colin Besley
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
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3
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Hinds JB, Garg T, Hutmacher S, Nguyen A, Zheng Z, Griffith J, Steele J, González Fernández A, Schiff K. Assessing the defecation practices of unsheltered individuals and their contributions to microbial water quality in an arid, urban watershed. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 920:170708. [PMID: 38336079 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Outdoor defecation by people experiencing homelessness is frequently perceived as a potentially large source of human fecal pollution and a significant source of health risk in urban waterbodies with recreational contact. The goal of this study was to count the number of people experiencing homelessness and quantifies their sanitation habits in an urban river corridor setting, then use this information for estimating human fecal pollutant loading on a watershed scale. Two types of census counts were conducted including periodic point-in-time counts over six years and weekly counts of encampments. While the population census varied from count-to-count, the range of population estimates in the river corridor varied from 109 to 349 individuals during the six-year span, which mirrored the weekly counts of encampments. A face-to-face survey of people experiencing homelessness assessed the sanitation habits of the unsheltered population (N = 63), including outdoor defecation frequency and containment practices. Overall, 95 % of survey respondents reported defecating outdoors; 36 % practiced outdoor defecation between 4 and 7 days/week and 27 % practiced outdoor defecation <1 day/week. Of those that did practice outdoor defecation, 75 % contained their feces in a bucket or bag, thereby limiting fecal material contributions to the river; 6.7 % reported defecating on low ground near the river that could wash off when flood waters rise during a storm event. Only a single survey respondent reported defecating directly into the river. Based on literature values for average HF183 output for an adult human, and the average rainfall in the urban watershed, the total watershed contribution of HF183 averaged 1.2 × 1010 gene copies per storm event (95 % CI: 0.9 × 1010-1.6 × 1010) along the 41 km stretch of river in this study. This human fecal loading estimate is at least two orders of magnitude less than cumulative HF183 loading from all human sources measured at the bottom of the watershed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J B Hinds
- Department of Urban Studies and Planning, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Teevrat Garg
- School of Global Policy and Strategy, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Andrew Nguyen
- Department of Urban Studies and Planning, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Zhongqi Zheng
- Department of Urban Studies and Planning, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - John Griffith
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, Costa Mesa, CA, USA
| | - Joshua Steele
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, Costa Mesa, CA, USA
| | | | - Kenneth Schiff
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, Costa Mesa, CA, USA.
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Lam MY, Ahmadian R. Enhancing hydro-epidemiological modelling of nearshore coastal waters with source-receptor connectivity study. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 345:123431. [PMID: 38301821 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Faecal Indicator Organism (FIO) concentrations in nearshore coastal waters may lead to significant public health concerns and economic loss. A three-dimensional numerical source-receptor connectivity study was conducted to improve the modelling of FIO transport and decay processes and identify major FIO sources impacting sensitive receptors (source apportionment). The study site was Swansea Bay, UK and the effects of wind, density, and tracer microbe (surrogate FIO) decay models were investigated by comparing the model simulations to microbial tracer field studies. The relevance of connectivity tests to source apportionment was demonstrated by hindcasting FIO concentration in Swansea Bay with the identified FIO source and the Impulse Response Function (IRF) in Control System theory. This is the first time the IRF approach has been applied for FIO modelling in bathing waters. Results show the importance of density, widely ignored in fully mixed water bodies, and the potential for biphasic decay models to improve prediction accuracy. The microbe-carrying riverine freshwater, having a smaller hydrostatic pressure, could not intrude on the heavier seawater and remained in the nearshore areas. The freshwater and the associated tracer microbes then travelled along the shoreline and reached bathing water sites. This effect cannot be faithfully modelled without the inclusion of the density effect. Biphasic decay models improved the agreement between measured and modelled microbe concentrations. The IRF hindcasted and measured FIO concentrations for Swansea Bay agreed reasonably, demonstrating the importance of connectivity tests in identifying key FIO sources. The findings of this study, namely enhancing hydro-epidemiological modelling and highlighting the effectiveness of connectivity studies in identifying key FIO sources, directly benefit hydraulics and water quality modellers, regulatory authorities, water resource managers and policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Yue Lam
- School Of Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Uk.
| | - Reza Ahmadian
- School Of Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Uk.
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Su Y, Gao R, Huang F, Liang B, Guo J, Fan L, Wang A, Gao SH. Occurrence, transmission and risks assessment of pathogens in aquatic environments accessible to humans. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 354:120331. [PMID: 38368808 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Pathogens are ubiquitously detected in various natural and engineered water systems, posing potential threats to public health. However, it remains unclear which human-accessible waters are hotspots for pathogens, how pathogens transmit to these waters, and what level of health risk associated with pathogens in these environments. This review collaboratively focuses and summarizes the contamination levels of pathogens on the 5 water systems accessible to humans (natural water, drinking water, recreational water, wastewater, and reclaimed water). Then, we showcase the pathways, influencing factors and simulation models of pathogens transmission and survival. Further, we compare the health risk levels of various pathogens through Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA), and assess the limitations of water-associated QMRA application. Pathogen levels in wastewater are consistently higher than in other water systems, with no significant variation for Cryptosporidium spp. among five water systems. Hydraulic conditions primarily govern the transmission of pathogens into human-accessible waters, while environmental factors such as temperature impact pathogens survival. The median and mean values of computed public health risk levels posed by pathogens consistently surpass safety thresholds, particularly in the context of recreational waters. Despite the highest pathogens levels found in wastewater, the calculated health risk is significantly lower than in other water systems. Except pathogens concentration, variables like the exposure mode, extent, and frequency are also crucial factors influencing the public health risk in water systems. This review shares valuable insights to the more accurate assessment and comprehensive management of public health risk in human-accessible water environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyi Su
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Rui Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Fang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Bin Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jianhua Guo
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology (ACWEB, formerly AWMC), The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Lu Fan
- Department of Ocean Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Aijie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Shu-Hong Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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6
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Ahmed W, Korajkic A, Smith WJ, Payyappat S, Cassidy M, Harrison N, Besley C. Comparing the decay of human wastewater-associated markers and enteric viruses in laboratory microcosms simulating estuarine waters in a temperate climatic zone using qPCR/RT-qPCR assays. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:167845. [PMID: 37879463 PMCID: PMC11070876 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167845] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the decay rates of wastewater-associated markers and enteric viruses in laboratory microcosms mimicking estuarine water environments in temperate Sydney, NSW, Australia using qPCR and RT-qPCR assays. The results demonstrated the reduction in concentrations of Bacteroides HF183, Lachnospiraceae Lachno3, cross-assembly phage (crAssphage), pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV), human adenovirus (HAdV 40/41), and enterovirus (EV) over a span of 42 days under spring/summer temperatures, presence/absence of microbiota, and different light conditions. The study found that HF183, Lachno3, crAssphage, PMMoV, HAdV 40/41, and EV exhibited varying decay rates depending on the experimental conditions. The average T90 values ranged from a few days to several months, indicating the rapid decay or prolonged persistence of these markers and enteric viruses in the estuarine environment. Furthermore, the study examined the effects of indigenous microbiota and spring/summer temperatures on wastewater-associated markers and enteric viruses decay rates. It was found that the presence of microbiota and temperature significantly influenced the decay rates of HF183 and PMMoV. Additionally, the study compared the effects of artificial sunlight and spring/summer temperatures on marker decay rates. Bacterial markers decayed faster than viral markers, although among viral markers crAssphage decay rates were relatively faster when compared to PMMoV. The exposure to artificial sunlight significantly accelerated the decay rates of bacterial markers, viral markers, and enteric viruses. Temperature also had an impact on the decay rates of Lachno3, crAssphage, and HAdV 40/41. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the decay rates of wastewater-associated markers and enteric viruses under different experimental conditions that mimicked temperate environmental conditions. The findings contribute to our understanding of the fate and persistence of these markers in the environment which is crucial for assessing and managing risks from contamination by untreated human wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Environment, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Asja Korajkic
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, 26W Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
| | - Wendy J Smith
- CSIRO Environment, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Sudhi Payyappat
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
| | - Michele Cassidy
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
| | - Nathan Harrison
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
| | - Colin Besley
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
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7
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Ren W, Feng Y. Persistence of human- and cattle-associated Bacteroidales and mitochondrial DNA markers in freshwater mesocosms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 899:165742. [PMID: 37487899 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Accurate identification of the origins of non-point source pollution is essential for the effective control of fecal pollution. Host-associated Bacteroidales and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers have been developed to identify the sources of human and cattle fecal pollution. However, the differences in persistence between these two types of markers under different environmental conditions are still poorly understood. Here, we conducted mesocosm experiments to investigate the influence of indigenous microbiota and nutrients on the decay of Bacteroidales and mtDNA markers associated with humans and cattle. Raw sewage or cattle feces were inoculated into mesocosms containing natural eutrophic water, sterile eutrophic water or artificial freshwater. The Bacteroidales markers HF183 (human) and CowM3 (cattle) and mtDNA markers HcytB (human) and QMIBo (cattle) were quantified using the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays. All markers but HF183 decreased the fastest in the presence of indigenous microbiota. Nutrients caused a decrease in the persistence of HF183; however, no significant nutrient effects were observed for HcytB, CowM3, and QMIBo. The time to reach one log reduction (T90) for HF183 and HcytB was similar; CowM3 reached T90 earlier than QMIBo in all the treatments but eutrophic water. E. coli persisted longer than both Bacteroidales and mtDNA markers in the mesocosms regardless of inoculum type. Additionally, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was used to determine the changes in bacterial communities accompanying the marker decay. Analysis using the SourceTracker software showed that bacterial communities in the mesocosms became more dissimilar to those in the corresponding inoculants over time. Our results indicate that environmental factors are important determinants of genetic markers' persistence, but their impact can vary depending on the genetic markers. The cattle Bacteroidales markers may be more suitable for determining recent fecal contamination than cattle mtDNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Ren
- Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Yucheng Feng
- Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
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Ahmed W, Payyappat S, Cassidy M, Harrison N, Besley C. Reduction of human fecal markers and enteric viruses in Sydney estuarine waters receiving wet weather overflows. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 896:165008. [PMID: 37348731 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
The current microbial source tracking (MST) study tracked the reduction of the culturable fecal indicator bacteria enterococci, four human fecal markers (Bacteroides HF183, Lachnospiraceae Lachno3, cross-assembly phage (CrAssphage) and pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV)) along with four enteric viruses - human adenovirus 40/41 (HAdV 40/41), enterovirus (EV), human norovirus GI (HNoV GI) and GII (HNoV GII) post wet weather overflows (WWOs) at two estuarine water sites from two depths under separate six-day sampling campaigns over seven and 12 days in Sydney, NSW, Australia. Neither HNoV GI nor GII was detected, while 13.9 % (10/72) of estuarine water samples had detections of EV. Quantifiable concentrations (0.64 to 2.00 log10 gene copies (GC)/100 mL) for HAdV 40/41 were returned from 65.2 % (47/72) of samples collected across the two sites and two depths with 30 quantifications recorded in the surface layer samples. In contrast the presence of HF183, Lachno3, CrAssphage, and PMMoV markers was observed in all 36 (100 %) estuarine water samples collected from the surface layer from both sites. Detection frequencies of these markers were slightly lower at 1 m above the bottom surface. The concentrations of the human fecal markers were compared to established gastrointestinal (GI) risk benchmarks. The concentrations of HF183, Lachno3 and CrAssphage marker only exceeded the GI risk benchmark until day 3, while concentrations of PMMoV marker were indicative of exceedance of the GI risk benchmark on day 7 post WWOs that was much longer than indicated by culturable enterococci concentrations that were within this GI risk benchmark by day 2 and day 4 for the two sites, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Environment, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Sudhi Payyappat
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
| | - Michele Cassidy
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
| | - Nathan Harrison
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
| | - Colin Besley
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
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Brasseale E, Feddersen F, Wu X, Zimmer-Faust AG, Giddings SN. Performance of a One-Dimensional Model of Wave-Driven Nearshore Alongshore Tracer Transport and Decay with Applications for Dry Weather Coastal Pollution. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:14674-14683. [PMID: 37738549 PMCID: PMC10552543 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c08656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Dry weather pollution sources cause coastal water quality problems that are not accounted for in existing beach advisory metrics. A 1D wave-driven advection and loss model was developed for a 30 km nearshore domain spanning the United States/Mexico border region. Bathymetric nonuniformities, such as the inlet and shoal near the Tijuana River estuary mouth, were neglected. Nearshore alongshore velocities were estimated by using wave properties at an offshore location. The 1D model was evaluated using the hourly output of a 3D regional hydrodynamic model. The 1D model had high skill in reproducing the spatially averaged alongshore velocities from the 3D model. The 1D and 3D models agreed on tracer exceedance or nonexceedance above a human illness probability threshold for 87% of model time steps. 1D model tracer was well-correlated with targeted water samples tested for DNA-based human fecal indicators. This demonstrates that a simple, computationally fast, 1D nearshore wave-driven advection model can reproduce nearshore tracer evolution from a 3D model over a range of wave conditions ignoring bathymetric nonuniformities at this site and may be applicable to other locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Brasseale
- Scripps
Institution of Oceanography, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Falk Feddersen
- Scripps
Institution of Oceanography, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Xiaodong Wu
- School
of Oceanography, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1954 Huashan Rd., Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Amity G. Zimmer-Faust
- The
Nature Conservancy, 830 S Street, Sacramento, California 96811, United States
- Southern
California Coastal Water Research Project, 3535 Harbor Blvd Suite 110, Costa Mesa, California 92626, United States
| | - Sarah N. Giddings
- Scripps
Institution of Oceanography, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, California 92093, United States
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Basili M, Perini L, Zaggia L, Luna GM, Quero GM. Integrating culture-based and molecular methods provides an improved assessment of microbial quality in a coastal lagoon. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 334:122140. [PMID: 37414126 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Faecal pollution in aquatic environments is a worldwide public health concern, yet the reliability and comprehensiveness of the methods used to assess faecal contamination are still debated. We compared three approaches, namely a culture-based method to enumerate Faecal Indicator Bacteria (FIB), a FIB-targeting qPCR assay, and High-Throughput Sequencing (HTS) to detect faeces- and sewage-associated taxa in water and sediment samples of an impacted model lagoon and its adjacent sea across one year. Despite at different levels, all approaches agreed in showing a higher contamination in the lagoon than in the sea, and higher in sediments than water. FIB significantly correlated when considering separately sediment and water, and when using both cultivation and qPCR. Similarly, FIB correlated between cultivation and qPCR, but qPCR provided consistently higher estimates of FIB. Faeces-associated bacteria positively correlated with cultivated FIB in both compartments, whereas sewage-associated bacteria did only in water. Considering their benefits and limitations, we conclude that, in our study site, improved quali-quantitative information on contamination is provided when at least two approaches are combined (e.g., cultivation and qPCR or HTS data). Our results provide insights to move beyond the use of FIB to improve faecal pollution management in aquatic environments and to incorporate HTS analysis into routine monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Basili
- CNR IRBIM, National Research Council - Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies, Largo Fiera della Pesca, 60125, Ancona, Italy
| | - Laura Perini
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Luca Zaggia
- CNR IGG, National Research Council - Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources, Via G. Gradenigo 6, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Gian Marco Luna
- CNR IRBIM, National Research Council - Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies, Largo Fiera della Pesca, 60125, Ancona, Italy
| | - Grazia Marina Quero
- CNR IRBIM, National Research Council - Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies, Largo Fiera della Pesca, 60125, Ancona, Italy.
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11
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Sabar MA, Van Huy T, Sugie Y, Wada H, Zhao B, Matsuura N, Ihara M, Watanabe T, Tanaka H, Honda R. Antimicrobial resistome and mobilome in the urban river affected by combined sewer overflows and wastewater treatment effluent. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2023; 21:1032-1050. [PMID: 37632379 PMCID: wh_2023_073 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2023.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
The dissemination of antimicrobial resistance in the environment is an emerging global health problem. Wastewater treatment effluent and combined sewer overflows (CSOs) are major sources of antimicrobial resistance in urban rivers. This study aimed to clarify the effect of municipal wastewater treatment effluent and CSO on antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), mobile gene elements, and the microbial community in an urban river. The ARG abundance per 16S-based microbial population in the target river was 0.37-0.54 and 0.030-0.097 during the CSO event and dry weather, respectively. During the CSO event, the antimicrobial resistome in the river shifted toward a higher abundance of ARGs to clinically important drug classes, including macrolide, fluoroquinolone, and β-lactam, whereas ARGs to sulfonamide and multidrug by efflux pump were relatively abundant in dry weather. The abundance of intI1 and tnpA genes were highly associated with the total ARG abundance, suggesting their potential application as an indicator for estimating resistome contamination. Increase of prophage during the CSO event suggested that impact of CSO has a greater potential for horizontal gene transfer (HGT) via transduction. Consequently, CSO not only increases the abundance of ARGs to clinically important antimicrobials but also possibly enhances potential of HGT in urban rivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Adnan Sabar
- Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan E-mail:
| | - Than Van Huy
- Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Sugie
- Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto 615-8530, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Wada
- Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto 615-8530, Japan
| | - Bo Zhao
- Research Center for Environmental Quality Management, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Otsu 520-0811, Japan; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Norihisa Matsuura
- Faculty of Geosciences and Civil Engineering, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Masaru Ihara
- Research Center for Environmental Quality Management, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Otsu 520-0811, Japan; Faculty of Agriculture and Marine Science, Kochi University, Nankoku 780-8072, Japan
| | - Toru Watanabe
- Department of Food, Life and Environmental Sciences, Yamagata University, Tsuruoka 997-8555, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Tanaka
- Research Center for Environmental Quality Management, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Otsu 520-0811, Japan
| | - Ryo Honda
- Research Center for Environmental Quality Management, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Otsu 520-0811, Japan; Faculty of Geosciences and Civil Engineering, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
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12
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Zhu K, Hill C, Muirhead A, Basu M, Brown J, Brinton MA, Hayat MJ, Venegas-Vargas C, Reis MG, Casanovas-Massana A, Meschke JS, Ko AI, Costa F, Stauber CE. Zika virus RNA persistence and recovery in water and wastewater: An approach for Zika virus surveillance in resource-constrained settings. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 241:120116. [PMID: 37270953 PMCID: PMC10330535 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
During the 2015-2016 Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic in the Americas, serological cross-reactivity with other flaviviruses and relatively high costs of nucleic acid testing in the region hindered the capacity for widespread diagnostic testing. In such cases where individual testing is not feasible, wastewater monitoring approaches may offer a means of community-level public health surveillance. To inform such approaches, we characterized the persistence and recovery of ZIKV RNA in experiments where we spiked cultured ZIKV into surface water, wastewater, and a combination of both to examine the potential for detection in open sewers serving communities most affected by the ZIKV outbreak, such as those in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. We used reverse transcription droplet digital PCR to quantify ZIKV RNA. In our persistence experiments, we found that the persistence of ZIKV RNA decreased with increasing temperature, significantly decreased in surface water versus wastewater, and significantly decreased when the initial concentration of virus was lowered by one order of magnitude. In our recovery experiments, we found higher percent recovery of ZIKV RNA in pellets versus supernatants from the same sample, higher recoveries in pellets using skimmed milk flocculation, lower recoveries of ZIKV RNA in surface water versus wastewater, and lower recoveries from a freeze thaw. We also analyzed samples collected from Salvador, Brazil during the ZIKV outbreak (2015-2016) that consisted of archived samples obtained from open sewers or environmental waters thought to be contaminated by sewage. Although we did not detect any ZIKV RNA in the archived Brazil samples, results from these persistence and recovery experiments serve to inform future wastewater monitoring efforts in open sewers, an understudied and important application of wastewater monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Zhu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Cailee Hill
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Aaron Muirhead
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Mausumi Basu
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 303034, USA
| | - Joe Brown
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Margo A Brinton
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 303034, USA
| | - Matthew J Hayat
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Cristina Venegas-Vargas
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Mitermayer G Reis
- Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Ministério da Saúde, Rua Waldemar Falcão, 121, Salvador Bahia, Brazil; Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Arnau Casanovas-Massana
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - J Scott Meschke
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Albert I Ko
- Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Ministério da Saúde, Rua Waldemar Falcão, 121, Salvador Bahia, Brazil; Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Federico Costa
- Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Ministério da Saúde, Rua Waldemar Falcão, 121, Salvador Bahia, Brazil; Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia, Canela, Salvador 40110-040, Brazil
| | - Christine E Stauber
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA.
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13
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Sresung M, Paisantham P, Ruksakul P, Kongprajug A, Chyerochana N, Gallage TP, Srathongneam T, Rattanakul S, Maneein S, Surasen C, Passananon S, Mongkolsuk S, Sirikanchana K. Microbial source tracking using molecular and cultivable methods in a tropical mixed-use drinking water source to support water safety plans. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 876:162689. [PMID: 36898534 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microbial contamination deteriorates source water quality, posing a severe problem for drinking water suppliers worldwide and addressed by the Water Safety Plan framework to ensure high-quality and reliable drinking water. Microbial source tracking (MST) is used to examine different microbial pollution sources via host-specific intestinal markers for humans and different types of animals. However, the application of MST in tropical surface water catchments that provide raw water for drinking water supplies is limited. We analyzed a set of MST markers, namely, three cultivable bacteriophages and four molecular PCR and qPCR assays, together with 17 microbial and physicochemical parameters, to identify fecal pollution from general, human-, swine-, and cattle-specific sources. Seventy-two river water samples at six sampling sites were collected over 12 sampling events during wet and dry seasons. We found persistent fecal contamination via the general fecal marker GenBac3 (100 % detection; 2.10-5.42 log10 copies/100 mL), with humans (crAssphage; 74 % detection; 1.62-3.81 log10 copies/100 mL) and swine (Pig-2-Bac; 25 % detection; 1.92-2.91 log10 copies/100 mL). Higher contamination levels were observed during the wet season (p < 0.05). The conventional PCR screening used for the general and human markers showed 94.4 % and 69.8 % agreement with the respective qPCR results. Specifically, in the studied watershed, coliphage could be a screening parameter for the crAssphage marker (90.6 % and 73.7 % positive and negative predictive values; Spearman's rank correlation coefficient = 0.66; p < 0.001). The likelihood of detecting the crAssphage marker significantly increased when total and fecal coliforms exceeded 20,000 and 4000 MPN/100 mL, respectively, as Thailand Surface Water Quality Standards, with odds ratios and 95 % confidence intervals of 15.75 (4.43-55.98) and 5.65 (1.39-23.05). Our study confirms the potential benefits of incorporating MST monitoring into water safety plans, supporting the use of this approach to ensure high-quality drinking water supplies worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montakarn Sresung
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Phongsawat Paisantham
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Pacharaporn Ruksakul
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Akechai Kongprajug
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Natcha Chyerochana
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Tharindu Pollwatta Gallage
- Program in Environmental Toxicology, Chulabhorn Graduate Institute, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Thitima Srathongneam
- Program in Applied Biological Sciences, Chulabhorn Graduate Institute, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Surapong Rattanakul
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok 10140, Thailand
| | - Siriwara Maneein
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok 10140, Thailand
| | - Chatsinee Surasen
- Water Resources and Environment Department, Metropolitan Waterworks Authority, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Somsak Passananon
- Line of Deputy Governor (Water Production), Metropolitan Waterworks Authority, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Skorn Mongkolsuk
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand; Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), OPS, MHESI, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kwanrawee Sirikanchana
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand; Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), OPS, MHESI, Bangkok, Thailand.
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14
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Korajkic A, McMinn BR, Harwood VJ. The Effect of Protozoa Indigenous to Lakewater and Wastewater on Decay of Fecal Indicator Bacteria and Coliphage. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12030378. [PMID: 36986300 PMCID: PMC10053992 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12030378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Fecal indicator bacteria (FIB: Escherichia coli and enterococci) are used to assess recreational water quality. Viral indicators (i.e., somatic and F+ coliphage), could improve the prediction of viral pathogens in recreational waters, however, the impact of environmental factors, including the effect of predatory protozoa source, on their survival in water is poorly understood. We investigated the effect of lakewater or wastewater protozoa, on the decay (decreasing concentrations over time) of culturable FIB and coliphages under sunlight and shaded conditions. FIB decay was generally greater than the coliphages and was more rapid when indicators were exposed to lake vs. wastewater protozoa. F+ coliphage decay was the least affected by experimental variables. Somatic coliphage decayed fastest in the presence of wastewater protozoa and sunlight, though their decay under shaded conditions was-10-fold less than F+ after 14 days. The protozoa source consistently contributed significantly to the decay of FIB, and somatic, though not the F+ coliphage. Sunlight generally accelerated decay, and shade reduced somatic coliphage decay to the lowest level among all the indicators. Differential responses of FIB, somatic, and F+ coliphages to environmental factors support the need for studies that address the relationship between the decay of coliphages and viral pathogens under environmentally relevant conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asja Korajkic
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, 26W Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-513-569-7306
| | - Brian R. McMinn
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, 26W Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | - Valerie J. Harwood
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, 4202 E Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
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15
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Wu Y, Zhang Y, Yang X, Li K, Mai B, He Z, Wu R. Deterministic processes shape bacterial community assembly in a karst river across dry and wet seasons. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:938490. [PMID: 36274723 PMCID: PMC9584624 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.938490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Karst rivers are particularly vulnerable to bacterial pollution because immigrations are easily diffused from the surrounding environments due to their strong hydraulic connectivity. However, the assembly mechanism in shaping riverine bacterial biogeography is still poorly understood, especially for an ecosystem in the karst area. Here, 16S rRNA genes were used to explore the spatiotemporal and biogeographical patterns of bacterial communities from the Chishui River in the dry and wet seasons, and explore the impact of external immigration on the assembly of water bacterial communities. Our results showed clear spatiotemporal patterns of bacterial communities with a more pronounced seasonal rather than spatial fluctuation, which appeared to be dependent on seasonal-related environmental factors (e.g., temperature and turbidity). The bacterial communities exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) distance–decay pattern in both seasons, and they had a stronger distance–decay relationship in the dry season than in the wet season. However, most of the biomarkers of different external immigrations did not show significant (p > 0.05) distance–decay patterns along the Chishui river, implying that the biomarkers could be used as indicators of external immigration (e.g., OTU_125 and OTU_536). Also, the tributaries were the main external immigration (20.44–83.68%) for the Chishui River, while other terrestrial immigration (e.g., livestock, the soil of the cropland, brewing wastewater treatment plant, and sewages) showed relatively little influence, which could be due to the hydrodynamic conditions (e.g., fragile rock–soil system and hydrological structure) of the karst river. Additionally, the assembly of water bacterial communities in the Chishui river was governed by more determinism (50.7–85.7%) than stochasticity (14.3–49.3%) in both the dry and wet seasons. We demonstrated that the bacterial community’s substantial variations are largely shaped by deterministic processes, thereby providing a better understanding of spatiotemporal patterns and mechanisms of the bacterial community in karst river waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjie Wu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Water Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People’s Republic of China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Water Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People’s Republic of China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xueqin Yang
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kaiming Li
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Water Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People’s Republic of China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bixian Mai
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Resources Utilization and Protection, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Environmental Pollution and Control, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhili He
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, China
| | - Renren Wu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Water Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People’s Republic of China, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Renren Wu,
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16
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Ragot R, Villemur R. Influence of temperature and water quality on the persistence of human mitochondrial DNA, human Hf183 Bacteroidales, fecal coliforms and enterococci in surface water in human fecal source tracking context. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 838:156025. [PMID: 35588844 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is used as a genetic marker to track fecal contamination in surface water. Its potential to effectively discriminate between the nonpoint sources of fecal pollution (e.g. human, livestock) in water environments is relevant for water quality management. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the environmental persistence of mtDNA in relation to those of other microbial parameters, such as fecal indicator bacteria (FIB). In this study, mesocosms composed of water collected from four rivers and tap water were spiked with raw wastewater to mimic human fecal contamination. Mesocosms composed of raw wastewater were also studied. The mesocosms were incubated at 4 °C or at 22 °C for 189 days, from which the levels of human mtDNA (HumtDNA) and human Bacteroidales (Hf183) were measured by qPCR. The levels of FIB (fecal coliforms and enterococci) and heterotrophs were determined by culture methods along with the determination of physicochemical attributes. The decay rates of the genetic markers and FIB were determined with first-order decay rate models. The decay rates of HumtDNA (0.004-0.059 d-1), Hf183 (0.007-0.082 d-1), and the two FIBs (0.005-0.066 d-1) were similar at 4 °C, while the genetic markers both had higher decay rates (0.013-0.919 d-1) at 22 °C. Different HumtDNA decay rates were observed between the river mesocosms (0.043-0.919 d-1) and the wastewater and tap water mesocosms (0.004-0.095 d-1). Covariations of pH and conductivity among the HumtDNA, Hf183 and FIB decay rates were observed. HumtDNA and Hf183 had similar environmental persistence, whereas fecal coliforms and enterococci persisted longer at 22 °C. Finally, HumtDNA had the same trends of persistence in the four river mesocosms, suggesting a relative stability of this marker in different rivers. Our results suggest that HumtDNA could be more suitable for tracking the source of a recent fecal contamination in complement to FIB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose Ragot
- INRS Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Canada.
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17
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Dean K, Mitchell J. Meta-Analysis Addressing the Implications of Model Uncertainty in Understanding the Persistence of Indicators and Pathogens in Natural Surface Waters. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:12106-12115. [PMID: 35984692 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c07552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluates the impact persistence model selection has on the prediction of persistence values of interest and the identification of influential water quality and environmental factors for microorganisms in natural surface waters. Five persistence models representing first-order decay and nonlinear decay profiles were fit to a comprehensive database of 629 data sets for fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), bacteriophages, bacteria, viruses, and protozoa mined from the literature. Initial periods of minimal decay and decay rates tapering off over time were often observed, and a two-parameter model, based on the logistic probability distribution, provided the best fit to the data most frequently. First-order decay kinetics provided the best fit to less than 20% of the analyzed data. Using the best fitting models in this analysis, T90 and T99 metrics were calculated for each data set and used as the dependent variable in a variety of exploratory factor analyses. Random forest methods identified temperature and predation as some of the most important water quality factors influencing persistence, and the protozoa target type differed the most from FIB. This analysis further confirmed the interactions between temperature and predation and suggests that pH and turbidity be more frequently documented in persistence studies to further elucidate their impact on target persistence. The findings from this analysis and the calculated persistence metrics can be used to better inform quantitative microbial risk assessments and may lead to improved predictions of human health risks and water management decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara Dean
- Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Michigan State University, 524 S. Shaw Lane, East Lansing, Michigan48824, United States
| | - Jade Mitchell
- Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Michigan State University, 524 S. Shaw Lane, East Lansing, Michigan48824, United States
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18
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Nguyen TMH, Le TPQ, Hoang VV, Nhu DL, Ha HTT. Fecal indicator bacteria diversity and decay in an estuarine mangrove ecosystem of the Xuan Thuy National Park, Vietnam. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2022; 20:915-926. [PMID: 35768967 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2022.310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mangroves are complex and dynamic ecosystems that are highly dependent on diverse microbial activities. In this study, laboratory experiments and field studies for fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) decay rates are carried out for the first time in the Xuan Thuy Mangrove Forest Reserve of Vietnam. Results show that there are significant differences in bacterial diversity in the water of mangrove areas that have been deforested compared to those which have been planted. The highest mean total coliform (TC) and Escherichia coli (EC) values were found in the natural mangroves (3,807±2,922 and 964±1133 CFU 100 ml-1, respectively). The results indicated that the source of contamination and seasonal changes affect the abundance of fecal bacteria. These results were exceeding by far the safety guidelines for individual, non-commercial water supplies in most of the samples. In the planted mangrove sampling sites, the highest mean Fecal streptococci (FS) values of 1,520±1,652 CFU 100 ml-1 were found. Microbial die-off rates were calculated over 5 days, and observed to be systematically higher for TC than for EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Mai Huong Nguyen
- Institute of Natural Product Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam E-mail:
| | - Thi Phuong Quynh Le
- Institute of Natural Product Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam E-mail:
| | - Vinh Van Hoang
- VNU Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Da Le Nhu
- Institute of Natural Product Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam E-mail:
| | - Hoang Thi Thu Ha
- Institute of Natural Product Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam E-mail:
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19
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Fang T, Zhang Z, Wang H, Rogers M, Cui Q. Insights into effects of algae on decay and distribution of bacterial pathogens in recreational water: Implications for microbial risk management. J Environ Sci (China) 2022; 113:92-103. [PMID: 34963553 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2021.05.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The decay and distribution of bacterial pathogens in water is an important information for the health risk assessment to guide water safety management, and suspended algae might affect bacterial pathogens in water. This study established microcosms to investigate the effects of algae-related factors on the representative indicators and opportunistic pathogen species in water. We found that suspended algae increased the persistence of targeted species by 1-2 orders of magnitude of concentrations compared to microcosms without algae; and the effect of algae on microbial survival was affected by water nutrient levels (i.e., carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus), as the increased microbial persistence were correlated to the increased algae concentrations with more nutrient supplies. Moreover, decay and distribution profiles of representative species were determined. The three opportunistic pathogen species (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aeromonas hydrophila and Staphylococcus aureus) showed lower decay rates (0.82-0.98/day, 0.76-0.98/day, 0.63-0.87/day) largely affected by algae-related factors, while the enteric species (Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis) had higher decay rates (0.94-1.31/day, 0.89-1.21/day) with little association with algae, indicating the propensity for attachment to algae is an important parameter in microbial fate. Together results suggest suspended algae played an evident role in the decay and distribution of bacterial pathogens, providing important implications regarding microbial safety in recreational water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Fang
- State Key Joint Laboratory on Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zuotao Zhang
- State Key Joint Laboratory on Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Hui Wang
- State Key Joint Laboratory on Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| | - Matt Rogers
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, Engineering Drive 3, 117576, Singapore
| | - Qijia Cui
- State Key Joint Laboratory on Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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Dean K, Mitchell J. Identifying water quality and environmental factors that influence indicator and pathogen decay in natural surface waters. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 211:118051. [PMID: 35051677 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Biphasic decay has been observed for indicators and pathogens in bench-scale and in-situ water experiments for decades, however, first-order decay kinetics continue to be applied to persistence data because of their simplicity and ease of application. Model uncertainty introduced by broadly applying first-order decay kinetics to persistence data may lead to erroneous decision making in the fields of water management and protection. As surface waters are exposed to highly variable environmental and water quality factors that influence microbial and viral persistence, it is expected that first-order decay kinetics are not representative of most of the persistence literature for indicators and pathogens in surface water matrices. This review compiled the methods and results of 61 studies that conducted experiments evaluating the persistence of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), bacteriophages, pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and protozoa in natural surface water matrices. The goals of this review were trifold: (1) collate studies in the literature with data available for future persistence modeling, (2) present the current state of knowledge with regards to the environmental and water quality factors affecting persistence in natural surface waters, and (3) identify recurrent evidence for interactions between the frequently studied factors to inform future factor analyses. Comparing the methods and results across the 61 studies suggest potential interactions between sunlight and water type; sunlight and method of detection; predation and water type; predation and temperature; and water type and method of detection. The majority of the identified literature evaluated FIB or bacteria persistence; future experiments are needed that focus on protozoa, brackish or marine water types, and molecular-based methods of detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara Dean
- Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Michigan State University, USA
| | - Jade Mitchell
- Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Michigan State University, USA.
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21
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Raza S, Shin H, Hur HG, Unno T. Higher abundance of core antimicrobial resistant genes in effluent from wastewater treatment plants. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 208:117882. [PMID: 34837814 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) receive sewage water from a variety of sources, including livestock farms, hospitals, industries, and households, that contain antimicrobial resistant bacteria (ARB) and antimicrobial resistant genes (ARGs). Current treatment technologies are unable to completely remove ARB and ARGs, which are eventually released into the aquatic environment. This study focused on the core resistome of urban WWTPs that are persistent through wastewater treatment processes. We adopted the Hiseq-based metagenomic sequencing approach to identify the core resistome, their genetic context, and pathogenic potential of core ARGs in the influent (IN) and effluent (EF) samples of 12 urban WWTPs in South Korea. In this study, the abundance of ARGs ranged from 0.32 to 3.5 copies of ARGs per copy of the 16S rRNA gene, where the IN samples were relatively higher than the EF samples, especially for the macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin (MLS)- and tetracycline- resistant genes. On the other hand, there were 43 core ARGs sharing up to 90% of the total, among which the relative abundance of sul1, APH(3'')-lb, and RbpA was higher in EF than in IN (p < 0.05). Moreover, tetracycline and sulfonamide-related core ARGs in both EF and IN were significantly more abundant on plasmids than on chromosomes (p < 0.05). We also found that the majority of core ARGs were carried by opportunistic pathogens such as Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterobacter cloacae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in both IN and EF. In addition, phages were the only mobile elements whose abundance correlated with that of core ARGs in EF, suggesting that transduction may play a major role in disseminating ARGs in the receiving water environment of the urban WWTP. The persistent release of core ARGs with pathogenic potential into environmental water is of immediate concern. The mobility of ARGs and ARBs in the environment is a major public health concern. These results should be taken into consideration when developing policy to mitigate environmental dissemination of ARG by WWTPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahbaz Raza
- Faculty of Biotechnology, College of Applied Life Sciences, SARI, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Hanseob Shin
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Hor-Gil Hur
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Tatsuya Unno
- Faculty of Biotechnology, College of Applied Life Sciences, SARI, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea.
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Zimmer-Faust AG, Steele JA, Xiong X, Staley C, Griffith M, Sadowsky MJ, Diaz M, Griffith JF. A Combined Digital PCR and Next Generation DNA-Sequencing Based Approach for Tracking Nearshore Pollutant Dynamics Along the Southwest United States/Mexico Border. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:674214. [PMID: 34421839 PMCID: PMC8377738 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.674214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocean currents, multiple fecal bacteria input sources, and jurisdictional boundaries can complicate pollution source tracking and associated mitigation and management efforts within the nearshore coastal environment. In this study, multiple microbial source tracking tools were employed to characterize the impact and reach of an ocean wastewater treatment facility discharge in Mexico northward along the coast and across the Southwest United States- Mexico Border. Water samples were evaluated for fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), Enterococcus by culture-based methods, and human-associated genetic marker (HF183) and Enterococcus by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR). In addition, 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis was performed and the SourceTracker algorithm was used to characterize the bacterial community of the wastewater treatment plume and its contribution to beach waters. Sampling dates were chosen based on ocean conditions associated with northern currents. Evidence of a gradient in human fecal pollution that extended north from the wastewater discharge across the United States/Mexico border from the point source was observed using human-associated genetic markers and microbial community analysis. The spatial extent of fecal contamination observed was largely dependent on swell and ocean conditions. These findings demonstrate the utility of a combination of molecular tools for understanding and tracking specific pollutant sources in dynamic coastal water environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amity G Zimmer-Faust
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, Costa Mesa, CA, United States
| | - Joshua A Steele
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, Costa Mesa, CA, United States
| | - Xianyi Xiong
- BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| | - Christopher Staley
- BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| | - Madison Griffith
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, Costa Mesa, CA, United States
| | - Michael J Sadowsky
- Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| | - Margarita Diaz
- Proyecto Fronterizo de Educación Ambiental, A.C., Tijuana, Mexico
| | - John F Griffith
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, Costa Mesa, CA, United States
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23
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Loeb SK, Jennings WC, Wigginton KR, Boehm AB. Sunlight Inactivation of Human Norovirus and Bacteriophage MS2 Using a Genome-Wide PCR-Based Approach and Enzyme Pretreatment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:8783-8792. [PMID: 34101449 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c01575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Human norovirus (hNoV) is an important etiology of gastrointestinal illness and can be transmitted via ingestion of contaminated water. Currently impractical to culture, hNoV detection is reliant on real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-based methods. This approach cannot distinguish between infective and inactivated viruses because intact regions of the RNA genome can amplify even if the damage is present in other regions of the genome or because intact genetic material is not contained within an infectious virion. Herein, we employ a multiple long-amplicon RT-qPCR extrapolation approach to assay genome-wide damage and an enzymatic pretreatment to study the impact of simulated sunlight on the infectivity of hNoV in clear, sensitizer-free water. Using MS2 coliphage as an internal control, the genome-wide damage extrapolation approach, previously successfully applied for UV-254 inactivation, vastly overestimated sunlight inactivation, suggesting key differences in photoinactivation under different spectral conditions. hNoV genomic RNA was more susceptible to simulated sunlight degradation per base compared to MS2 genomic RNA, while enzymatic pretreatment indicated that hNoV experienced more capsid damage than MS2. This work provides practical and mechanistic insight into the endogenous sunlight inactivation of single-stranded RNA bacteriophage MS2, a widely used surrogate, and hNoV GII.4 Sydney, an important health-relevant virus, in clear sensitizer-free water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie K Loeb
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Engineering Research Center (ERC) for Re-inventing the Nation's Urban Water Infrastructure (ReNUWIt), Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Wiley C Jennings
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Krista Rule Wigginton
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Alexandria B Boehm
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Engineering Research Center (ERC) for Re-inventing the Nation's Urban Water Infrastructure (ReNUWIt), Stanford, California 94305, United States
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24
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Li D, Van De Werfhorst LC, Steets B, Ervin J, Murray JLS, Devarajan N, Holden PA. Bather Shedding as a Source of Human Fecal Markers to a Recreational Beach. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:673190. [PMID: 34248883 PMCID: PMC8269448 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.673190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial source tracking (MST) can identify and locate surf zone fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) sources. However, DNA-based fecal marker results may raise new questions, since FIB and DNA marker sources can differ. Here, during 2 years of summertime (dry season) MST for a Goleta, California recreational beach, surf zone FIB were mainly from gulls, yet low level human-associated DNA-based fecal marker (HF183) was detected in 25 and 14% of surf zone water samples, respectively. Watershed sources were hypothesized because dry weather creek waters had elevated FIB, and runoff-generating rain events mobilized human (and dog) fecal markers and Salmonella spp. into creeks, with human marker HF183 detected in 40 and 50% of creek water samples, dog markers detected in 70 and 50% of samples, and Salmonella spp. in 40 and 33.3% of samples, respectively over 2 years. However, the dry weather estuary outlet was bermed in the first study year; simultaneously, creek fecal markers and pathogens were lower or similar to surf zone results. Although the berm breached in the second year, surf zone fecal markers stayed low. Watershed sediments, intertidal beach sands, and nearshore sediments were devoid of HF183 and dog-associated DNA markers. Based on dye tests and groundwater sampling, beach sanitary sewers were not leaking; groundwater was also devoid of HF183. Offshore sources appeared unlikely, since FIB and fecal markers decreased along a spatial gradient from the surf zone toward nearshore and offshore ocean waters. Further, like other regional beaches, surf zone HF183 corresponded significantly to bather counts, especially in the afternoons when there were more swimmers. However, morning detections of surf zone HF183 when there were few swimmers raised the possibility that the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) offshore outfall discharged HF183 overnight which transported to the surf zone. These findings support that there may be lowest achievable limits of surf zone HF183 owing to several chronic and permanent, perhaps diurnal, low concentration sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Li
- Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Laurie C. Van De Werfhorst
- Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | | | - Jared Ervin
- Geosyntec Consultants, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Jill L. S. Murray
- Creeks Division, Department of Parks and Recreation, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Naresh Devarajan
- Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Patricia A. Holden
- Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
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25
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Lu X, Huang C, Chen F, Zhang S, Lao Q, Chen C, Wu J, Jin G, Zhu Q. Carbon and nitrogen isotopic compositions of particulate organic matter in the upwelling zone off the east coast of Hainan Island, China. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 167:112349. [PMID: 33865044 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The isotopic compositions (δ13C and δ15N) and C/N ratios of suspended particulate organic matter (POM) were investigated off the east coast of Hainan Island in the South China Sea during summer. Coastal upwelling influenced the nearshore stations of transects S2 and S3, and higher δ13C and δ15N values suggested that coastal upwelling played a significant role in determining the POM sources. The POM at the nearshore area of transect S1 was controlled by the coastal current and freshwater discharge. Additionally, organic matter may be transported to the offshore area via tidal movements in transects S1 and S3. Based on the stable isotope analysis in an R model, the marine organic matter contribution in the upwelling area (19%) was higher than that in the other areas (transect S1 and the offshore area) (7%). The δ13C and δ15N values and C/N ratios reflect the carbon and nitrogen sources and their cycling in the upwelling zone off the east coast of Hainan Island.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Lu
- Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China; College of Ocean and Meteorology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Chao Huang
- College of Ocean and Meteorology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Fajin Chen
- College of Ocean and Meteorology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Shuwen Zhang
- Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China.
| | - Qibin Lao
- Marine Environmental Monitoring Centre of Beihai, State Oceanic Administration, Beihai 266031, China
| | - Chunqing Chen
- College of Ocean and Meteorology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Junhui Wu
- College of Ocean and Meteorology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Guangzhe Jin
- College of Ocean and Meteorology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Qingmei Zhu
- College of Ocean and Meteorology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
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26
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King J, Ahmadian R, Falconer RA. Hydro-epidemiological modelling of bacterial transport and decay in nearshore coastal waters. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 196:117049. [PMID: 33774350 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, society has become more aware and concerned with the environmental and human health impacts of population growth and urbanisation. In response, a number of legislative measures have been introduced within Europe (and globally), which have sparked much cross-disciplinary research aimed at predicting and quantifying these impacts, and suggesting mitigation measures. In response to such measures this paper is focused on improving current understanding of, and simulating water quality, in the form of bacterial transport and decay, in the aquatic environment and particularly in macro-tidal environments. A number of 2D and 3D hydro-epidemiological models were developed using the TELEMAC suite to predict faecal bacterial levels for a data rich pilot site, namely Swansea Bay, located in the south west of the UK, where more than 7,000 FIO samples were taken and analysed over a two year period. A comparison of 2D and 3D modelling approaches highlights the importance of accurately representing source momentum terms in hydro-epidemiological models. Improvements in 2D model bacterial concentration predictions were achieved by the application of a novel method for representing beach sources within the nearshore zone of a macro-tidal environment. In addition, the use of a depth-varying decay rate was found to enhance the prediction of Faecal Indicator Organism concentrations in 3D models. Recommendations are made for the use of these novel approaches in future modelling studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan King
- Hydro-environmental Research Centre (HRC), School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 3AA, UK; JBA Consulting, 1 Broughton Park, Old Lane North, Broughton, Skipton BD23 3FD, North Yorkshire
| | - Reza Ahmadian
- Hydro-environmental Research Centre (HRC), School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 3AA, UK.
| | - Roger A Falconer
- Hydro-environmental Research Centre (HRC), School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 3AA, UK
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27
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Powers NC, Pinchback J, Flores L, Huang Y, Wetz MS, Turner JW. Long-term water quality analysis reveals correlation between bacterial pollution and sea level rise in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 166:112231. [PMID: 33798816 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Long-term assessments are needed to identify water quality trends and their socio-environmental drivers for coastal management and watershed restoration. This study provides the first long-term assessment of fecal bacterial pollution in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico using enterococci data spanning the Texas coast from 2009 to 2020. The data were representative of 66 beaches, 169 stations, and over 75,000 samples. Findings demonstrate that 22 beaches are 'hotspots' of pollution and experienced enterococci levels that frequently exceeded the USEPA beach action value. Further, enterococci were correlated with time, population size, and sea level. Weak correlations detected in some counties highlight the multifactorial nature of water quality; additional factors are likely influencing enterococci levels. The correlation with sea level is concerning, as counties vulnerable to sea level rise frequently reported enterococci concentrations exceeding the beach action value. In consideration of sea level rise predictions, targeted studies are needed to pinpoint drivers of fecal pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole C Powers
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA
| | | | - Lucy Flores
- Texas General Land Office, Austin, TX 78701, USA
| | - Yuxia Huang
- School of Engineering and Computing Sciences, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA
| | - Michael S Wetz
- Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Turner
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA.
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28
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Codello A, McLellan SL, Steinberg P, Potts J, Scanes P, Ferguson A, Hose GC, Griffith M, Roguet A, Lydon KA, Maher WA, Krikowa F, Chariton A. A weight-of-evidence approach for identifying potential sources of untreated sewage inputs into a complex urbanized catchment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 275:116575. [PMID: 33582627 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The Hawkesbury-Nepean River (HNR) is the largest catchment in the Sydney region and is undergoing unprecedented population growth. The HNR system receives a mix of anthropogenic inputs such as treated sewage, stormwater and agricultural runoff. Combined, these can diminish the ecological system health and pose potential concerns to human health. Of particular concern are inputs of untreated sewage, that can occur due to a range of different reasons including illegal point source discharges, failure of the sewerage network, and overloading of wastewater treatment plants during storm events. Here, we present findings of an intensive assessment across the HNR catchment where we used a weight-of-evidence (WOE) approach to identify untreated sewage contamination in surface waters against the background of treated effluent and diffuse inputs during post high flow conditions. Total nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations were used to assess treated effluent and diffuse inputs, and microbial analysis, including both culture-based traditional methods for E. coli and enterococci and qPCR analysis of Bacteroides and Lachnospiraceae, were used to assess raw sewage contamination. Despite a background of diffuse inputs from recent high flow events and the influence of treated wastewater, we found no gradient of faecal contamination along the HNR system or its tributaries. We observed two sites with evidence of untreated sewage contamination, where the human markers Bacteroides and Lachnospiraceae qPCR copy numbers were high. The biological and chemical approaches suggested these latter two hotspots originate from an industrial runoff source and possibly from a dry weather sewage leak. Our findings demonstrate the potential of a WOE approach in the assessment of human faecal signal in an urban river that can also pinpoint small sources of contamination as a strategy that can reshape the way monitoring is performed and the chemical end-points chosen to provide pertinent information on the potential risks to aquatic system health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annachiara Codello
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, 2113, Australia.
| | - Sandra L McLellan
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Peter Steinberg
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, 19 Chowder Bay Rd, Mosman, NSW, 2088, Australia; School of BEES, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, 20152, Australia
| | - Jaimie Potts
- NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, EES Laboratories, 480 Weeroona Road, Lidcombe, NSW, 2141, Australia
| | - Peter Scanes
- NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, EES Laboratories, 480 Weeroona Road, Lidcombe, NSW, 2141, Australia
| | - Angus Ferguson
- NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, EES Laboratories, 480 Weeroona Road, Lidcombe, NSW, 2141, Australia
| | - Grant C Hose
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, 2113, Australia
| | | | - Adelaide Roguet
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Keri A Lydon
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - William A Maher
- Research School of Earth Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia, 2601
| | - Frank Krikowa
- Research School of Earth Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia, 2601
| | - Anthony Chariton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, 2113, Australia
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Saingam P, Li B, Sung S, Yan T. Immediate Impact of Hurricane Lane on Microbiological Quality of Coastal Water in Hilo Bay, Hawaii. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:2960-2967. [PMID: 33570908 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c07082] [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] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Hurricanes and associated stormwater runoff events are expected to greatly impact coastal marine water quality, yet little is known about their immediate effects on microbiological quality of near-shore water. This study sampled Hilo Bay immediately after the impact of Hurricane Lane to understand the spatial and temporal variations of the abundance and diversity of fecal indicator enterococci, common fecal pathogens, and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Water samples from seven sampling sites over 7 days were collected and analyzed, which showed that the overall microbiological water quality parameters [enterococci geometric mean (GM): 6-22 cfu/100 mL] fell within water quality standards and that the temporal dynamics indicated continuing water quality recovery. However, considerable spatial variation was observed, with the most contaminated site exhibiting impaired water quality (GM = 144 cfu/100 mL). The Enterococcus population also showed distinct genotypic composition at the most contaminated site. Although marker genes for typical fecal pathogens (invA for Salmonella, hipO for Campylobacter, mip for Legionella pneumophila, and eaeA for enteropathogenic Escherichia coli) were not detected, various ARGs (ermB, qurS, tetM, blaTEM, and sul1) and integron-associated integrase intI1 were detected at high levels. Understanding the temporal and spatial variation of microbiological water quality at fine granularity is important for balancing economic and recreational uses of coastal water and the protection of public health post the impact of major hurricane events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakit Saingam
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822, United States
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822, United States
| | - Shihwu Sung
- College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hilo, Hawaii 96720, United States
| | - Tao Yan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822, United States
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Escherichia coli Capacity to Repopulate Microcosms Under Osmotic/U.V. Synergic Stress in Tropical Waters. Curr Microbiol 2021; 78:756-764. [PMID: 33462632 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-020-02319-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
In both Brazilian and European regulations, the impact assessment of sewage discharges into coastal waters is based on microbiological analyses of fecal indicators such as Escherichia coli, frequently used in prevision hydrodynamic models. However, the decay rates of E. coli vary depending on environmental conditions, and analysis may lead to inaccurate conclusions. This study aimed to analyze the decay of culturable and viable (but not culturable) E. coli in outdoor conditions, by creating microcosms inoculated with pre-treated sewage. The microcosms were filled with 9.88 L of filtered water (0.22 μm membrane), 3.5% salt, 0.1-0.2% BHI, and 1% bacterial suspension obtained by reverse filtration. PMA-qPCR of E. coli uidA gene and Colilert measurements were applied to evaluate population counts after 2 h, 4 h, and 26 h. After nine hours of exposure to solar radiation, the viable cells decreased to 2.76% (interpolated value) of the initial population, and the cultivable fraction of the viable population accounted for 0.50%. In the dark period, the bacteria grew again, and viable cells reached 8.54%, while cultivable cells grew to 48.14% of initial population. This behavior is possibly due to the use of nutrients recycled from dead cells. Likewise, populations of E. coli in sewage outfalls remain viable in the sediments, where resuspension can renew blooming.
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31
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Ahmed W, Toze S, Veal C, Fisher P, Zhang Q, Zhu Z, Staley C, Sadowsky MJ. Comparative decay of culturable faecal indicator bacteria, microbial source tracking marker genes, and enteric pathogens in laboratory microcosms that mimic a sub-tropical environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 751:141475. [PMID: 32890804 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Enteric pathogens can be present in drinking water catchments due to several point and non-point sources of faecal contamination. Pathogen and contaminant signatures will decay due to environmental stresses, such as temperature, Ultra Violet (UV) radiation, salinity, and predation. In this study, we determined the decay of the culturable faecal indicator bacterium (FIB) Escherichia coli (E. coli), two sewage-associated marker genes (Bacteroides HF183 and crAssphage CPQ_056), and enteric pathogens (Campylobacter spp., human adenovirus 40/41, and Cryptosporidium parvum) in two freshwater laboratory microcosms using culture-based, quantitative PCR (qPCR) and vital dye (determine the fraction of viable Cryptosporidium oocysts) assays. Freshwater samples from the Lake Wappa and Lake Wivenhoe (Australia) were seeded with untreated sewage and C. parvum oocysts, and their declining concentrations were measured over a 28-day period. Moreover, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing was also undertaken to determine the change/shift in sewage-associated bacterial communities using SourceTracker. Overall, culturable E. coli and the HF183 marker gene decayed significantly (p < 0.05) faster than did the qPCR measured enteric pathogens suggesting that the absence of culturable FIB or qPCR HF183 in water samples may not indicate the absence of pathogens. The decay of crAssphage was similar to that of HAdV 40/41 and other pathogens tested, suggesting crAssphage may be a better surrogate for enteric viruses in sub-tropical catchment waters. The decay rates were greater at 25 °C compared to 15 °C, suggesting that FIB and pathogens persist longer in the winter season compared to summer. Overall decay rates of the tested microorganisms in this microcosm study suggest that sub-tropical conditions, especially temperature, have a negative impact on the persistence of tested microorganisms. Sewage-associated bacterial communities also showed similar patterns. Based on the results, which showed differences in simulated summer and winter temperatures for pathogen decay, corresponding management options and treatment need to be adjusted accordingly to minimize human health risks effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, QLD, Australia.
| | - Simon Toze
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, QLD, Australia
| | - Cameron Veal
- Seqwater, 117 Brisbane Street, Ipswich, QLD, Australia
| | - Paul Fisher
- Seqwater, 117 Brisbane Street, Ipswich, QLD, Australia
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, and the BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Zhigang Zhu
- Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, MN 55455, USA
| | | | - Michael J Sadowsky
- Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, and the BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
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Ben Romdhane R, Merle R. The Data Behind Risk Analysis of Campylobacter Jejuni and Campylobacter Coli Infections. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2021; 431:25-58. [PMID: 33620647 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-65481-8_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli are major causes of food-borne enteritis in humans. Poultry meat is known to be responsible for a large proportion of cases of human campylobacteriosis. However, other food-borne, environmental and animal sources are frequently associated with the disease in humans as well. Human campylobacteriosis causes gastroenteritis that in most cases is self-limiting. Nevertheless, the burden of the disease is relatively large compared with other food-borne diseases, which is mostly due to rare but long-lasting symptoms related to immunological sequelae. In order to pave the way to improved surveillance and control of human campylobacteriosis, we review here the data that is typically used for risk analysis to quantify the risk and disease burden, identify specific surveillance strategies and assist in choosing the most effective control strategies. Such data are mostly collected from the literature, and their nature is discussed here, for each of the three processes that are essential for a complete risk analysis procedure: risk assessment, risk management and risk communication. Of these, the first, risk assessment, is most dependent on data, and this process is subdivided into the steps of hazard identification, hazard characterization, exposure assessment and risk characterization. For each of these steps of risk assessment, information from published material that is typically collected will be summarized here. In addition, surveillance data are highly valuable for risk assessments. Different surveillance systems are employed in different countries, which can make international comparison of data challenging. Risk analysis typically results in targeted control strategies, and these again differ between countries. The applied control strategies are as yet not sufficient to eradicate human campylobacteriosis. The surveillance tools of Campylobacter in humans and exposure sources in place in different countries are briefly reviewed to better understand the Campylobacter dynamics and guide control strategies. Finally, the available control measures on different risk factors and exposure sources are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Racem Ben Romdhane
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Roswitha Merle
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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Hart JD, Blackwood AD, Noble RT. Examining coastal dynamics and recreational water quality by quantifying multiple sewage specific markers in a North Carolina estuary. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 747:141124. [PMID: 32795790 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Fecal contamination is observed downstream of municipal separate storm sewer systems in coastal North Carolina. While it is well accepted that wet weather contributes to this phenomenon, less is understood about the contribution of the complex hydrology in this low-lying coastal plain. A quantitative microbial assessment was conducted in Beaufort, North Carolina to identify trends and potential sources of fecal contamination in stormwater receiving waters. Fecal indicator concentrations were significantly higher in receiving water downstream of a tidally submerged outfall compared to an outfall that was permanently submerged (p < 0.001), though tidal height was not predictive of human-specific microbial source tracking (MST) marker concentrations at the tidally submerged site. Short-term rainfall (i.e. <12 h) was predictive of E. coli, Enterococcus spp., and human-specific MST marker concentrations (Fecal Bacteroides, BacHum, and HF183) in receiving waters. The strong correlation between 12-hr antecedent rainfall and Enterococcus spp. (r = 0.57, p < 0.001, n = 92) suggests a predictive model could be developed based on rainfall to communicate risk for bathers. Additional molecular marker data indicates that the delivery of fecal sources is complex and highly variable, likely due to the influence of tidal influx (saltwater intrusion from the estuary) into the low-lying stormwater pipes. In particular, elevated MST marker concentrations (up to 2.56 × 104 gene copies HF183/mL) were observed in standing water near surcharging street storm drain. These data are being used to establish a baseline for stormwater dynamics prior to dramatic rainfall in 2018 and to characterize the interaction between complex stormwater dynamics and water quality impairment in coastal NC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin D Hart
- University of North Carolina Institute of Marine Sciences, Morehead City, NC, United States of America; Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - A Denene Blackwood
- University of North Carolina Institute of Marine Sciences, Morehead City, NC, United States of America
| | - Rachel T Noble
- University of North Carolina Institute of Marine Sciences, Morehead City, NC, United States of America; Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America.
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Stange C, Tiehm A. Occurrence of antibiotic resistance genes and microbial source tracking markers in the water of a karst spring in Germany. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 742:140529. [PMID: 32629259 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of antimicrobial resistances causes serious public health concerns worldwide. In recent years, the aquatic ecosystem has been recognized as a reservoir for antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). The prevalence of 11 ARGs, active against six antibiotic classes (β-lactams, aminoglycosides, tetracycline, macrolides, trimethoprim, and sulfonamides), was evaluated at a karst spring (Gallusquelle) in Germany, using molecular biological methods. In addition, fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), turbidity, electrical conductivity, spring discharge, and microbial source tracking markers specific for human, horse, chicken, and cow were determined. The ARGs most frequently detected were ermB (42.1%), tet(C) (40.8%), sul2 (39.5%), and sul1 (36.8%), which code for resistance to macrolides, tetracycline and sulfonamides, respectively. After a heavy rain event, the increase in FIB in the spring water was associated with the increase in ARGs and human-specific microbial source tracking (MST) markers. The determined correlations of the microbiological parameters, the observed overflow of a combined sewer overflow basin a few days before the increase of these parameters, and the findings of previous studies indicate that the overflow of this undersized basin located 9 km away from the spring could be a factor affecting the water quality of the karst spring. Our results provide a scientific basis for minimization of the input of fecal pollution and thus ARGs into the karst spring.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Stange
- DVGW-Technologiezentrum Wasser (TZW), Karlsruher Straße 84, D-76139 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - A Tiehm
- DVGW-Technologiezentrum Wasser (TZW), Karlsruher Straße 84, D-76139 Karlsruhe, Germany.
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35
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Zimmer-Faust AG, Steele JA, Griffith JF, Schiff K. The challenges of microbial source tracking at urban beaches for Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 160:111546. [PMID: 32898736 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Urban beaches are frequently impacted from multiple sources of fecal contamination. This along with high beach usage underscores the importance of appropriate management that protects swimmer health. The USEPA has enabled the use of QMRA as a tool for quantifying swimmer health risk and setting site-specific water quality objectives. This study illustrates the challenges associated with human and non-human source identification and how these challenges influence the decision of whether QMRA at typical urban beaches for water quality management is appropriate. In this study, a similar and correlated spatial relationship with elevated Enterococcus and avian-specific markers was observed, suggesting shorebirds as a primary source of FIB. However, human-associated markers were also detected frequently but at low concentrations. Ultimately, a QMRA was not conducted because pathogen loading from potential human sources could not be confidently quantified, having consequences for health risk in receiving waters where recreational contact occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amity G Zimmer-Faust
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, 3535 Harbor Blvd, Suite 110, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, United States of America.
| | - Joshua A Steele
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, 3535 Harbor Blvd, Suite 110, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, United States of America
| | - John F Griffith
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, 3535 Harbor Blvd, Suite 110, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, United States of America
| | - Ken Schiff
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, 3535 Harbor Blvd, Suite 110, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, United States of America
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36
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Myers EM, Juhl AR. Particle association of Enterococcus sp. increases growth rates and simulated persistence in water columns of varying light attenuation and turbulent diffusivity. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 186:116140. [PMID: 33096438 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Predicting water quality and the human health risks associated with sewage-derived microbes requires understanding the fate and transport of these contaminants. Sewage-derived pathogen risks are typically assessed and monitored by measuring concentrations of fecal indicating bacteria (FIB), like Enterococcus sp. Previous research demonstrated that a high fraction of FIB is particle-associated, which can alter FIB dynamics within secondary water bodies. In this study, we experimentally quantified the effect of particle association on dark, temperature- and light-dependent growth and sinking rates of enterococci. Particle association significantly increased dark growth rates, light-dependent growth rates (i.e. decreased mortality), and sinking rates, relative to free-living enterococci. Simulations using a novel, 1-dimensional model parameterized by these rates indicate greater persistence (T90) for particle-associated enterococci in water bodies across a wide range of diffuse attenuation coefficients of light (Kd) and turbulent diffusivity (D) values. In addition, persistence of both fractions increased in simulated turbid and turbulent waters, compared to clear and/or quiescent conditions. Simulated persistence of both fractions also increased when enterococci discharges occurred later in a diel cycle (towards sunset, as opposed to sunrise), especially for the free-living population, because later discharges under our model conditions allowed both fractions to mix deeper before inactivation via sunlight. Model sensitivity testing revealed that T90 variability was greatest when dark growth rates were altered, suggesting that future empirical studies should focus on quantifying these rates for free-living and particle-associated sewage-derived microbes. Despite greater sensitivity of T90 to variability in dark growth rates, omitting light-dependent growth rates from simulations dramatically influenced T90 values. Our results demonstrate that particle association can increase enterococci persistence in receiving waters and highlight the importance of incorporating particle association in future water quality models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise M Myers
- Columbia University, 535 W 116th Street, New York, NY, 10027, USA; Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory, 61 Route 9W, Palisades, NY, 10964, USA.
| | - Andrew R Juhl
- Columbia University, 535 W 116th Street, New York, NY, 10027, USA; Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory, 61 Route 9W, Palisades, NY, 10964, USA
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Mathai PP, Staley C, Sadowsky MJ. Sequence-enabled community-based microbial source tracking in surface waters using machine learning classification: A review. J Microbiol Methods 2020; 177:106050. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2020.106050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Carneiro MT, Perez DV, Feitosa RC, Wasserman JC. Separation of Escherichia coli from natural samples for identification of sources and microcosm inoculation. Braz J Microbiol 2020; 51:2015-2020. [PMID: 32920714 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-020-00374-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Obtaining uncultured Escherichia coli from natural waters is an important step in the study of microbes in the environment, which are critical for bacterial decay and microbial source tracking. The quality of the samples used can influence the assays, because high contaminant concentrations, differing cell ages, and physiologic states can impair results. The proposed separation is based on a three-step filtration method applied to replicates of seven samples from a sewage plant affluent, collected in different periods. Aliquots of the leachate were inoculated into microcosms, aiming to observe the cultivability of the cells. The assay resulted in colimetry values ranging between 104 and 105 cells. In the leachate, averages of 1.05% of total coliforms and 1.10% of Escherichia coli were recovered from original samples. Although enduring unfavorable temperatures, salinities, and nutritional conditions, the inoculated microcosm populations grew approximately 310 times after 24 h. The final leachate contained cultivable cells in appropriate physiological states and quantities for inoculum in microcosm sets. The bacteria obtained from the leachate were also appropriate for surveys of microbial source tracking, because, in the developed procedure, organisms were separated from contaminants, while cell concentrations were sufficient for inocula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Tavares Carneiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Sistemas de Gestão Sustentáveis, Escola de Engenharia UFF, Niterói, Brazil.,Departamento de Saneamento, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Julio Cesar Wasserman
- Network for the Environment and Sustainable Development and Post-Graduation Program in Geochemistry, University Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil. .,Network for the Environment and Sustainable Development, Institute of Geosciences, Av Litorânea, s/n, Boa Viagem, Niterói, RJ, CEP 24.210-346, Brazil.
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39
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Zhang X, Zhi X, Chen L, Shen Z. Spatiotemporal variability and key influencing factors of river fecal coliform within a typical complex watershed. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 178:115835. [PMID: 32330732 PMCID: PMC7160644 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.115835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Fecal coliform bacteria are a key indicator of human health risks; however, the spatiotemporal variability and key influencing factors of river fecal coliform have yet to be explored in a rural-suburban-urban watershed with multiple land uses. In this study, the fecal coliform concentrations in 21 river sections were monitored for 20 months, and 441 samples were analyzed. Multivariable regressions were used to evaluate the spatiotemporal dynamics of fecal coliform. The results showed that spatial differences were mainly dominated by urbanization level, and environmental factors could explain the temporal dynamics of fecal coliform in different urban patterns except in areas with high urbanization levels. Reducing suspended solids is a direct way to manage fecal coliform in the Beiyun River when the natural factors are difficulty to change, such as temperature and solar radiation. The export of fecal coliform from urban areas showed a quick and sensitive response to rainfall events and increased dozens of times in the short term. Landscape patterns, such as the fragmentation of impervious surfaces and the overall landscape, were identified as key factors influencing urban non-point source bacteria. The results obtained from this study will provide insight into the management of river fecal pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, PR China
| | - Xiaosha Zhi
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, PR China; Satellite Environment Centre, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Beijing, 100094, PR China
| | - Lei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, PR China.
| | - Zhenyao Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, PR China
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40
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Ahmed W, Payyappat S, Cassidy M, Harrison N, Besley C. Sewage-associated marker genes illustrate the impact of wet weather overflows and dry weather leakage in urban estuarine waters of Sydney, Australia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 705:135390. [PMID: 31838427 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of wet weather overflows (WWOs) at three estuarine locations in Sydney, NSW, Australia. WWOs can occur when infiltration of stormwater leads to an excess volume of flow within the sewerage system, resulting in the release of diluted sewage into the environment. Sewage contamination poses a risk to human health due to the presence of pathogens. The magnitude of sewage contamination was monitored using established and novel sewage-associated marker genes, Bacteroides HF183, pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV), crAssphage CPQ_056, Lachnospiraceae (Lachno3) marker genes along with culturable fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) Escherichia coli (E. coli) and enterococci. Water samples were collected at two water depths (0.5 m below the water surface and 1 m above the bottom surface) during one dry weather and two storm events. Analysis of sewage-associated marker genes showed greater (i.e., 3-5 orders of magnitude) concentrations in water samples collected during the storm events compared to dry weather event. Water samples were also analysed for four animal feces-associated marker genes targeting avian (GFD), dog (BacCan-UCD), cow (cowM2) and horse (HoF597) species to determine the extent of animal fecal contamination. Among the four marker genes, cowM2 and HoF597 could not be detected, while GFD marker gene was consistently present and BacCan-UCD was occasionally detected. Overall results suggested that after rainfall, untreated sewage from WWOs was present at sampling locations. In addition, microbial source tracking (MST) monitoring was able to distinguish the presence of a leaking sewer impacting on the recreational area during dry weather condition. This study demonstrated the capability of the MST monitoring approach to understand sources (sewage or animal) of fecal contamination. This capability will greatly enhance management decisions assisting in the prioritisation of remediation efforts of the sewerage system to improve estuarine bathing water quality and diminish human health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Sudhi Payyappat
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
| | - Michele Cassidy
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
| | - Nathan Harrison
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
| | - Colin Besley
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
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41
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Wu B, Wang C, Zhang C, Sadowsky MJ, Dzakpasu M, Wang XC. Source-Associated Gastroenteritis Risk from Swimming Exposure to Aging Fecal Pathogens. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:921-929. [PMID: 31800232 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b01188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Human contact with fecally contaminated waters often raises public health concern. The infection potential closely relates to the fecal source type and the aging persistence of waterborne pathogens. In this study, the health risk of contracting gastroenteritis from exposure to aging fecal contamination was predicted using source-associated markers. Microbial decay characteristics in typical summer seawater were incorporated into a pathogen dose estimation model for a constant fecal input. Results show that the median illness probability commensurate with the health benchmark of 36/1000 corresponded to the marker concentrations of ∼7.8, ∼6.6, ∼3.7, and ∼3.5 log10 gene copies/100 mL for seagulls, cattle, raw sewage, and treated effluent, respectively. The error in risk estimates due to neglecting microbial decay was linearly correlated to the decay differences between markers and pathogens. Specifically, the health risk associated with nonhuman sources, which was primarily contributed by bacterial and parasitic pathogens, can be substantially overestimated, while that for virus-dominated human sources was insignificantly affected by the differential decay. Additionally, seagulls dominated the Enterococcus concentration in waters with a mixture of the above-mentioned sources, although they posed limited health risk. This study provides an approach to understanding the influence of fecal aging on health risk estimation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baolei Wu
- International Science & Technology Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development; Key Lab of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering; and School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering , Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology , Number 13, Yanta Road , Xi'an , Shaanxi 710055 , P. R. China
| | - Chunwei Wang
- International Science & Technology Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development; Key Lab of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering; and School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering , Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology , Number 13, Yanta Road , Xi'an , Shaanxi 710055 , P. R. China
| | - Chongmiao Zhang
- International Science & Technology Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development; Key Lab of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering; and School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering , Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology , Number 13, Yanta Road , Xi'an , Shaanxi 710055 , P. R. China
| | - Michael J Sadowsky
- BioTechnology Institute, Department of Soil, Water, & Climate and Department of Plant & Microbial Biology , University of Minnesota , 1479 Gortner Avenue , Saint Paul , Minnesota 55108 , United States
| | - Mawuli Dzakpasu
- International Science & Technology Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development; Key Lab of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering; and School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering , Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology , Number 13, Yanta Road , Xi'an , Shaanxi 710055 , P. R. China
| | - Xiaochang C Wang
- International Science & Technology Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development; Key Lab of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering; and School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering , Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology , Number 13, Yanta Road , Xi'an , Shaanxi 710055 , P. R. China
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42
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Erdem Ö, Cihangir N, Saylan Y, Denizli A. Comparison of molecularly imprinted plasmonic nanosensor performances for bacteriophage detection. NEW J CHEM 2020. [DOI: 10.1039/d0nj04053c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Preparation steps of nanoparticle- and nanofilm-based plasmonic nanosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özgecan Erdem
- Hacettepe University
- Department of Biology
- Ankara
- Turkey
| | | | | | - Adil Denizli
- Hacettepe University
- Department of Chemistry
- Ankara
- Turkey
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43
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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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Abstract
Fecal microorganisms can enter water bodies in diverse ways, including runoff, sewage discharge, and direct fecal deposition. Once in water, the microorganisms experience conditions that are very different from intestinal habitats. The transition from host to aquatic environment may lead to rapid inactivation, some degree of persistence, or growth. Microorganisms may remain planktonic, be deposited in sediment, wash up on beaches, or attach to aquatic vegetation. Each of these habitats offers a panoply of different stressors or advantages, including UV light exposure, temperature fluctuations, salinity, nutrient availability, and biotic interactions with the indigenous microbiota (e.g., predation and/or competition). The host sources of fecal microorganisms are likewise numerous, including wildlife, pets, livestock, and humans. Most of these microorganisms are unlikely to affect human health, but certain taxa can cause waterborne disease. Others signal increased probability of pathogen presence, e.g., the fecal indicator bacteria Escherichia coli and enterococci and bacteriophages, or act as fecal source identifiers (microbial source tracking markers). The effects of environmental factors on decay are frequently inconsistent across microbial species, fecal sources, and measurement strategies (e.g., culture versus molecular). Therefore, broad generalizations about the fate of fecal microorganisms in aquatic environments are problematic, compromising efforts to predict microbial decay and health risk from contamination events. This review summarizes the recent literature on decay of fecal microorganisms in aquatic environments, recognizes defensible generalizations, and identifies knowledge gaps that may provide particularly fruitful avenues for obtaining a better understanding of the fates of these organisms in aquatic environments.
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45
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Kiaghadi A, Rifai HS. Natural attenuation of indicator bacteria in coastal streams and estuarine environments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 677:230-240. [PMID: 31055102 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.04.315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
One of the most significant causes of poor water quality is the presence of pathogens. To reduce the cost of human exposure to microbial contamination, monitoring of Fecal Indicator Bacteria (FIB), as a surrogate for the presence of pathogens in natural waters, has become the norm. A total maximum daily load (TMDL) framework is used to establish limits for microbial concentrations in impaired waterbodies. In order to meet microbial loads determined by the TMDLs, reductions in microbial sources varying from 50% to almost complete elimination are required. Such targets are fairly difficult, if not impossible, to achieve. A natural attenuation (NA) framework is proposed that takes into account the connectivity between freshwater streams and their receiving coastal estuaries. The framework accounts for destructive and non-destructive mechanisms and defines three regimes: NA 1 - reaction-dilution mixing at the freshwater-tidal interface, NA 2 - advection-reactions within the tidally influenced coastal stream, and NA 3 - dilution-discharge at the interface with the estuary. The framework was illustrated using the Houston Metropolitan area freshwater streams, their discharge into the Houston Ship Channel (HSC) and into Galveston Bay. FIB concentrations in Galveston Bay were much lower when compared to FIB concentrations in Houston streams. Lower enterococci concentrations in tributary tidal waters were found compared to their counterparts in fresh waters (NA1 regime). Additionally, 70% reduction in FIB loads within the HSC was demonstrated as well as a decreasing trend in enterococci geometric means, from upstream to downstream, on the order of 0.092 day-1 (NA2 regime). Lower enterococci concentrations in Galveston Bay at the confluence with the HSC were also demonstrated (NA3 regime). Statistical testing showed that dilution, tide-associated processes, and salinity are the most important NA mechanisms and indicated the significant effect of ambient temperature and rainfall patterns on FIB concentrations and the NA mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Kiaghadi
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Hanadi S Rifai
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Houston, 4726 Calhoun, Houston, TX 77204-4003, USA.
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Ordaz G, Merino-Mascorro JÁ, García S, Heredia N. Persistence of Bacteroidales and other fecal indicator bacteria on inanimated materials, melon and tomato at various storage conditions. Int J Food Microbiol 2019; 299:33-38. [PMID: 30952015 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2019.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
In order to determine the microbial safety of produce, conventional fecal indicator bacteria (CFIB) such as Escherichia coli and Enterococcus are quantified as a standard practice. Bacteroidales are also fecal indicators mostly used for water samples; however, their use and persistence in foods has been rarely studied. In this study, persistence of both CFIB and genetic markers of host-specific Bacteroidales was determined in artificially contaminated materials and vegetables with different textured surfaces under different storage conditions. Sterile feces were contaminated with E. coli, E. faecalis, Bacteroidesthetaiotaomicron (human origin), and Bacteroidales from porcine and bovine origin. Feces were applied to filters of mixed cellulose esters and tomatoes (smooth surface) and flat cork coupons and melons (rough surface) and stored at 10 °C/95% relative humidity (RH) and 25 °C/65%RH for up to 25 days. Bacteroidales markers were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), whereas CFIB were plated onto selective agars. CFIB detection on filters and cork surfaces declined over time. E. coli decreased 2.9 log CFU and 1.2 log CFU per filter and cork, respectively, at 10 °C/95%RH and 5.8 log CFU and 1.8 log CFU per filter and cork, respectively, at 25 °C/65%RH. E. faecalis decreased 1.9 log CFU on filters and 1.3 log CFU on cork at 10 °C/95%RH and 2.6 log CFU/filter and cork under both storage conditions. Although E. coli levels in tomatoes slightly increased during storage, the levels decreased by the end of the assays. However, CFIB levels in melons stored at 10 °C/95%RH increased after 20 days; when stored at 25 °C/65%RH, these levels increased after five days. Bacteroidales levels (universal and host-specific markers) in inanimated material and produce did not show significant differences (P ≤ 0.01) over time. Stability and persistence of Bacteroidales genetic markers make them superior to CFIB as markers and are alternatives for determining the risk of exposure to feces-contaminated produce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilberto Ordaz
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Laboratorio de Bioquímica y Genética de Microorganismos, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolás de los Garza, NL 66455, Mexico
| | - José Ángel Merino-Mascorro
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Laboratorio de Bioquímica y Genética de Microorganismos, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolás de los Garza, NL 66455, Mexico
| | - Santos García
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Laboratorio de Bioquímica y Genética de Microorganismos, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolás de los Garza, NL 66455, Mexico
| | - Norma Heredia
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Laboratorio de Bioquímica y Genética de Microorganismos, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolás de los Garza, NL 66455, Mexico.
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Sagarduy M, Courtois S, Del Campo A, Garmendia JM, Petrau A. Differential decay and prediction of persistence of Enterococcus spp. and Escherichia coli culturable cells and molecular markers in freshwater and seawater environments. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2019; 222:695-704. [PMID: 31097324 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2019.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
To quantify the impact of fecal pollution on the microbiological bathing water quality, predictive modeling is being increasingly used in which the decay rate of the fecal indicators plays an important role. The decay of sewage-sourced enterococci and Escherichia coli culturable cells and their associated molecular markers (16SrRNA) quantified by Quantitative Reverse transcription PCR were measured in controlled microcosms as well in in situ conditions using different water types, from marine waters to fresh waters with intermediate salinity. All bacterial decays were fitted to a first order decay model. In the laboratory study, the light radiation was the most influent factor affecting E. coli and enterococci survival by culture methods although environmental conditions weakly impacted the decay of molecular markers. The results also indicated differential persistence of genetic markers and culturable organisms of fecal indicator bacteria in different water systems. For each bacteria indicator and analytical method, four equations were obtained to predict the time required to have a 90% reduction (T90) according irradiance, salinity and temperature parameters. The weighted model RMSE (Root Mean Square Error) calculated for all field experiments showed that quantification obtained with the equations defined by laboratory-based study compared reasonably well with in-situ observed quantification (0.4 and 0.2 log by standard culture methods for E. coli and Enterococcus spp. and 0.6 and 0.3 log by RT-qPCR for E. coli and Enterococcus spp. respectively). The modeling tool can be used to predict the presence of fecal pollution in marine and fresh waters in combination with either culture based- or rapid molecular methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maialen Sagarduy
- Rivages Pro Tech, 2, Allée Théodore Monod, 64210, Bidart, France.
| | - Sophie Courtois
- Suez, CIRSEE, 38 rue du président Wilson, 78230, Le Pecq, France
| | - Andrea Del Campo
- AZTI Tecnalia, Herrera Kaia - Portualdea z/g, E-20110, Pasaia, Spain
| | | | - Agnès Petrau
- Rivages Pro Tech, 2, Allée Théodore Monod, 64210, Bidart, France
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Sánchez Moreno H, Bolívar-Anillo HJ, Soto-Varela ZE, Aranguren Y, Gonzaléz CP, Villate Daza DA, Anfuso G. Microbiological water quality and sources of contamination along the coast of the Department of Atlántico (Caribbean Sea of Colombia). Preliminary results. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 142:303-308. [PMID: 31232307 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.03.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Microbiological sea water quality is a public health problem that has serious repercussions in the tourism and economy of Colombia. This study determines the concentrations of Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis and Clostridium perfringens at eleven beach water points and seven streams along the coast of the Department of Atlántico, Colombia. In seawater, total E. coli, E. faecalis and C. perfringens concentrations were found between 16 and 572 cfu/100 mL, 7-450 cfu/100 ml and 2-125 cfu/100 ml, respectively. The highest counts were observed mainly on urbanised beaches and in correspondence with streams whose waters had a high concentration of faecal origin microorganisms, which represent a serious health risk factor for bathers. Relevant efforts have to be addressed to improve the microbiological quality of these beaches by the establishment of efficient wastewater management programs aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the local treatment plant and the control of illegal sewage pouring onto the coast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hernando Sánchez Moreno
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Microbiología, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | | | - Zamira E Soto-Varela
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Microbiología, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Yani Aranguren
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Microbiología, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Camila Pichón Gonzaléz
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Microbiología, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Diego Andrés Villate Daza
- Grupo de Investigaciones Marino Costeras GIMAC, Escuela Naval de Suboficiales ARC, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Giorgio Anfuso
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Tierra, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Universidad de Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.
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Korajkic A, McMinn BR, Ashbolt NJ, Sivaganesan M, Harwood VJ, Shanks OC. Extended persistence of general and cattle-associated fecal indicators in marine and freshwater environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 650:1292-1302. [PMID: 30308816 PMCID: PMC8982556 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.09.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/08/2018] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Fecal contamination of recreational waters with cattle manure can pose a risk to public health due to the potential presence of various zoonotic pathogens. Fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) have a long history of use in the assessment of recreational water quality, but FIB quantification provides no information about pollution sources. Microbial source tracking (MST) markers have been developed in response to a need to identify pollution sources, yet factors that influence their decay in ambient waters are often poorly understood. We investigated the influence of water type (freshwater versus marine) and select environmental parameters (indigenous microbiota, ambient sunlight) on the decay of FIB and MST markers originating from cattle manure. Experiments were conducted in situ using a submersible aquatic mesocosm containing dialysis bags filled with a mixture of cattle manure and ambient water. Culturable FIB (E. coli, enterococci) were enumerated by membrane filtration and general fecal indicator bacteria (GenBac3, Entero1a, EC23S857) and MST markers (Rum2Bac, CowM2, CowM3) were estimated by qPCR. Water type was the most significant factor influencing decay (three-way ANOVA, p: 0.006 to <0.001), although the magnitude of the effect differed among microbial targets and over time. The presence of indigenous microbiota and exposure to sunlight were significantly correlated (three-way ANOVA, p: 0.044 to <0.001) with decay of enterococci and CowM2, while E. coli, EC23S857, Rum2Bac, and CowM3 (three-way ANOVA, p: 0.044 < 0.001) were significantly impacted by sunlight or indigenous microbiota. Results indicate extended persistence of both cultivated FIB and genetic markers in marine and freshwater water types. Findings suggest that multiple environmental stressors are important determinants of FIB and MST marker persistence, but their magnitude can vary across indicators. Selective exclusion of natural aquatic microbiota and/or sunlight typically resulted in extended survival, but the effect was minor and limited to select microbial targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asja Korajkic
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States.
| | - Brian R McMinn
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
| | - Nicholas J Ashbolt
- University of Alberta, School of Public Health, 3-57D South Academic Building, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G7, Canada
| | - Mano Sivaganesan
- National Risk Management Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Laboratory, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
| | - Valerie J Harwood
- University of South Florida, Department of Integrative Biology, 4202 E Fowler Ave SCA 110, Tampa, FL 33620, United States
| | - Orin C Shanks
- National Risk Management Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Laboratory, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
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Ahmed W, Zhang Q, Kozak S, Beale D, Gyawali P, Sadowsky MJ, Simpson S. Comparative decay of sewage-associated marker genes in beach water and sediment in a subtropical region. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 149:511-521. [PMID: 30500686 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.10.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
There is a growing move towards using the quantitative polymerase chain (qPCR)-based sewage-associated marker genes to assess surface water quality. However, a lack of understanding about the persistence of many sewage-associated markers creates uncertainty for those tasked with investigating microbial water quality. In this study, we investigated the decay of two qPCR FIB [E. coli (EC), and Enterococcus spp. (ENT) 23S rRNA genes] and four sewage-associated microbial source tracking (MST) marker genes [human Bacteroides HF183 16S rRNA, adenovirus (HAdV), and polyomavirus (HPyV), and crAssphage, a recently described bacteriophage in feces], in outdoor mesocosms containing fresh and marine waters and their corresponding sediments. Decay rates of EC 23S rRNA, ENT 23S rRNA, and HF183 16S rRNA were significantly (p < 0.05) faster than the HAdV, HPyV and crAssphage markers in water samples from all mesocosms. In general, decay rates of bacterial targets were similar in the water columns of the studied mesocosms. Similarly, decay rates of viral targets were also alike in mesocosm water columns in relation to each other. The decay rates of FIB and sewage-associated markers were significantly faster in water samples compared to sediments in all three mesocosms. In the event of resuspension, FIB and marker genes from sediments can potentially recontaminate overlying waters. Thus, care should be taken when interpreting the occurrence of FIB and sewage-associated MST markers in water, which may have originated from sediments. The differential decay of these targets may also influence health outcomes and need to be considered in risk assessment models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Qld, 4102, Australia.
| | - Qian Zhang
- BioTechnology Institute, Departments of Soil, Water & Climate, and Plant & Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Sonya Kozak
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - David Beale
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Qld, 4102, Australia
| | - Pradip Gyawali
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd., Kenepuru Science Center, Porirura, 5240, New Zealand
| | - Michael J Sadowsky
- BioTechnology Institute, Departments of Soil, Water & Climate, and Plant & Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Stuart Simpson
- CSIRO Land and Water, Lucas Heights, NSW, 2234, Australia
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