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Raya S, Malla B, Thakali O, Angga MS, Segawa T, Sherchand JB, Haramoto E. Validation and application of high-throughput quantitative PCR for the simultaneous detection of microbial source tracking markers in environmental water. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 940:173604. [PMID: 38821279 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173604] [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: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
No single microbial source tracking (MST) marker can be applied to determine the sources of fecal pollution in all water types. This study aimed to validate a high-throughput quantitative polymerase chain reaction (HT-qPCR) method for the simultaneous detection of multiple MST markers. A total of 26 fecal-source samples that had been previously collected from human sewage (n = 6) and ruminant (n = 3), dog (n = 6), pig (n = 6), chicken (n = 3), and duck (n = 2) feces in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, were used to validate 10 host-specific MST markers, i.e., Bacteroidales (BacHum, gyrB, BacR, and Pig2Bac), mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) (swine, bovine, and Dog-mtDNA), and viral (human adenovirus, porcine adenovirus, and chicken/turkey parvovirus) markers, via HT-qPCR. Only Dog-mtDNA showed 100 % accuracy. All the tested bacterial markers showed a sensitivity of 100 %. Nine of the 10 markers were further used to identify fecal contamination in groundwater sources (n = 54), tanker filling stations (n = 14), drinking water treatment plants (n = 5), and river water samples (n = 6). The human-specific Bacteroidales marker BacHum and ruminant-specific Bacteroidales marker BacR was detected at a high ratio in river water samples (83 % and 100 %, respectively). The results of HT-qPCR were in agreement with the standard qPCR. The comparable performances of HT-qPCR and standard qPCR as well as the successful detection of MST markers in the fecal-source and water samples demonstrated the potential applicability of these markers for detecting fecal contamination sources via HT-qPCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunayana Raya
- Department of Engineering, University of Yamanashi, 4-3-11 Takeda, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-8511, Japan
| | - Bikash Malla
- Interdisciplinary Center for River Basin Environment, University of Yamanashi, 4-3-11 Takeda, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-8511, Japan
| | - Ocean Thakali
- Department of Engineering, University of Yamanashi, 4-3-11 Takeda, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-8511, Japan
| | - Made Sandhyana Angga
- Department of Engineering, University of Yamanashi, 4-3-11 Takeda, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-8511, Japan
| | - Takahiro Segawa
- Center for Life Science, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimokato, Chuo, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan.
| | - Jeevan B Sherchand
- Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu 1524, Nepal
| | - Eiji Haramoto
- Interdisciplinary Center for River Basin Environment, University of Yamanashi, 4-3-11 Takeda, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-8511, Japan.
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Modra H, Ulmann V, Gersl M, Babak V, Konecny O, Hubelova D, Caha J, Kudelka J, Falkinham JO, Pavlik I. River Sediments Downstream of Villages in a Karstic Watershed Exhibited Increased Numbers and Higher Diversity of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 87:15. [PMID: 38102317 PMCID: PMC10724323 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-023-02326-3] [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: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
The impact of residential villages on the nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in streams flowing through them has not been studied in detail. Water and sediments of streams are highly susceptible to anthropogenic inputs such as surface water flows. This study investigated the impact of seven residential villages in a karst watershed on the prevalence and species spectrum of NTM in water and sediments. Higher NTM species diversity (i.e., 19 out of 28 detected) was recorded downstream of the villages and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) compared to sampling sites upstream (i.e., 5). Significantly, higher Zn and lower silicon concentrations were detected in sediments inside the village and downstream of the WWTP's effluents. Higher phosphorus concentration in sediment was downstream of WWTPs compared to other sampling sites. The effluent from the WWTPs had a substantial impact on water quality parameters with significant increases in total phosphorus, anions (Cl-and N-NH3-), and cations (Na+ and K+). The results provide insights into NTM numbers and species diversity distribution in a karst watershed and the impact of urban areas. Although in this report the focus is on the NTM, it is likely that other water and sediment microbes will be influenced as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Modra
- Faculty of Regional Development and International Studies, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, 613 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vit Ulmann
- Public Health Institute Ostrava, Partyzanske Nam. 7, 702 00, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Gersl
- Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, 613 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimir Babak
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 621 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Konecny
- Faculty of Regional Development and International Studies, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, 613 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Dana Hubelova
- Faculty of Regional Development and International Studies, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, 613 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Caha
- Faculty of Regional Development and International Studies, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, 613 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Kudelka
- Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, 613 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Ivo Pavlik
- Faculty of Regional Development and International Studies, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, 613 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
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3
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Panizzolo M, Gea M, Carraro E, Gilli G, Bonetta S, Pignata C. Occurrence of human pathogenic viruses in drinking water and in its sources: A review. J Environ Sci (China) 2023; 132:145-161. [PMID: 37336605 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.07.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Since many waterborne diseases are caused by human pathogenic viruses, virus monitoring of drinking water (DW) and DW sources is crucial for public health. Therefore, the aim of this review was to describe the occurrence of human pathogenic viruses in DW and DW sources; the occurrence of two viruses proposed as novel indicators of human faecal contamination (Pepper mild mottle virus and Tobacco mosaic virus) was also reported. This research was focused on articles that assessed viral occurrence using molecular methods in the surface water used for DW production (SW-D), groundwater used for DW production (GW-D), DW and bottled-DW (BW). A total of 1544 studies published in the last 10 years were analysed, and 79 were ultimately included. In considering the detection methods, filtration is the most common concentration technique, while quantitative polymerase chain reaction is the most common quantification technique. Regarding virus occurrence in SW-D, GW-D, and DW, high percentages of positive samples were reported for adenovirus, polyomavirus and Pepper mild mottle virus. Viral genomes were frequently detected in SW-D and rarely in GW-D, suggesting that GW-D may be a safe DW source. Viral genomes were also detected in DW, posing a possible threat to human health. The lowest percentages of positive samples were found in Europe, while the highest were found in Asia and South America. Only three articles assessed viral occurrence in BW. This review highlights the lack of method standardization and the need for legislation updates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Panizzolo
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Marta Gea
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Torino, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Carraro
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Giorgio Gilli
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Silvia Bonetta
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123, Torino, Italy
| | - Cristina Pignata
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Torino, Italy
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Malajacan GT, Nacario MAG, Obusan MCM, Rivera WL. Host-Associated Bacteroides 16S rDNA-Based Markers for Source Tracking of Fecal Pollution in Laguna Lake, Philippines. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1142. [PMID: 37317116 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Sources of fecal contamination in Laguna Lake, Philippines, were identified using a library-independent microbial source tracking method targeting host-associated Bacteroides 16S rDNA-based markers. Water samples from nine lake stations were assessed for the presence of the fecal markers HF183 (human), BoBac (cattle), Pig-2-Bac (swine), and DuckBac (duck) from August 2019 to January 2020. HF183 (average concentration = 1.91 log10 copies/mL) was the most frequently detected, while Pig-2-Bac (average concentration = 2.47 log10 copies/mL) was the most abundant. The detected marker concentrations in different stations corresponded to the land use patterns around the lake. Generally, all marker concentrations were higher during the wet season (August-October), suggesting the effect of rainfall-associated factors on the movement and retention of markers from sources. There was a significant association (ρ = 0.45; p < 0.001) between phosphate and the concentration of HF183, suggesting domestic sewage-derived pollution. The markers had acceptable sensitivity and specificity, i.e., HF183 (S = 0.88; R = 0.99), Pig-2-Bac (S = 1.00; R = 1.00), and DuckBac (S = 0.94; R = 1.00), and therefore may be used for the continuous monitoring of fecal pollution in the lake and in designing interventions to improve the quality of the lake water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gicelle T Malajacan
- Pathogen-Host-Environment Interactions Research Laboratory, Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines
| | - Mae Ashley G Nacario
- Pathogen-Host-Environment Interactions Research Laboratory, Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines
| | - Marie Christine M Obusan
- Microbial Ecology of Terrestrial and Aquatic Systems Laboratory, Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines
| | - Windell L Rivera
- Pathogen-Host-Environment Interactions Research Laboratory, Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines
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Li D, Van De Werfhorst LC, Holden PA. Genetic Sequence Data Evidence that Human Fecal‐associated
HF183
sequences Are on Human Skin and in Urine. J Appl Microbiol 2022; 133:232-240. [PMID: 35429105 PMCID: PMC9544380 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Aims The DNA marker HF183 is a partial 16S rRNA gene sequence highly specific to human‐associated Bacteroides including Bacteroides dorei. While HF183 is used to assess human faecal contamination in aquatic environments worldwide, little is known about the existence of HF183 and B. dorei in human microbiomes outside of the human gastrointestinal tract and faeces. Methods and Results Previously published human skin and urine microbiome data sets from five independent human body skin studies, the Human Microbiome Project (HMP) and three independent human urine studies were analysed. The HF183 gene sequence was detected in all skin data sets, with the ratios of positive samples ranging from 0.5% to 36.3%. Popliteal fossa (knee), volar forearm and inguinal (groin) creases were identified as hot spots. HF183 was detected in two of three urine data sets, with ratios of positive samples ranging from 0% to 37.5%. All HF183‐containing sequences from these data sets were classified as associated with B. dorei. Conclusions HF183 is widespread on human skin and present in urine. Significance and Impact of Study Skin and urine microbiomes could be sources of HF183 to environmental waters. Such non‐faecal sources of HF183 might explain low concentrations of HF183 in recreational waters when swimmers are present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Li
- Bren School of Environmental Science & Management University of California Santa Barbara
| | | | - Patricia A. Holden
- Bren School of Environmental Science & Management University of California Santa Barbara
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6
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Hunter B, Walker I, Lassiter R, Lassiter V, Gibson JM, Ferguson PL, Deshusses MA. Evaluation of private well contaminants in an underserved North Carolina community. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 789:147823. [PMID: 34082211 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
On-site sewage treatment systems can be an important source of antibiotic resistant bacteria and organic micropollutants into adjacent groundwater. Due to the frequent proximity of private wells to septic systems, this contamination is a concern to communities that do not have access to public municipal services. In both rural and urban environments, low-income communities, indigenous communities and those of color are disproportionately affected by well contamination. The objective of this study was to assess well water quality in an underserved North Carolina community by performing a comprehensive evaluation of microbial and organic micropollutant occurrence and determining possible sources of contamination. Well water, septic tanks, and adjacent municipal water were sampled. Culture- and molecular biology-based microbial analysis and non-targeted, high resolution mass spectrometry chemical analysis were conducted to assess water quality in comparison to nearby municipal water. Three of thirteen homes had between 1 and 6.3 CFUs/100 mL of E. coli and two homes had fecal bacteria resistant to antibiotics in their well water. The water of four homes showed concentrations of the artificial sweetener sucralose, a wastewater tracer, higher than the municipal water (range ~ 60-1500 ng L-1). The human-specific HF183 fecal marker was detected in 79% of the wells tested. The presence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in four home wells, along with the presence of pesticides and insecticides in two homes, suggest possible contamination from septic tanks and lawn care runoff. The implications of this work highlight the necessity of wider scale contaminant evaluation of well water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Hunter
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Imari Walker
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | - P Lee Ferguson
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Marc A Deshusses
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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7
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Chen L, Deng Y, Dong S, Wang H, Li P, Zhang H, Chu W. The occurrence and control of waterborne viruses in drinking water treatment: A review. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 281:130728. [PMID: 34010719 PMCID: PMC8084847 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
As the coronavirus disease 2019 continues to spread globally, its culprit, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has been brought under scrutiny. In addition to inhalation transmission, the possible fecal-oral viral transmission via water/wastewater has also been brought under the spotlight, necessitating a timely global review on the current knowledge about waterborne viruses in drinking water treatment system - the very barrier that intercepts waterborne pathogens to terminal water users. In this article we reviewed the occurrence, concentration methods, and control strategies, also, treatment performance on waterborne viruses during drinking water treatment were summarized. Additionally, we emphasized the potential of applying the quantitative microbial risk assessment to guide drinking water treatment to mitigate the viral exposure risks, especially when the unregulated novel viral pathogens are of concern. This review paves road for better control of viruses at drinking water treatment plants to protect public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Deng
- Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, USA
| | - Shengkun Dong
- Key LLaboratory of Water Cycle and Water Security in Southern China of Guangdong Higher Education Institute, School of Civil Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
| | - Hong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, China
| | - Pan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, China
| | - Huaiyu Zhang
- Central and Southern China Institute of Municipal Engineering Design and Research, Hubei, China
| | - Wenhai Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, China.
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Hata A, Shirasaka Y, Ihara M, Yamashita N, Tanaka H. Spatial and temporal distributions of enteric viruses and indicators in a lake receiving municipal wastewater treatment plant discharge. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 780:146607. [PMID: 33773350 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146607] [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: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Although lake water can be used as a source of drinking water and recreational activities, there is a dearth of research on the occurrence and fate of enteric viruses. Over a period of 14 months at six points in 2014-2015, we conducted monthly monitoring of the virological water quality of a Japanese lake. The lake receives effluent from three surrounding wastewater treatment plants and retains water for about two weeks. These features allowed us to investigate the occurrence and fate of viruses in the lake environment. Human enteric viruses such as noroviruses and their indicators (pepper mild mottle virus and F-specific RNA bacteriophage [FRNAPH] genogroups) were quantified by PCR-based assays. Additionally, FRNAPH genogroups were quantified by infectivity-based assays to estimate the degree of virus inactivation. Pepper mild mottle virus, genogroup II (GII) norovirus, and GI-FRNAPH were identified in relatively high frequencies (positive in >40% out of 64 samples), with concentrations ranging from 1.3 × 101 to 2.9 × 104 copies/L. Human enteric viruses and some indicators were not detected and less prevalent, respectively, after April 2015. Principal component analysis revealed that the virological water quality changed gradually over time, but its differences between the sampling points were not apparent. FRNAPH genogroups were inactivated during the warm season (averaged water temperature of >20 °C) compared to the cool season (averaged water temperature of <20 °C), which may have been due to the more severe environmental stresses such as sunlight and water temperature. This suggests that the infection risk associated with the use of the lake water may have been overestimated by the gene quantification assay during the warm season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiko Hata
- Department of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Toyama Prefectural University, 5180 Kurokawa, Imizu, Toyama 939-0398, Japan.
| | - Yuya Shirasaka
- Research Center for Environmental Quality Management, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, 1-2 Yumihama, Otsu, Shiga 520-0811, Japan
| | - Masaru Ihara
- Research Center for Environmental Quality Management, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, 1-2 Yumihama, Otsu, Shiga 520-0811, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Yamashita
- Course of Rural Engineering, Department of Science and Technology for Biological Resources and Environment, Faculty of Agriculture, Graduate School of Agriculture Ehime University, 3-5-7 Tarumi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8566, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Tanaka
- Research Center for Environmental Quality Management, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, 1-2 Yumihama, Otsu, Shiga 520-0811, Japan
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9
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Borchardt MA, Stokdyk JP, Kieke BA, Muldoon MA, Spencer SK, Firnstahl AD, Bonness DE, Hunt RJ, Burch TR. Sources and Risk Factors for Nitrate and Microbial Contamination of Private Household Wells in the Fractured Dolomite Aquifer of Northeastern Wisconsin. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2021; 129:67004. [PMID: 34160249 PMCID: PMC8221036 DOI: 10.1289/ehp7813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Groundwater quality in the Silurian dolomite aquifer in northeastern Wisconsin, USA, has become contentious as dairy farms and exurban development expand. OBJECTIVES We investigated private household wells in the region, determining the extent, sources, and risk factors of nitrate and microbial contamination. METHODS Total coliforms, Escherichia coli, and nitrate were evaluated by synoptic sampling during groundwater recharge and no-recharge periods. Additional seasonal sampling measured genetic markers of human and bovine fecal-associated microbes and enteric zoonotic pathogens. We constructed multivariable regression models of detection probability (log-binomial) and concentration (gamma) for each contaminant to identify risk factors related to land use, precipitation, hydrogeology, and well construction. RESULTS Total coliforms and nitrate were strongly associated with depth-to-bedrock at well sites and nearby agricultural land use, but not septic systems. Both human wastewater and cattle manure contributed to well contamination. Rotavirus group A, Cryptosporidium, and Salmonella were the most frequently detected pathogens. Wells positive for human fecal markers were associated with depth-to-groundwater and number of septic system drainfield within 229m. Manure-contaminated wells were associated with groundwater recharge and the area size of nearby agricultural land. Wells positive for any fecal-associated microbe, regardless of source, were associated with septic system density and manure storage proximity modified by bedrock depth. Well construction was generally not related to contamination, indicating land use, groundwater recharge, and bedrock depth were the most important risk factors. DISCUSSION These findings may inform policies to minimize contamination of the Silurian dolomite aquifer, a major water supply for the U.S. and Canadian Great Lakes region. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP7813.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A. Borchardt
- Environmentally Integrated Dairy Management Research Unit, U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), Marshfield, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Joel P. Stokdyk
- Upper Midwest Water Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Marshfield, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Burney A. Kieke
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Population Health, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Marshfield, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Maureen A. Muldoon
- Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Susan K. Spencer
- Environmentally Integrated Dairy Management Research Unit, U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), Marshfield, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Aaron D. Firnstahl
- Upper Midwest Water Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Marshfield, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Davina E. Bonness
- Kewaunee County Department of Land and Water Conservation, Luxemburg, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Randall J. Hunt
- Upper Midwest Water Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Middleton, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Tucker R. Burch
- Environmentally Integrated Dairy Management Research Unit, U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), Marshfield, Wisconsin, USA
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10
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Chen H, Liu C, Li Y, Teng Y. Integrating Metagenomic and Bayesian Analyses to Evaluate the Performance and Confidence of CrAssphage as an Indicator for Tracking Human Sewage Contamination in China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:4992-5000. [PMID: 33715349 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c00071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Recently, crAssphage has been proposed as a human-specific marker for tracking fecal contamination. However, its performance has always been validated in a limited number of host samples, which may obscure our understanding of its utility. Furthermore, few studies have quantified confidence of fecal contamination when using crAssphage. Here, we evaluate the performance and confidence of crAssphage by analyzing a large panel of metagenomic data sets combined with Bayesian analyses. Results demonstrate that crAssphage exhibits superior performance with high host sensitivity and specificity, indicating its suitability for tracking human fecal sources. With the marker, a high confidence (>90%) can be obtained and particularly, multiple samples with positive results provide a near certainty of confidence. The application of crAssphage in the sediments of three Chinese urban rivers shows a high confidence of >97% of human fecal contamination, suggesting the serious challenge of sewage pollution in these environments. Additionally, significant correlation is observed between crAssphage and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), expanding the utilization of crAssphage for pollution management of ARGs. This study highlights the benefit of using metagenomic-based analysis for evaluating the performance and confidence of microbial source tracking markers in the coming era of big data with increasing resources in available metagenomic data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Chen
- Engineering Research Center of Groundwater Pollution Control and Remediation, Ministry of Education; College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, No. 19, Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
| | - Chang Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Groundwater Pollution Control and Remediation, Ministry of Education; College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, No. 19, Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
| | - Yuezhao Li
- Engineering Research Center of Groundwater Pollution Control and Remediation, Ministry of Education; College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, No. 19, Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
| | - Yanguo Teng
- Engineering Research Center of Groundwater Pollution Control and Remediation, Ministry of Education; College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, No. 19, Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
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11
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Ji M, Liu Z, Sun K, Li Z, Fan X, Li Q. Bacteriophages in water pollution control: Advantages and limitations. FRONTIERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING 2021; 15:84. [PMID: 33294248 PMCID: PMC7716794 DOI: 10.1007/s11783-020-1378-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater is a breeding ground for many pathogens, which may pose a threat to human health through various water transmission pathways. Therefore, a simple and effective method is urgently required to monitor and treat wastewater. As bacterial viruses, bacteriophages (phages) are the most widely distributed and abundant organisms in the biosphere. Owing to their capacity to specifically infect bacterial hosts, they have recently been used as novel tools in water pollution control. The purpose of this review is to summarize and evaluate the roles of phages in monitoring pathogens, tracking pollution sources, treating pathogenic bacteria, infecting bloom-forming cyanobacteria, and controlling bulking sludge and biofilm pollution in wastewater treatment systems. We also discuss the limitations of phage usage in water pollution control, including phage-mediated horizontal gene transfer, the evolution of bacterial resistance, and phage concentration decrease. This review provides an integrated outlook on the use of phages in water pollution control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengzhi Ji
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022 China
| | - Zichen Liu
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022 China
| | - Kaili Sun
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022 China
| | - Zhongfang Li
- College of Food and Bioengineering, Hezhou University, Hezhou, 542899 China
| | - Xiangyu Fan
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022 China
| | - Qiang Li
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022 China
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12
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Gamazo P, Victoria M, Schijven JF, Alvareda E, Tort LFL, Ramos J, Lizasoain LA, Sapriza G, Castells M, Bessone L, Colina R. Modeling the Transport of Human Rotavirus and Norovirus in Standardized and in Natural Soil Matrix-Water Systems. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2020; 12:58-67. [PMID: 31721078 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-019-09414-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
We modeled Group A Rotavirus (RVA) and Norovirus genogroup II (GII NoV) transport experiments in standardized (crystal quartz sand and deionized water with adjusted pH and ionic strength) and natural soil matrix-water systems (MWS). On the one hand, in the standardized MWS, Rotavirus and Norovirus showed very similar breakthrough curves (BTCs), showing a removal rate of 2 and 1.7 log10, respectively. From the numerical modeling of the experiment, transport parameters of the same order of magnitude were obtained for both viruses. On the other hand, in the natural MWS, the two viruses show very different BTCs. The Norovirus transport model showed significant changes; BTC showed a removal rate of 4 log10, while Rotavirus showed a removal rate of 2.6 log10 similar to the 2 log10 observed on the standardized MWS. One possible explanation for this differential behavior is the difference in the isoelectric point value of these two viruses and the increase of the ionic strength on the natural MWS.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Gamazo
- Departamento del Agua (Water Department), CENUR LN (North Littoral Regional University Center), Universidad de la República, Gral. Rivera 1350, CP: 50.000, Salto, Uruguay.
| | - M Victoria
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, (Molecular Virology Laboratory), CENUR LN (North Littoral Regional University Center), Universidad de la República, Gral. Rivera 1350, CP: 50.000, Salto, Uruguay
| | - J F Schijven
- Department of Earth Sciences, Utrecht University, Budapestlaan 4, P.O. Box 80021, 3508 TA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Statistics, Informatics and Modelling, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), P.O. Box 1, 3720, BA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - E Alvareda
- Departamento del Agua (Water Department), CENUR LN (North Littoral Regional University Center), Universidad de la República, Gral. Rivera 1350, CP: 50.000, Salto, Uruguay
| | - L F L Tort
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, (Molecular Virology Laboratory), CENUR LN (North Littoral Regional University Center), Universidad de la República, Gral. Rivera 1350, CP: 50.000, Salto, Uruguay
| | - J Ramos
- Departamento del Agua (Water Department), CENUR LN (North Littoral Regional University Center), Universidad de la República, Gral. Rivera 1350, CP: 50.000, Salto, Uruguay
| | - L A Lizasoain
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, (Molecular Virology Laboratory), CENUR LN (North Littoral Regional University Center), Universidad de la República, Gral. Rivera 1350, CP: 50.000, Salto, Uruguay
| | - G Sapriza
- Departamento del Agua (Water Department), CENUR LN (North Littoral Regional University Center), Universidad de la República, Gral. Rivera 1350, CP: 50.000, Salto, Uruguay
| | - M Castells
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, (Molecular Virology Laboratory), CENUR LN (North Littoral Regional University Center), Universidad de la República, Gral. Rivera 1350, CP: 50.000, Salto, Uruguay
| | - L Bessone
- Departamento del Agua (Water Department), CENUR LN (North Littoral Regional University Center), Universidad de la República, Gral. Rivera 1350, CP: 50.000, Salto, Uruguay
| | - R Colina
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, (Molecular Virology Laboratory), CENUR LN (North Littoral Regional University Center), Universidad de la República, Gral. Rivera 1350, CP: 50.000, Salto, Uruguay
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13
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Curtis K, Gonzalez RA. Integrating Bayesian Analysis and Cumulative Probability Generates High Confidence Using a Single Microbial Source Tracking Marker. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:13929-13937. [PMID: 31682415 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b03843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Microbial source tracking can identify waterbodies at risk of contamination using host-associated molecular markers. No assay used for microbial source tracking is both 100% host-specific and sensitive for human or animal fecal contamination. Using literature sensitivity and specificity values, Bayes' Theorem for conditional probability was applied to the human fecal-associated HF183 marker in a microbial source tracking context. Type I and Type II error rates were examined across a range of priors. Conditional probabilities were investigated using two human-associated markers, HF183 and HumM2, concurrently. Cumulative probability analysis was used to explore the likelihood of true contaminant detection using multiple samples. Probability of human fecal contamination was calculated for all combinations of positive and negative marker results given three samples. Results demonstrate the respective influence that specificity and sensitivity values exert on the likelihood of true positive and true negative. Using practical priors, high levels of confidence (99%) in results were observed when HF183 and HumM2 were used concurrently. Cumulative probability analyses showed that multiple samples from a single location can provide a >95% level of confidence in positive and negative results, suggesting that when multiple samples are necessary to account for in situ variability, a single marker can yield sufficiently reliable results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Curtis
- Hampton Roads Sanitation District , 1434 Air Rail Blvd , Virginia Beach , Virginia 23455 , United States
| | - Raul A Gonzalez
- Hampton Roads Sanitation District , 1434 Air Rail Blvd , Virginia Beach , Virginia 23455 , United States
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14
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Two Drinking Water Outbreaks Caused by Wastewater Intrusion Including Sapovirus in Finland. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16224376. [PMID: 31717479 PMCID: PMC6888097 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16224376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Drinking water outbreaks occur worldwide and may be caused by several factors, including raw water contamination, treatment deficiencies, and distribution network failure. This study describes two drinking water outbreaks in Finland in 2016 (outbreak I) and 2018 (outbreak II). Both outbreaks caused approximately 450 illness cases and were due to drinking water pipe breakage and subsequent wastewater intrusion into the distribution system. In both outbreaks, the sapovirus was found in patient samples as the main causative agent. In addition, adenoviruses and Dientamoeba fragilis (outbreak I), and noroviruses, astroviruses, enterotoxigenic and enterohemorragic Escherichia coli (ETEC and EHEC, respectively) and Plesiomonas shigelloides (outbreak II) were detected in patient samples. Water samples were analyzed for the selected pathogens largely based on the results of patient samples. In addition, traditional fecal indicator bacteria and host-specific microbial source tracking (MST) markers (GenBac3 and HF183) were analyzed from water. In drinking water, sapovirus and enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) were found in outbreak II. The MST markers proved useful in the detection of contamination and to ensure the success of contaminant removal from the water distribution system. As mitigation actions, boil water advisory, alternative drinking water sources and chlorination were organized to restrict the outbreaks and to clean the contaminated distribution network. This study highlights the emerging role of sapoviruses as a waterborne pathogen and warrants the need for testing of multiple viruses during outbreak investigation.
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Yoo K, Han I, Ko KS, Lee TK, Yoo H, Khan MI, Tiedje JM, Park J. Bacillus-Dominant Airborne Bacterial Communities Identified During Asian Dust Events. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2019; 78:677-687. [PMID: 30904989 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-019-01348-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Asian dust (AD) events have received significant attention due to their adverse effects on ecosystems and human health. However, detailed information about airborne pathogens associated with AD events is limited. This study monitored airborne bacterial communities and identified AD-specific bacteria and the potential hazards associated with these bacteria during AD events. Over a 33-month period, 40 air samples were collected under normal atmospheric conditions (non-AD events; n = 34) and during AD events (n = 6). The airborne bacterial communities in the air samples collected during non-AD events (non-AD sample) and AD events (AD sample) were evaluated using both culture-dependent and culture-independent methods. The bacterial diversity increased significantly, along with the 16S rRNA gene copy number, in AD samples (p < 0.05) and was positively correlated with PM10 concentration. High throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene revealed that the relative abundance of the phylum Firmicutes increased substantially in AD samples (44.3 ± 5.0%) compared with non-AD samples (27.8 ± 4.3%). Within the phylum Firmicutes, AD samples included a greater abundance of Bacillus species (almost 23.8%) than non-AD samples (almost 13.3%). Both culture-dependent and culture-independent methods detected common predominant species closely related to Bacillus cereus during AD events. Subsequent multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and enterotoxin gene assays confirmed the presence of virulence factors in B. cereus isolates from AD samples. Furthermore, the abundance of bceT, encoding enterotoxin in B. cereus, was significantly higher in AD samples (p < 0.05). The systematic characterization of airborne bacterial communities in AD samples in this study suggests that B. cereus pose risks to public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keunje Yoo
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Yonsei University, Yonsei-ro 50, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Il Han
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Kwan Soo Ko
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Tae Kwon Lee
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Yonsei University, Wonju, South Korea
| | - Hyunji Yoo
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Yonsei University, Yonsei-ro 50, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Muhammad Imran Khan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Yonsei University, Yonsei-ro 50, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan
| | - James M Tiedje
- Center for Microbial Ecology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Joonhong Park
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Yonsei University, Yonsei-ro 50, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
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McMinn BR, Klemm S, Korajkic A, Wyatt KM, Herrmann MP, Haugland RA, Lu J, Villegas EN, Frye C. A Constructed Wetland for Treatment of an Impacted Waterway and the Influence of Native Waterfowl on its Perceived Effectiveness. ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING 2019; 128:48-56. [PMID: 31631948 PMCID: PMC6800712 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2018.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
A constructed, variable-flow treatment wetland was evaluated for its ability to reduce microbial loads from the Banklick Creek, an impacted recreational waterway in Northern Kentucky. For this study, levels of traditional (Escherichia coli and enterococci measured by culture and molecular techniques) and alternative fecal indicators (infectious somatic and F+ coliphage, Clostridium spp. and Clostridium perfringens by culture), potential pathogens (molecular signal of Campylobacter spp.) as well as various microbial source tracking (MST) markers (human fecal marker HF183 and avian fecal marker GFD) were monitored during the summer and early fall through five treatment stages within the Banklick Creek Wetland. No difference in concentrations of traditional or alternative fecal indicators were observed in any of the sites monitored. Microbial source tracking markers were employed to identify sources of fecal contamination within the wetland. Human marker HF183 concentrations at beginning stages of treatment were found to be significantly higher (P value range: 0.0016-0.0003) than levels at later stages. Conversely, at later stages of treatment where frequent bird activity was observed, Campylobacter and avian marker (GFD) signals were detected at significantly higher frequencies (P value range: 0.024 to <0.0001), and both signals were strongly correlated (P = 0.0001). Our study suggests constructed wetlands are an effective means for removal of microbial contamination in ambient waters, but reliance on general fecal indicators is not ideal for determining system efficacy or assessing appropriate remediation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian R. McMinn
- National Exposure Research Laboratory Office of Research and Development United States Environmental Protection Laboratory 26 West Martin Luther King Drive Cincinnati, OH 45268 United States
| | - Sara Klemm
- National Exposure Research Laboratory Office of Research and Development United States Environmental Protection Laboratory 26 West Martin Luther King Drive Cincinnati, OH 45268 United States
| | - Asja Korajkic
- National Exposure Research Laboratory Office of Research and Development United States Environmental Protection Laboratory 26 West Martin Luther King Drive Cincinnati, OH 45268 United States
| | - Kimberly M. Wyatt
- Thomas More College 33 Thomas More Parkway Crestview Hills, Kentucky 41017
| | - Michael P. Herrmann
- National Exposure Research Laboratory Office of Research and Development United States Environmental Protection Laboratory 26 West Martin Luther King Drive Cincinnati, OH 45268 United States
| | - Richard A. Haugland
- National Exposure Research Laboratory Office of Research and Development United States Environmental Protection Laboratory 26 West Martin Luther King Drive Cincinnati, OH 45268 United States
| | - Jingrang Lu
- National Exposure Research Laboratory Office of Research and Development United States Environmental Protection Laboratory 26 West Martin Luther King Drive Cincinnati, OH 45268 United States
| | - Eric N. Villegas
- National Exposure Research Laboratory Office of Research and Development United States Environmental Protection Laboratory 26 West Martin Luther King Drive Cincinnati, OH 45268 United States
| | - Craig Frye
- Sanitation District No.1 1045 Eaton Drive Fort Wright, Kentucky 41017
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17
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Gamazo P, Victoria M, Schijven JF, Alvareda E, Tort LFL, Ramos J, Burutaran L, Olivera M, Lizasoain A, Sapriza G, Castells M, Colina R. Evaluation of Bacterial Contamination as an Indicator of Viral Contamination in a Sedimentary Aquifer in Uruguay. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2018; 10:305-315. [PMID: 29564721 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-018-9341-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In Uruguay, groundwater is frequently used for agricultural activities, as well as for human consumption in urban and rural areas. As in many countries worldwide, drinking water microbiological quality is evaluated only according to bacteriological standards and virological analyses are not mentioned in the legislation. In this work, the incidence of human viral (Rotavirus A, Norovirus GII, and human Adenovirus) and bacterial (total and thermotolerant coliform and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) contamination in groundwater in the Salto district, Uruguay, as well as the possible correlation between these groups of microorganisms, was studied. From a total of 134 groundwater samples, 42 (32.1%) were positive for Rotavirus, only 1 (0.7%) for both Rotavirus and Adenovirus, and 96 (72.6%) samples were positive for bacterial indicators. Results also show that Rotavirus presence was not associated with changes in chemical composition of the aquifer water. Bacteriological indicators were not adequate to predict the presence of viruses in individual groundwater samples (well scale), but a deeper spatial-temporal analysis showed that they are promising candidates to assess the viral contamination degree at aquifer scale, since from the number of wells with bacterial contamination the number of wells with viral contamination could be estimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Gamazo
- Departamento del Agua (Water Department), CENUR LN (North Littoral Regional University Center), Universidad de la República, Gral. Rivera 1350, Salto, CP: 50.000, Uruguay
| | - M Victoria
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, (Molecular Virology Laboratory), CENUR LN (North Littoral Regional University Center), Universidad de la República, Gral. Rivera 1350, Salto, CP: 50.000, Uruguay
| | - J F Schijven
- Department of Earth Sciences, Utrecht University, Budapestlaan 4, P.O. Box 80021, 3508 TA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Statistics, Informatics and Modelling, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - E Alvareda
- Departamento del Agua (Water Department), CENUR LN (North Littoral Regional University Center), Universidad de la República, Gral. Rivera 1350, Salto, CP: 50.000, Uruguay
| | - L F L Tort
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, (Molecular Virology Laboratory), CENUR LN (North Littoral Regional University Center), Universidad de la República, Gral. Rivera 1350, Salto, CP: 50.000, Uruguay
| | - J Ramos
- Departamento del Agua (Water Department), CENUR LN (North Littoral Regional University Center), Universidad de la República, Gral. Rivera 1350, Salto, CP: 50.000, Uruguay
| | - L Burutaran
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, (Molecular Virology Laboratory), CENUR LN (North Littoral Regional University Center), Universidad de la República, Gral. Rivera 1350, Salto, CP: 50.000, Uruguay
| | - M Olivera
- Departamento del Agua (Water Department), CENUR LN (North Littoral Regional University Center), Universidad de la República, Gral. Rivera 1350, Salto, CP: 50.000, Uruguay
| | - A Lizasoain
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, (Molecular Virology Laboratory), CENUR LN (North Littoral Regional University Center), Universidad de la República, Gral. Rivera 1350, Salto, CP: 50.000, Uruguay
| | - G Sapriza
- Departamento del Agua (Water Department), CENUR LN (North Littoral Regional University Center), Universidad de la República, Gral. Rivera 1350, Salto, CP: 50.000, Uruguay
| | - M Castells
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, (Molecular Virology Laboratory), CENUR LN (North Littoral Regional University Center), Universidad de la República, Gral. Rivera 1350, Salto, CP: 50.000, Uruguay
| | - R Colina
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, (Molecular Virology Laboratory), CENUR LN (North Littoral Regional University Center), Universidad de la República, Gral. Rivera 1350, Salto, CP: 50.000, Uruguay.
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18
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Quantifying the Relative Contributions of Environmental Sources to the Microbial Community in an Urban Stream under Dry and Wet Weather Conditions. Appl Environ Microbiol 2018; 84:AEM.00896-18. [PMID: 29858206 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00896-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigating sources of microbial contamination in urban streams, especially when there are no contributions from combined sewer overflows or sewage effluent discharges, can be challenging. The objectives of this study were to identify the sources of microbes in an urban stream and quantify their relative contributions to the microbial community in the stream under dry and wet weather conditions. A microbial source tracking method relying on the 16S rRNA gene was used to investigate the microbial communities in water samples of an urban stream (i.e., from 11 dry and 6 wet weather events), as well as in streambed sediment, soils, street sweepings, sanitary sewage, an upstream lake, and feces of animals and birds collected between 2013 and 2015. The results showed that the Escherichia coli levels in the stream were significantly higher in wet weather flow than in dry weather flow. The upstream lake contributed approximately 93% of the microbes in dry weather flows. Water discharged from storm drain outfalls was the biggest source of microbes in wet weather flows, with a median contribution of approximately 90% in the rising limb and peak flow and about 75% in the declining limb of storms. Furthermore, about 70 to 75% of the microbes in the storm drain outfall water came from materials washed off from the street surfaces in the watershed. Fecal samples did not appear to contribute substantially to the microbes in environmental samples. The results highlight the significance of street surfaces in contributing microbial loads to urban streams under wet weather conditions.IMPORTANCE Identifying the sources of microbial contamination is important for developing best management practices to protect the water quality of urban streams for recreational uses. This study collected a large number of water samples from an urban stream under both dry and wet weather conditions and provided quantitative information on the relative contributions of various environmental compartments to the overall microbial contamination in the stream under the two weather conditions. The watershed in this study represents urban watersheds where no dominant fecal sources are consistently present. The findings highlight the importance of reducing the direct contribution of microbes from street surfaces in the watershed to urban streams under wet weather conditions. The methods and findings from this study are expected to be useful to stormwater managers and regulatory agencies.
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Savio D, Stadler P, Reischer GH, Kirschner AK, Demeter K, Linke R, Blaschke AP, Sommer R, Szewzyk U, Wilhartitz IC, Mach RL, Stadler H, Farnleitner AH. Opening the black box of spring water microbiology from alpine karst aquifers to support proactive drinking water resource management. WIRES. WATER 2018; 5:e1282. [PMID: 29780584 PMCID: PMC5947618 DOI: 10.1002/wat2.1282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Revised: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Over the past 15 years, pioneering interdisciplinary research has been performed on the microbiology of hydrogeologically well-defined alpine karst springs located in the Northern Calcareous Alps (NCA) of Austria. This article gives an overview on these activities and links them to other relevant research. Results from the NCA springs and comparable sites revealed that spring water harbors abundant natural microbial communities even in aquifers with high water residence times and the absence of immediate surface influence. Apparently, hydrogeology has a strong impact on the concentration and size of the observed microbes, and total cell counts (TCC) were suggested as a useful means for spring type classification. Measurement of microbial activities at the NCA springs revealed extremely low microbial growth rates in the base flow component of the studied spring waters and indicated the importance of biofilm-associated microbial activities in sediments and on rock surfaces. Based on genetic analysis, the autochthonous microbial endokarst community (AMEC) versus transient microbial endokarst community (TMEC) concept was proposed for the NCA springs, and further details within this overview article are given to prompt its future evaluation. In this regard, it is well known that during high-discharge situations, surface-associated microbes and nutrients such as from soil habitats or human settlements-potentially containing fecal-associated pathogens as the most critical water-quality hazard-may be rapidly flushed into vulnerable karst aquifers. In this context, a framework for the comprehensive analysis of microbial pollution has been proposed for the NCA springs to support the sustainable management of drinking water safety in accordance with recent World Health Organization guidelines. Near-real-time online water quality monitoring, microbial source tracking (MST) and MST-guided quantitative microbial-risk assessment (QMRA) are examples of the proposed analytical tools. In this context, this overview article also provides a short introduction to recently emerging methodologies in microbiological diagnostics to support reading for the practitioner. Finally, the article highlights future research and development needs. This article is categorized under: 1Engineering Water > Water, Health, and Sanitation2Science of Water > Water Extremes3Water and Life > Nature of Freshwater Ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Savio
- Division Water Quality and HealthDepartment Pharmacology, Physiology and Microbiology, Karl Landsteiner University of Health SciencesKrems a. d. DonauAustria
- Centre for Water Resource SystemsTechnische Universität WienViennaAustria
| | - Philipp Stadler
- Centre for Water Resource SystemsTechnische Universität WienViennaAustria
- Institute for Water Quality, Resource and Waste ManagementTechnische Universität WienViennaAustria
| | - Georg H. Reischer
- Institute of Chemical, Environmental & Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Environmental Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics166/5/3, Technische Universität WienViennaAustria
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre for Water and Health, www.waterandhealth.at
| | - Alexander K.T. Kirschner
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre for Water and Health, www.waterandhealth.at
- Unit Water Hygiene, Institute for Hygiene and Applied ImmunologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Katalin Demeter
- Centre for Water Resource SystemsTechnische Universität WienViennaAustria
- Institute of Chemical, Environmental & Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Environmental Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics166/5/3, Technische Universität WienViennaAustria
| | - Rita Linke
- Institute of Chemical, Environmental & Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Environmental Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics166/5/3, Technische Universität WienViennaAustria
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre for Water and Health, www.waterandhealth.at
| | - Alfred P. Blaschke
- Centre for Water Resource SystemsTechnische Universität WienViennaAustria
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre for Water and Health, www.waterandhealth.at
- Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources ManagementTechnische Universität WienViennaAustria
| | - Regina Sommer
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre for Water and Health, www.waterandhealth.at
- Unit Water Hygiene, Institute for Hygiene and Applied ImmunologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Ulrich Szewzyk
- Department of Environmental TechnologyTechnical University of BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Inés C. Wilhartitz
- Department of Environmental MicrobiologyEawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and TechnologyDübendorfSwitzerland
| | - Robert L. Mach
- Institute of Chemical, Environmental & Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Environmental Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics166/5/3, Technische Universität WienViennaAustria
| | - Hermann Stadler
- Department for Water Resources Management and Environmental AnalyticsInstitute for Water, Energy and Sustainability, Joanneum Research, GrazAustria
| | - Andreas H. Farnleitner
- Division Water Quality and HealthDepartment Pharmacology, Physiology and Microbiology, Karl Landsteiner University of Health SciencesKrems a. d. DonauAustria
- Institute of Chemical, Environmental & Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Environmental Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics166/5/3, Technische Universität WienViennaAustria
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre for Water and Health, www.waterandhealth.at
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20
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Diston D, Robbi R, Baumgartner A, Felleisen R. Microbial source tracking in highly vulnerable karst drinking water resources. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2018; 16:138-149. [PMID: 29424727 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2017.215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Water resources situated in areas with underlying karst geology are particularly vulnerable to fecal pollution. In such vulnerable systems, microbial source tracking (MST) methods are useful tools to elucidate the pathways of both animal and human fecal pollution, leading to more accurate water use risk assessments. Here, we describe the application of a MST toolbox using both culture-dependent bacteriophage and molecular-dependent 16S rRNA assays at spring and well sites in the karstic St Imier Valley, Switzerland. Culture-dependent and molecular-dependent marker performance varied significantly, with the 16S rRNA assays displaying greater sensitivity than their phage counterpart; HF183 was the best performing human wastewater-associated marker while Rum2Bac was the best performing ruminant marker. Differences were observed in pollution regimes between the well and spring sampling sites, with the spring water being more degraded than the well site. Our results inform the choice of marker selection for MST studies and highlight differences in microbial water quality between well and spring karst sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Diston
- Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office FSVO, Sector Laboratories, Schwarzenburgstrasse 165, 3003 Bern, Switzerland E-mail:
| | - R Robbi
- Cantonal Laboratory, Bern, Switzerland
| | - A Baumgartner
- Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office FSVO, Sector Laboratories, Schwarzenburgstrasse 165, 3003 Bern, Switzerland E-mail:
| | - R Felleisen
- Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office FSVO, Sector Laboratories, Schwarzenburgstrasse 165, 3003 Bern, Switzerland E-mail:
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21
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McMinn BR, Ashbolt NJ, Korajkic A. Bacteriophages as indicators of faecal pollution and enteric virus removal. Lett Appl Microbiol 2017; 65:11-26. [PMID: 28304098 PMCID: PMC6089083 DOI: 10.1111/lam.12736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Revised: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Bacteriophages are an attractive alternative to faecal indicator bacteria (FIB), particularly as surrogates of enteric virus fate and transport, due to their closer morphological and biological properties. Based on a review of published data, we summarize densities of coliphages (F+ and somatic), Bacteroides spp. and enterococci bacteriophages (phages) in individual human waste, raw wastewater, ambient fresh and marine waters and removal through wastewater treatment processes utilizing traditional treatments. We also provide comparisons with FIB and enteric viruses whenever possible. Lastly, we examine fate and transport characteristics in the aquatic environment and provide an overview of the environmental factors affecting their survival. In summary, concentrations of bacteriophages in various sources were consistently lower than FIB, but more reflective of infectious enteric virus levels. Overall, our investigation indicates that bacteriophages may be adequate viral surrogates, especially in built systems, such as wastewater treatment plants. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Bacteriophage are alternative fecal indicators that may be better surrogates for viral pathogens than fecal indicator bacteria (FIB). This report offers a summary of the existing literature concerning the utility of bacteriophage as indicators of viral presence (fecal sources and surface waters) and persistence (in built infrastructure and aquatic environments). Our findings indicate that bacteriophage levels in all matrices examined are consistently lower than FIB, but similar to viral pathogens. Furthermore, in built infrastructure (e.g. wastewater treatment systems) bacteriophage closely mimic viral pathogen persistence suggesting they may be adequate sentinels of enteric virus removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian R. McMinn
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, 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
| | - Asja Korajkic
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268 United States
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Baumgartner A, Diston D, Niederhauser I, Felleisen R. Using flow cytometry and Bacteroidales 16S rRNA markers to study the hygienic quality of source water. J Verbrauch Lebensm 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s00003-015-1007-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Flynn RM, Mallèn G, Engel M, Ahmed A, Rossi P. Characterizing Aquifer Heterogeneity Using Bacterial and Bacteriophage Tracers. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2015; 44:1448-1458. [PMID: 26436262 DOI: 10.2134/jeq2015.02.0117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Gravel aquifers act as important potable water sources in central western Europe, yet they are subject to numerous contamination pressures. Compositional and textural heterogeneity makes protection zone delineation around groundwater supplies in these units challenging; artificial tracer testing aids characterization. This paper reappraises previous tracer test results in light of new geological and microbiological data. Comparative passive gradient testing, using a fluorescent solute (Uranine), virus (H40/1 bacteriophage), and comparably sized bacterial tracers and , was used to investigate a calcareous gravel aquifer's ability to remove microbiological contaminants at a test site near Munich, Germany. Test results revealed relative recoveries could exceed those of H40/1 at monitoring wells, 10 m and 20 m from an injection well, by almost four times; recoveries varied by a factor of up to three between wells. Application of filtration theory suggested greater attenuation of H40/1 relative to similarly charged occurred due to differences in microorganism size, while estimated collision efficiencies appeared comparable. By contrast, more positively charged experienced greater attenuation at one monitoring point, while lower attenuation rates at the second location indicated the influence of geochemical heterogeneity. Test findings proved consistent with observations from nearby fresh outcrops that suggested thin open framework gravel beds dominated mass transport in the aquifer, while discrete intervals containing stained clasts reflect localized geochemical heterogeneity. Study results highlight the utility of reconciling outcrop observations with artificial tracer test responses, using microbiological tracers with well-defined properties, to characterize aquifer heterogeneity.
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