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Maloo A, Fulke AB, Sukumaran S. Toxigenic Escherichia coli with high antibiotic resistance index recovered from sands of recreational beaches of Mumbai, India. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 198:115837. [PMID: 38007873 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115837] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
Mumbai, India's seven-island city, is known for its sandy beaches as a major tourist attraction, but urbanization and industrialization have weakened the environment. Unregulated sewage disposal and untreated effluents off the coast have made the beach environment vulnerable. Therefore, monitoring water and sand quality at beaches should be mandatory. This study was thus designed to determine the microbiological status of selected sandy beaches, viz. Versova, Juhu, and Girgaon. The study found fecal coliforms in the sand, with stx1 and stx2 genes specific for Shiga toxin-producing E. coli pathotypes in 5.5 % of isolates, whereas the presence of eaeA gene specific for enteropathogenic E. coli pathotype was detected in 12.2 % of isolates, and the presence of the LT and ST genes specific for enterotoxigenic E. coli pathotype was detected in 6.6 % of isolates. Multiple antibiotic-resistant indices indicated high-risk contamination sources. The study suggests routine monitoring of pollution levels at coastal cities' beaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aayushi Maloo
- Microbiology Division, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR-NIO), Regional Centre, Lokhandwala Road, Four Bungalows, Andheri (West), Mumbai 400053, Maharashtra, India
| | - Abhay B Fulke
- Microbiology Division, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR-NIO), Regional Centre, Lokhandwala Road, Four Bungalows, Andheri (West), Mumbai 400053, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Soniya Sukumaran
- Microbiology Division, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR-NIO), Regional Centre, Lokhandwala Road, Four Bungalows, Andheri (West), Mumbai 400053, Maharashtra, India; Biological Oceanography Division, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR-NIO), Regional Centre, Lokhandwala Road, Four Bungalows, Andheri (West), Mumbai 400053, Maharashtra, India
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Deligios M, Mazzarello V, Fiamma M, Barac A, Diana L, Ferrari M, Murgia M, Paglietti B, Rubino S. Seasonal Variation in Fungi in Beach Sand in Summertime: Stintino (Italy). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:7134. [PMID: 38063564 PMCID: PMC10706741 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20237134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The goal of this study was to monitor the microbial biodiversity in beach sand that is heavily visited by tourists during the summer, and to determinate whether the high presence of bathers (around 5000 per day) can modify sand microbial composition. METHODS Between 2016 and 2020, 150 sand samples were collected from nine different points at La Pelosa beach in Sardinia, Italy. Non-culturing methods were used; DNA extraction and meta-barcode sequencing were performed. All samples were analyzed with sequencing methods for 16S and ITS sequences. RESULTS Fungal genera differ on the three beaches and in the winter/summer zones. The ITS sequence showed the most common presence of Candida during summer and Paradendryphiella in the winter. The greatest diversity was found in the dune during winter, while in other parts of the beach, there are differences between bacteria and fungi, particularly in the wash zone during the winter, with high diversity for 16S sequences but low diversity for ITS sequences. CONCLUSIONS It appears reasonable that the sands, even on non-urban beaches, should be included in health monitoring programs in addition to the waters, and that access to them should be regulated by limiting the number of bathers with the aim of reducing the presence of pathogenic fungal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Deligios
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (M.D.); (V.M.); (L.D.); (M.M.); (B.P.)
| | - Vittorio Mazzarello
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (M.D.); (V.M.); (L.D.); (M.M.); (B.P.)
| | - Maura Fiamma
- Laboratorio Analisi, Ospedale “San Francesco”, ASSL Nuoro, 08100 Sardinia, Italy;
| | - Aleksandra Barac
- Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Lorenzo Diana
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (M.D.); (V.M.); (L.D.); (M.M.); (B.P.)
| | - Marco Ferrari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (M.D.); (V.M.); (L.D.); (M.M.); (B.P.)
| | - Manuela Murgia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (M.D.); (V.M.); (L.D.); (M.M.); (B.P.)
| | - Bianca Paglietti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (M.D.); (V.M.); (L.D.); (M.M.); (B.P.)
| | - Salvatore Rubino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (M.D.); (V.M.); (L.D.); (M.M.); (B.P.)
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Carducci A, Federigi I, Balestri E, Lardicci C, Castelli A, Maltagliati F, Zhao H, Menicagli V, Valente R, De Battisti D, Verani M. Virus contamination and infectivity in beach environment: Focus on sand and stranded material. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 185:114342. [PMID: 36395711 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
To assess the exposure of beachgoers to viruses, a study on seawater, sand, and beach-stranded material was carried out, searching for human viruses, fecal indicator organisms, and total fungi. Moreover, for the first time, the genome persistence and infectivity of two model viruses was studied in laboratory-spiked sand and seawater samples during a one-week experiment. Viral genome was detected in 13.6 % of the environmental samples, but it was not infectious (Human Adenovirus - HAdV, and enterovirus). Norovirus and SARS-CoV-2 were not detected. The most contaminated samples were from sand and close to riverine discharges. In lab-scale experiments, the infectivity of HAdV5 decreased by ~1.5-Log10 in a week, the one of Human Coronavirus-229E disappeared in <3 h in sand. The genome of both viruses persisted throughout the experiment. Our results confirm viral contamination of the beach and suggest HAdV as an index pathogen for beach monitoring and quantitative risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalaura Carducci
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Virology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via S. Zeno 35/39, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ileana Federigi
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Virology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via S. Zeno 35/39, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Elena Balestri
- Unit of Marine Biology and Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via Derna 1, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudio Lardicci
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Pisa, via S. Maria 53, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Center for Instrument Sharing University of Pisa (CISUP), Pisa, Italy
| | - Alberto Castelli
- Unit of Marine Biology and Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via Derna 1, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ferruccio Maltagliati
- Unit of Marine Biology and Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via Derna 1, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Hongrui Zhao
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Virology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via S. Zeno 35/39, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Virginia Menicagli
- Unit of Marine Biology and Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via Derna 1, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Center for Instrument Sharing University of Pisa (CISUP), Pisa, Italy
| | - Rossella Valente
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Virology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via S. Zeno 35/39, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Davide De Battisti
- Unit of Marine Biology and Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via Derna 1, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Department of Biology, Chioggia Hydrobiological Station Umberto D'Ancona, University of Padova, Chioggia, Italy
| | - Marco Verani
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Virology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via S. Zeno 35/39, 56127 Pisa, Italy
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Brandão J, Weiskerger C, Valério E, Pitkänen T, Meriläinen P, Avolio L, Heaney CD, Sadowsky MJ. Climate Change Impacts on Microbiota in Beach Sand and Water: Looking Ahead. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:1444. [PMID: 35162479 PMCID: PMC8834802 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Beach sand and water have both shown relevance for human health and their microbiology have been the subjects of study for decades. Recently, the World Health Organization recommended that recreational beach sands be added to the matrices monitored for enterococci and Fungi. Global climate change is affecting beach microbial contamination, via changes to conditions like water temperature, sea level, precipitation, and waves. In addition, the world is changing, and humans travel and relocate, often carrying endemic allochthonous microbiota. Coastal areas are amongst the most frequent relocation choices, especially in regions where desertification is taking place. A warmer future will likely require looking beyond the use of traditional water quality indicators to protect human health, in order to guarantee that waterways are safe to use for bathing and recreation. Finally, since sand is a complex matrix, an alternative set of microbial standards is necessary to guarantee that the health of beach users is protected from both sand and water contaminants. We need to plan for the future safer use of beaches by adapting regulations to a climate-changing world.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Brandão
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal;
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Chelsea Weiskerger
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
| | - Elisabete Valério
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal;
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Tarja Pitkänen
- Department of Health Security, The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, 70210 Kuopio, Finland; (T.P.); (P.M.)
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Päivi Meriläinen
- Department of Health Security, The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, 70210 Kuopio, Finland; (T.P.); (P.M.)
| | - Lindsay Avolio
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (L.A.); (C.D.H.)
| | - Christopher D. Heaney
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (L.A.); (C.D.H.)
| | - Michael J. Sadowsky
- BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA;
- Department of Soil, Water & Climate, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
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Ferguson A, Dwivedi A, Adelabu F, Ehindero E, Lamssali M, Obeng-Gyasi E, Mena K, Solo-Gabriele H. Quantified Activity Patterns for Young Children in Beach Environments Relevant for Exposure to Contaminants. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18063274. [PMID: 33809975 PMCID: PMC8004776 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18063274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In a study to evaluate beach play activities, 120 children were videotaped to observe and quantify factors that could influence their exposure to contaminants in the beach environment. Children aged 1 to 6 years were followed by researchers with video cameras at beaches (two in Miami, Florida and two in Galveston, Texas) for approximately one hour each. Factors evaluated included time spent in various beach locations, various activities engaged in, and various surfaces contacted (including contacts by hand and mouth). Activities recorded in the videos were transcribed to text files to allow for quantitative analyses. Across all sexes, age groups, and beaches, Wading was the most common activity and Seawater was the most common location where children played. The left hand was found to not be in contact with objects most of the time, while the right hand, considered the most dominant hand in most cases, contacted Plastic-Toys the most. Although activity patterns collection through videotaping and videotranslation can be labor-intensive, once collected, they can be widely useful for estimates of exposures to all contaminants in the beach environment (e.g., microorganisms and chemicals) as well as UV exposure, with considerations for whether the contaminants are found in water, sand or both. These activity patterns were collected to potentially look at exposures following the Deepwater Horizon 2010 Spill.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alesia Ferguson
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA; (A.D.); (F.A.); (E.E.); (M.L.); (E.O.-G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Ashok Dwivedi
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA; (A.D.); (F.A.); (E.E.); (M.L.); (E.O.-G.)
| | - Foluke Adelabu
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA; (A.D.); (F.A.); (E.E.); (M.L.); (E.O.-G.)
| | - Esther Ehindero
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA; (A.D.); (F.A.); (E.E.); (M.L.); (E.O.-G.)
| | - Mehdi Lamssali
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA; (A.D.); (F.A.); (E.E.); (M.L.); (E.O.-G.)
| | - Emmanuel Obeng-Gyasi
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA; (A.D.); (F.A.); (E.E.); (M.L.); (E.O.-G.)
| | - Kristina Mena
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Evironmental Sciences, University of Texas Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Helena Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Civil Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33124, USA;
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Ferguson A, Rattler K, Perone H, Dwivedi AK, Obeng-Gyasi E, Mena KD, Solo-Gabriele H. Soil-skin adherence measures from hand press trials in a Gulf study of exposures. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2021; 31:158-169. [PMID: 32994540 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-020-00269-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Marine oil spills and the resulting environmental contamination is common along coastal areas; however, information is lacking about the safety of impacted beaches for public use, especially for the most vulnerable population: children. One route of exposure for children at oil impacted beaches is through contact with sands. The purpose of this study was to evaluate beach sand skin adherence for children under the age of seven. Each of 122 children participated in a hand press trial conducted at one of four different U.S. beaches (two in Miami, FL, and two in Galveston, TX USA). During the hand press trials, hand conditions of the children were randomized (dry, wet, or with sunscreen), and soil adherence (mass of sand per palmar surface area of the hand) and the maximum pressure applied (force applied per area of hand) was measured and calculated. Each child was instructed to press their hands on a soil laden tray for 5 s and pressure of contact was measured using a scale. Results (n = 98) showed that the average soil adherence for both palmar hands across the four beaches ranged from 0.200 to 234 mg/cm2 with an average of 35.7 mg/cm2, with boys (40.4 mg/cm2) showing slightly higher means than girls (31.7 mg/cm2), but these differences were not significant even after adjusting for age. Among the three conditions evaluated, the highest loading was measured for children with wet hands (mean 65.3 mg/cm2), followed by dry hands (mean 24.5 mg/cm2). Sunscreen hands (mean 23.2 mg/cm2) had the lowest loadings. The pressure of contact ranged from 0.180 to 1.69 psi and varied by age groups and by height and weight, where pressure of contact did not have a significant influence on soil adherence. The average adhered sand grain size and average ambient sand grain size both had a statistically significant impact on hand soil adherence. Overall results from this study can be utilized in exposure and risk assessment models to evaluate the possible health impacts from contaminants found in beach sands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alesia Ferguson
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina A&T, Greensboro, NC, 27411, USA.
| | - Kyra Rattler
- Psychology Department, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Pine Bluff, AR, USA
| | - Hanna Perone
- University of Texas-Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
| | - Ashok Kumar Dwivedi
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina A&T, Greensboro, NC, 27411, USA
| | | | - Kristina D Mena
- University of Texas-Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Helena Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
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Altomare T, Tarwater PM, Ferguson AC, Solo-Gabriele HM, Mena KD. Estimating Health Risks to Children Associated with Recreational Play on Oil Spill-Contaminated Beaches. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 18:E126. [PMID: 33375407 PMCID: PMC7794795 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18010126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The human health impact from exposure to contaminated shorelines following an oil spill event has been investigated to some extent. However, the health risks to children have largely been characterized through the use of surveys and extrapolation from adult health outcomes. There is limited information on children's behaviors during beach play requiring assumptions made based on observations from play activities in home settings. The Beach Exposure and Child Health Study (BEACHES) quantified specific beach activities that can be used to inform human health risk assessments of children playing on beaches impacted by oil spills. The results of this study characterize children's risk of cancer from exposure to oil spill chemicals by incorporating exposure-related information collected from the BEACHES study and by assuming oral, dermal, and inhalation exposure routes. Point risk estimates are compared with a previous, similar study that applied default exposure parameter values obtained from the published literature. The point risk estimates informed by BEACHES data are one order of magnitude lower compared with the previous risk assessment, with dermal exposures the overall risk driver in both. Additional Monte Carlo simulations evaluating the BEACHES data provide ranges of health risks with the highest estimates associated with dermal and oral exposure routes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanu Altomare
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics & Environmental Sciences, UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Patrick M. Tarwater
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA;
| | - Alesia C. Ferguson
- Built Environment Department, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA;
| | - Helena M. Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA;
| | - Kristina D. Mena
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics & Environmental Sciences, UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
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Brandão J, Albergaria I, Albuquerque J, José S, Grossinho J, Ferreira FC, Raposo A, Rodrigues R, Silva C, Jordao L, Sousa M, Rebelo MH, Veríssimo C, Sabino R, Amaro T, Cardoso F, Patrão-Costa M, Solo-Gabriele H. Untreated sewage contamination of beach sand from a leaking underground sewage system. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 740:140237. [PMID: 32927553 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Thirty people (mostly children) experienced an episode of skin rash days after a sand sifting beach operation at Porto Pim Beach in Faial, Azores during June 2019. An environmental and epidemiologic investigation was conducted to identify the cause of the outbreak of skin rash. The epidemiologic investigation found that some of the patients experiencing symptoms had never entered the beach water. During the pollution period and throughout the epidemiologic investigation, faecal indicator bacteria levels (94 CFU/100 ml for intestinal enterococci and 61 CFU/100 ml for Escherichia coli) in water remained under the limits used for the ninety-five percentile calculation of an Excellent coastal and transitional bathing water defined in the Portuguese Legislation (100 CFU/100 ml for intestinal enterococci and 250 CFU/100 ml for Escherichia coli). Thus sand contact was considered as a likely primary exposure route. Sand microbiological analysis for faecal indicator organisms and electron microscopy strongly suggested faecal contamination. Chemical analysis of the sand also revealed a concomitant substance compatible with sodium-hypochlorite as analysed using gas chromatography and subsequently confirmed by free chlorine analysis. Inspection of the toilet facilities and sewage disposal system revealed a leaking sewage distribution box. Collectively, results suggest that the cause of the outbreak was the leaking underground sewage distribution box that serviced the beach toilet facilities (40 m from beach), where sodium-hypochlorite was used for cleaning and disinfection. This sewage then contaminated the surficial sands to which beach goers were exposed. Chlorine being an irritant substance, was believed to have been the cause of the symptoms given the sudden presentation and dissipation of skin rashes. No gastro-intestinal illness was reported during this episode and during the following 30 days. Like water, beach sand should also be monitored for safety, especially for areas serviced by aged infrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Brandão
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisboa, Portugal; Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) - Department of Animal Biology, University of Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - I Albergaria
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - S José
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - J Grossinho
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - F C Ferreira
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - A Raposo
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - R Rodrigues
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - C Silva
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - L Jordao
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - M Sousa
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - M H Rebelo
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - C Veríssimo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - R Sabino
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - T Amaro
- Unidade de Saúde da Ilha do Faial, Vista Alegre, Horta, Portugal
| | - F Cardoso
- Direção Regional dos Assuntos do Mar, Secretaria Regional do Mar, Ciência e Tecnologia, Governo Regional dos Açores, Horta, Açores, Portugal
| | - M Patrão-Costa
- Direção Regional dos Assuntos do Mar, Secretaria Regional do Mar, Ciência e Tecnologia, Governo Regional dos Açores, Horta, Açores, Portugal
| | - H Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
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9
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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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Ferguson A, Kumar Dwivedi A, Ehindero E, Adelabu F, Rattler K, Perone HR, Montas L, Mena K, Solo-Gabriele H. Soil, Hand, and Body Adherence Measures across Four Beach Areas: Potential Influence on Exposure to Oil Spill Chemicals. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E4196. [PMID: 32545527 PMCID: PMC7345354 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Skin adherence (SA) of soil affects exposure from soil contaminants through dermal routes via loading on the skin and through ingestion routes through hand to mouth activities. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the relationships between adherence versus child-specific and environmental factors. Two sets of soil-to-skin adherence were evaluated. The first was based on loading on hands following hand presses (Hand SA). The second was based on body rinses following one hour of play activities on the beach (Body SA). Results for 98-119 children conducted at four beach sites show that mean Hand SA was 35.7 mg/cm2 (std. dev. 41.8 mg/cm2), while Body SA based on full coverage was 6.8 mg/cm2 (std. dev. 4.8 mg/cm2). Statistically significant differences in Body SA were observed between male (8.1 mg/cm2) and female (5.8 mg/cm2) children (p < 0.05). No significant difference by sex was found for Hand SA. Other statistically different observations were that Hand SA (p < 0.05), but not Body SA, differed across the four beaches (p < 0.05). For Hand SA, this difference was associated soil size variability across the beaches. Hand and Body SA values measured during this study are recommended for use in risk assessments that evaluate beach exposures to oil spill chemicals for young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alesia Ferguson
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA; (A.K.D.); (E.E.); (F.A.)
| | - Ashok Kumar Dwivedi
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA; (A.K.D.); (E.E.); (F.A.)
| | - Esther Ehindero
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA; (A.K.D.); (E.E.); (F.A.)
| | - Foluke Adelabu
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA; (A.K.D.); (E.E.); (F.A.)
| | - Kyra Rattler
- School of Social Work, University of Arkansas Little Rock, Little Rock, AR 72204, USA;
| | - Hanna Rose Perone
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA; (H.R.P.); (L.M.); (H.S.-G.)
| | - Larissa Montas
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA; (H.R.P.); (L.M.); (H.S.-G.)
| | - Kristina Mena
- School of Public Health, University of Texas-Houston, El Paso, TX 79905, USA;
| | - Helena Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA; (H.R.P.); (L.M.); (H.S.-G.)
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11
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Weiskerger CJ, Brandão J, Ahmed W, Aslan A, Avolio L, Badgley BD, Boehm AB, Edge TA, Fleisher JM, Heaney CD, Jordao L, Kinzelman JL, Klaus JS, Kleinheinz GT, Meriläinen P, Nshimyimana JP, Phanikumar MS, Piggot AM, Pitkänen T, Robinson C, Sadowsky MJ, Staley C, Staley ZR, Symonds EM, Vogel LJ, Yamahara KM, Whitman RL, Solo-Gabriele HM, Harwood VJ. Impacts of a changing earth on microbial dynamics and human health risks in the continuum between beach water and sand. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 162:456-470. [PMID: 31301475 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Although infectious disease risk from recreational exposure to waterborne pathogens has been an active area of research for decades, beach sand is a relatively unexplored habitat for the persistence of pathogens and fecal indicator bacteria (FIB). Beach sand, biofilms, and water all present unique advantages and challenges to pathogen introduction, growth, and persistence. These dynamics are further complicated by continuous exchange between sand and water habitats. Models of FIB and pathogen fate and transport at beaches can help predict the risk of infectious disease from beach use, but knowledge gaps with respect to decay and growth rates of pathogens in beach habitats impede robust modeling. Climatic variability adds further complexity to predictive modeling because extreme weather events, warming water, and sea level change may increase human exposure to waterborne pathogens and alter relationships between FIB and pathogens. In addition, population growth and urbanization will exacerbate contamination events and increase the potential for human exposure. The cumulative effects of anthropogenic changes will alter microbial population dynamics in beach habitats and the assumptions and relationships used in quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) and process-based models. Here, we review our current understanding of microbial populations and transport dynamics across the sand-water continuum at beaches, how these dynamics can be modeled, and how global change factors (e.g., climate and land use) should be integrated into more accurate beachscape-based models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea J Weiskerger
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - João Brandão
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisboa, Portugal; Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) - Department of Animal Biology, University of Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Warish Ahmed
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boogo Road, Dutton Park, Old, 4102, Australia
| | - Asli Aslan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
| | - Lindsay Avolio
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Brian D Badgley
- School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Alexandria B Boehm
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Thomas A Edge
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jay M Fleisher
- College of Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Christopher D Heaney
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Luisa Jordao
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - James S Klaus
- Department of Marine Geosciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Päivi Meriläinen
- Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Mantha S Phanikumar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Alan M Piggot
- Department of Earth and Environment, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Tarja Pitkänen
- Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Clare Robinson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael J Sadowsky
- BioTechnology Institute and Departments of Soil, Water, & Climate, and Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | | | | | - Erin M Symonds
- College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL, USA
| | - Laura J Vogel
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kevan M Yamahara
- Monterrey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Moss Landing, CA, USA
| | - Richard L Whitman
- Great Lakes Science Center, United States Geological Survey, Chesterton, IN, USA
| | - Helena M Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Valerie J Harwood
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
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12
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Children Exposure-Related Behavior Patterns and Risk Perception Associated with Recreational Beach Use. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16152783. [PMID: 31382616 PMCID: PMC6696461 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16152783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Revised: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Background: Oil spill chemicals (OSCs) result not only from the crude oil components but also from dispersants used in the clean-up activities, where some may result in adverse health effects under certain exposure and dosage conditions. One of the main populations of concern for exposure to OSCs are children, who are frequent beach users. Activities such as ingestion of and digging in sand can increase dermal and ingestion exposure. Longer times spent at the beach can also increase exposures for all routes. Objectives: The Beach Exposure and Child Health Study (BEaCHeS) was initiated to evaluate the risk of exposure to children from oil contaminants. Reported here are results for surveys collected, as a part of the project, to address exposure-related behavior patterns and risk perception for parents or guardians who visit the beach. Methods: Over 400 parental surveys were collected at four beaches, two in Miami and two in Texas, to evaluate children’s exposure related activities. Surveys consisted of three general sections: demographics, exposure, and risk perception. Surveys were analyzed in REDcap and Stata to evaluate demographic and regional differences on activities related to beach behavior and potential exposures to oil contaminants (e.g., how much time spent on beach, cleaning habits following beach activities). The statistical analysis included the mean and standard errors, along with regressions to evaluate associations between parameters. Results: Overall, the data showed high variability in how children play on the beach, influenced more by age and less by gender. Variations were also seen in certain variables by beach region (e.g., hygiene practices). By race, variations were seen in income, distance of travel to beach, and preferred method of communication for beach warning. Other important findings are reflected in the article. Discussion: The data presented here may prove useful for those evaluating children exposures to a variety of contaminants, chemical, or bacterial in origin. In addition, coastal managers may find the risk perception and general behaviors useful for planning and maintenance of beach areas.
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13
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Vogel LJ, Edge TA, O'Carroll DM, Solo-Gabriele HM, Kushnir CSE, Robinson CE. Evaluation of methods to sample fecal indicator bacteria in foreshore sand and pore water at freshwater beaches. WATER RESEARCH 2017; 121:204-212. [PMID: 28538189 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2017.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) are known to accumulate in foreshore beach sand and pore water (referred to as foreshore reservoir) where they act as a non-point source for contaminating adjacent surface waters. While guidelines exist for sampling surface waters at recreational beaches, there is no widely-accepted method to collect sand/sediment or pore water samples for FIB enumeration. The effect of different sampling strategies in quantifying the abundance of FIB in the foreshore reservoir is unclear. Sampling was conducted at six freshwater beaches with different sand types to evaluate sampling methods for characterizing the abundance of E. coli in the foreshore reservoir as well as the partitioning of E. coli between different components in the foreshore reservoir (pore water, saturated sand, unsaturated sand). Methods were evaluated for collection of pore water (drive point, shovel, and careful excavation), unsaturated sand (top 1 cm, top 5 cm), and saturated sand (sediment core, shovel, and careful excavation). Ankle-depth surface water samples were also collected for comparison. Pore water sampled with a shovel resulted in the highest observed E. coli concentrations (only statistically significant at fine sand beaches) and lowest variability compared to other sampling methods. Collection of the top 1 cm of unsaturated sand resulted in higher and more variable concentrations than the top 5 cm of sand. There were no statistical differences in E. coli concentrations when using different methods to sample the saturated sand. Overall, the unsaturated sand had the highest amount of E. coli when compared to saturated sand and pore water (considered on a bulk volumetric basis). The findings presented will help determine the appropriate sampling strategy for characterizing FIB abundance in the foreshore reservoir as a means of predicting its potential impact on nearshore surface water quality and public health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Vogel
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Thomas A Edge
- Environment Canada, Canada Center for Inland Waters, Burlington, Ontario, L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Denis M O'Carroll
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Connected Water Institute, University of New South Wales, Manly Vale, NSW 2093, Australia
| | - Helena M Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Caitlin S E Kushnir
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Clare E Robinson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada.
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14
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Henao-Herreño LX, López-Tamayo AM, Ramos-Bonilla JP, Haas CN, Husserl J. Risk of Illness with Salmonella due to Consumption of Raw Unwashed Vegetables Irrigated with Water from the Bogotá River. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2017; 37:733-743. [PMID: 27348408 DOI: 10.1111/risa.12656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Revised: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The Bogotá River receives untreated wastewater from the city of Bogotá and many other towns. Downstream from Bogotá, water from the river is used for irrigation of crops. Concentrations of indicator organisms in the river are high, which is consistent with fecal contamination. To investigate the probability of illness due to exposure to enteric pathogens from the river, specifically Salmonella, we took water samples from the Bogotá River at six sampling locations in an area where untreated water from the river is used for irrigation of lettuce, broccoli, and cabbage. Salmonella concentrations were quantified by direct isolation and qPCR. Concentrations differed, depending on the quantification technique used, ranging between 107.7 and 109.9 number of copies of gene invA per L and 105.3 and 108.4 CFU/L, for qPCR and direct isolation, respectively. A quantitative microbial risk assessment model that estimates the daily risk of illness with Salmonella resulting from consuming raw unwashed vegetables irrigated with water from the Bogotá River was constructed using the Salmonella concentration data. The daily probability of illness from eating raw unwashed vegetables ranged between 0.62 and 0.85, 0.64 and 0.86, and 0.64 and 0.85 based on concentrations estimated by qPCR (0.47-0.85, 0.47-0.86, and 0.41-0.85 based on concentrations estimated by direct isolation) for lettuce, cabbage, and broccoli, respectively, which are all above the commonly propounded benchmark of 10-4 per year. Results obtained in this study highlight the necessity for appropriate wastewater treatment in the region, and emphasize the importance of postharvest practices, such as washing, disinfecting, and cooking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura X Henao-Herreño
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Ana M López-Tamayo
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan P Ramos-Bonilla
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Charles N Haas
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Johana Husserl
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
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15
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Abreu R, Figueira C, Romão D, Brandão J, Freitas MC, Andrade C, Calado G, Ferreira C, Campos A, Prada S. Sediment characteristics and microbiological contamination of beach sand - A case-study in the archipelago of Madeira. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 573:627-638. [PMID: 27585431 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.08.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Revised: 08/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Beach sand can harbour pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms, as well as faecal indicator bacteria that influence directly the bathing water quality. Pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms often raise concern of exposure during beach related recreational activities. In this work, three different types of sandy beaches (natural basaltic, natural calcareous and artificial calcareous) of the Archipelago of Madeira (Portugal) were sampled for bacterial and fungal contaminants and grain size distribution, during four years (2010-2013). Following an extreme weather event in 2010, the faecal indicator bacteria levels spiked, returning to base levels shortly thereafter. The same phenomenon occurred with fungi, where potentially pathogenic fungi were the dominant group. Yeast-like fungi and dermatophytes were, however, mainly associated to months of higher usage by recreational users. Statistical analysis showed higher contamination of sediment in artificial beaches compared to natural beaches and granulometry and chemical composition of sand did not influence in the microbial loads. Instead, bather density and the influence of coastal protection structures needed to maintain the volume of artificial beach sand regarding the removal potential of wave induced currents are obvious influencing factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Abreu
- Faculdade de Ciências Exatas e da Engenharia da Universidade da Madeira, Campus Universitário da Penteada, 9000-390 Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
| | - Celso Figueira
- Faculdade de Ciências Exatas e da Engenharia da Universidade da Madeira, Campus Universitário da Penteada, 9000-390 Funchal, Madeira, Portugal.
| | - Daniela Romão
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João Brandão
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - M Conceição Freitas
- Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Instituto Dom Luis, Bloco C6, 3° piso, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - César Andrade
- Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Instituto Dom Luis, Bloco C6, 3° piso, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Graça Calado
- Laboratório de Saúde Pública, IASaúde, Rua das Pretas n° 1, 9004-515 Funchal, Portugal
| | - Carmen Ferreira
- Laboratório Regional de Veterinária e Segurança Alimentar, Caminho das Quebradas de Baixo n° 79, 9000-254 Funchal, Portugal
| | - Ana Campos
- Laboratório Regional de Veterinária e Segurança Alimentar, Caminho das Quebradas de Baixo n° 79, 9000-254 Funchal, Portugal
| | - Susana Prada
- Faculdade de Ciências Exatas e da Engenharia da Universidade da Madeira, Campus Universitário da Penteada, 9000-390 Funchal, Madeira, Portugal; Centro de Vulcanologia e Avaliação de Riscos Geológicos, Universidade dos Açores, 9501-801 Ponta Delgada, Açores, Portugal
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16
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Risk Assessment for Children Exposed to Beach Sands Impacted by Oil Spill Chemicals. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:ijerph13090853. [PMID: 27618904 PMCID: PMC5036686 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13090853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Revised: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Due to changes in the drilling industry, oil spills are impacting large expanses of coastlines, thereby increasing the potential for people to come in contact with oil spill chemicals. The objective of this manuscript was to evaluate the health risk to children who potentially contact beach sands impacted by oil spill chemicals from the Deepwater Horizon disaster. To identify chemicals of concern, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) monitoring data collected during and immediately after the spill were evaluated. This dataset was supplemented with measurements from beach sands and tar balls collected five years after the spill. Of interest is that metals in the sediments were observed at similar levels between the two sampling periods; some differences were observed for metals levels in tar balls. Although PAHs were not observed five years later, there is evidence of weathered-oil oxidative by-products. Comparing chemical concentration data to baseline soil risk levels, three metals (As, Ba, and V) and four PAHs (benzo[a]pyrene, benz[a]anthracene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, and dibenz[a,h]anthracene) were found to exceed guideline levels prompting a risk assessment. For acute or sub-chronic exposures, hazard quotients, computed by estimating average expected contact behavior, showed no adverse potential health effects. For cancer, computations using 95% upper confidence limits for contaminant concentrations showed extremely low increased risk in the 10−6 range for oral and dermal exposure from arsenic in sediments and from dermal exposure from benzo[a]pyrene and benz[a]anthracene in weathered oil. Overall, results suggest that health risks are extremely low, given the limitations of available data. Limitations of this study are associated with the lack of toxicological data for dispersants and oil-spill degradation products. We also recommend studies to collect quantitative information about children’s beach play habits, which are necessary to more accurately assess exposure scenarios and health risks.
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17
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Lamparelli CC, Pogreba-Brown K, Verhougstraete M, Sato MIZ, Bruni ADC, Wade TJ, Eisenberg JNS. Are fecal indicator bacteria appropriate measures of recreational water risks in the tropics: A cohort study of beach goers in Brazil? WATER RESEARCH 2015; 87:59-68. [PMID: 26378732 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2015.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Revised: 08/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Regulating recreational water exposure to pathogens within the tropics is a major public health and economic concern. Although numerous epidemiological studies estimating the risk to recreational marine water exposure have been conducted since the 1950s, few studies have been done in the tropics. Furthermore, many have suggested that the use of fecal indicator bacteria for monitoring recreational water quality in temperate regions is not appropriate in the tropics. We analyzed a large cohort study of five beaches in Sao Paulo, Brazil, conducted during consecutive weekends in the summer of 1999 that estimated risk to water, sand, and food exposures. Enterococci and Escherichia coli concentrations were measured each day of the study. Elevated risks were estimated for both swimming (OR = 1.36 95% CI: 1.05-1.58) and sand contact (OR = 1.29 95% CI 1.05-1.58). A 1 log increase in enterococci concentration was associated with an 11% increase in risk (OR = 1.11 95% CI: 1.04-1.19). For E. coli a 1-log increase in concentration was associated with 19% increase in risk (OR = 1.19 95% CI: 1.14-1.28). Most countries with beaches in the tropics are lower or middle income countries (LMIC) and rely on tourism as a major source of income. We present data that suggests fecal indicator bacteria such as enterococci are an appropriate indicator of risk in tropical urban settings where contamination is coming from predominantly human sources. Additional studies in tropical settings could help inform and refine guidelines for safe use of recreational waters.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristen Pogreba-Brown
- The University of Arizona, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, USA.
| | - Marc Verhougstraete
- The University of Arizona, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Department of Community, Environment and Policy, USA.
| | - Maria Inês Zanoli Sato
- Environmental Analysis Department, Environmental Company of Sao Paulo State (CETESB), Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Antonio de Castro Bruni
- Vehicle Emission Analysis Sector, Environmental Company of Sao Paulo State (CETESB), Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Timothy J Wade
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Joseph N S Eisenberg
- University of Michigan, School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, USA.
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18
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Whitman R, Harwood VJ, Edge TA, Nevers M, Byappanahalli M, Vijayavel K, Brandão J, Sadowsky MJ, Alm EW, Crowe A, Ferguson D, Ge Z, Halliday E, Kinzelman J, Kleinheinz G, Przybyla-Kelly K, Staley C, Staley Z, Solo-Gabriele HM. Microbes in Beach Sands: Integrating Environment, Ecology and Public Health. RE/VIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND BIO/TECHNOLOGY 2014; 13:329-368. [PMID: 25383070 PMCID: PMC4219924 DOI: 10.1007/s11157-014-9340-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Beach sand is a habitat that supports many microbes, including viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa (micropsammon). The apparently inhospitable conditions of beach sand environments belie the thriving communities found there. Physical factors, such as water availability and protection from insolation; biological factors, such as competition, predation, and biofilm formation; and nutrient availability all contribute to the characteristics of the micropsammon. Sand microbial communities include autochthonous species/phylotypes indigenous to the environment. Allochthonous microbes, including fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) and waterborne pathogens, are deposited via waves, runoff, air, or animals. The fate of these microbes ranges from death, to transient persistence and/or replication, to establishment of thriving populations (naturalization) and integration in the autochthonous community. Transport of the micropsammon within the habitat occurs both horizontally across the beach, and vertically from the sand surface and ground water table, as well as at various scales including interstitial flow within sand pores, sediment transport for particle-associated microbes, and the large-scale processes of wave action and terrestrial runoff. The concept of beach sand as a microbial habitat and reservoir of FIB and pathogens has begun to influence our thinking about human health effects associated with sand exposure and recreational water use. A variety of pathogens have been reported from beach sands, and recent epidemiology studies have found some evidence of health risks associated with sand exposure. Persistent or replicating populations of FIB and enteric pathogens have consequences for watershed/beach management strategies and regulatory standards for safe beaches. This review summarizes our understanding of the community structure, ecology, fate, transport, and public health implications of microbes in beach sand. It concludes with recommendations for future work in this vastly under-studied area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Whitman
- Great Lakes Science Center, United States Geological Survey, 1100 N. Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304, USA
| | - Valerie J. Harwood
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, SCA 110, 4202 E. Fowler Ave. Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Thomas A. Edge
- Canada Centre for Inland Waters, Environment Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario, Canada L7R 4A6
| | - Meredith Nevers
- Great Lakes Science Center, United States Geological Survey, 1100 N. Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304, USA
| | - Muruleedhara Byappanahalli
- Great Lakes Science Center, United States Geological Survey, 1100 N. Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304, USA
| | - Kannappan Vijayavel
- Environmental Health Division, Ottawa County Health Department, 12251 James Street, Suite 200, Holland, MI, 49424, USA
- Remediation and Redevelopment Division, Department of Environmental Quality, State of Michigan, 525 W. Allegan St., Lansing, MI 48909. USA
| | - João Brandão
- Reference Unit for Systemic Infections and Zoonosis, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Av. Padre Cruz 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Michael J. Sadowsky
- Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minnesota 55108, USA
| | - Elizabeth Wheeler Alm
- Department of Biology & Institute for Great Lakes Research, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859
| | - Allan Crowe
- Canada Centre for Inland Waters, Environment Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario, Canada L7R 4A6
| | - Donna Ferguson
- Environmental Health Sciences Department, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, California 90024, USA
| | - Zhongfu Ge
- Great Lakes Science Center, United States Geological Survey, 1100 N. Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304, USA
| | | | - Julie Kinzelman
- Department of Public Health, City of Racine, 730 Washington Avenue, Room 109, Racine, WI 53403, USA
| | - Greg Kleinheinz
- Environmental Research and Innovation Centre, University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh, 800 Algoma Boulevard, Oshkosh, WI 54901, USA
| | - Kasia Przybyla-Kelly
- Great Lakes Science Center, United States Geological Survey, 1100 N. Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304, USA
| | - Christopher Staley
- Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minnesota 55108, USA
| | - Zachery Staley
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St., London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Helena M. Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, 1251 Memorial Drive, McArthur Building Room 252, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA and, Oceans and Human Health Center, University of Miami Rosenstiel, School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149, USA
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19
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Halliday E, McLellan SL, Amaral-Zettler LA, Sogin ML, Gast RJ. Comparison of bacterial communities in sands and water at beaches with bacterial water quality violations. PLoS One 2014; 9:e90815. [PMID: 24599478 PMCID: PMC3944938 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Recreational water quality, as measured by culturable fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), may be influenced by persistent populations of these bacteria in local sands or wrack, in addition to varied fecal inputs from human and/or animal sources. In this study, pyrosequencing was used to generate short sequence tags of the 16S hypervariable region ribosomal DNA from shallow water samples and from sand samples collected at the high tide line and at the intertidal water line at sites with and without FIB exceedance events. These data were used to examine the sand and water bacterial communities to assess the similarity between samples, and to determine the impact of water quality exceedance events on the community composition. Sequences belonging to a group of bacteria previously identified as alternative fecal indicators were also analyzed in relationship to water quality violation events. We found that sand and water samples hosted distinctly different overall bacterial communities, and there was greater similarity in the community composition between coastal water samples from two distant sites. The dissimilarity between high tide and intertidal sand bacterial communities, although more similar to each other than to water, corresponded to greater tidal range between the samples. Within the group of alternative fecal indicators greater similarity was observed within sand and water from the same site, likely reflecting the anthropogenic contribution at each beach. This study supports the growing evidence that community-based molecular tools can be leveraged to identify the sources and potential impact of fecal pollution in the environment, and furthermore suggests that a more diverse bacterial community in beach sand and water may reflect a less contaminated site and better water quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Halliday
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sandra L. McLellan
- School of Freshwater Sciences, Great Lakes Water Institute, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Linda A. Amaral-Zettler
- Josephine Bay Paul Center, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Geosciences, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Mitchell L. Sogin
- Josephine Bay Paul Center, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Rebecca J. Gast
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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20
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Sabino R, Rodrigues R, Costa I, Carneiro C, Cunha M, Duarte A, Faria N, Ferreira FC, Gargaté MJ, Júlio C, Martins ML, Nevers MB, Oleastro M, Solo-Gabriele H, Veríssimo C, Viegas C, Whitman RL, Brandão J. Routine screening of harmful microorganisms in beach sands: implications to public health. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 472:1062-1069. [PMID: 24355396 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.11.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2013] [Revised: 10/29/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Beaches worldwide provide recreational opportunities to hundreds of millions of people and serve as important components of coastal economies. Beach water is often monitored for microbiological quality to detect the presence of indicators of human sewage contamination so as to prevent public health outbreaks associated with water contact. However, growing evidence suggests that beach sand can harbor microbes harmful to human health, often in concentrations greater than the beach water. Currently, there are no standards for monitoring, sampling, analyzing, or managing beach sand quality. In addition to indicator microbes, growing evidence has identified pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and fungi in a variety of beach sands worldwide. The public health threat associated with these populations through direct and indirect contact is unknown because so little research has been conducted relating to health outcomes associated with sand quality. In this manuscript, we present the consensus findings of a workshop of experts convened in Lisbon, Portugal to discuss the current state of knowledge on beach sand microbiological quality and to develop suggestions for standardizing the evaluation of sand at coastal beaches. The expert group at the "Microareias 2012" workshop recommends that 1) beach sand should be screened for a variety of pathogens harmful to human health, and sand monitoring should then be initiated alongside regular water monitoring; 2) sampling and analysis protocols should be standardized to allow proper comparisons among beach locations; and 3) further studies are needed to estimate human health risk with exposure to contaminated beach sand. Much of the manuscript is focused on research specific to Portugal, but similar results have been found elsewhere, and the findings have worldwide implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Sabino
- Reference Unit for Systemic Infections and Zoonosis, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Portugal
| | - R Rodrigues
- Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Portugal
| | - I Costa
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - C Carneiro
- REQUIMTE/Centro de Química Fina e Biotecnologia, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - M Cunha
- Portuguese Environment Agency, Environment Reference Laboratory, Portugal
| | - A Duarte
- Faculty of Pharmacy, iMed.UL-Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Lisboa, Portugal
| | - N Faria
- Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Portugal
| | - F C Ferreira
- Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Portugal
| | - M J Gargaté
- Reference Unit for Systemic Infections and Zoonosis, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Portugal
| | - C Júlio
- Reference Unit for Gastro-intestinal Infections, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Portugal
| | - M L Martins
- Unit of Medical Microbiology, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical-Centro de Recursos Microbiológicos (CREM), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Portugal
| | - M B Nevers
- United States Geological Survey, Great Lakes Science Center, Porter, IN, USA
| | - M Oleastro
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - H Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - C Veríssimo
- Reference Unit for Systemic Infections and Zoonosis, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Portugal
| | - C Viegas
- Lisbon School of Health Technology, Polytechnic Institute of Lisboa, Portugal
| | - R L Whitman
- United States Geological Survey, Great Lakes Science Center, Porter, IN, USA
| | - J Brandão
- Reference Unit for Systemic Infections and Zoonosis, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Portugal.
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21
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Ervin JS, Russell TL, Layton BA, Yamahara KM, Wang D, Sassoubre LM, Cao Y, Kelty CA, Sivaganesan M, Boehm AB, Holden PA, Weisberg SB, Shanks OC. Characterization of fecal concentrations in human and other animal sources by physical, culture-based, and quantitative real-time PCR methods. WATER RESEARCH 2013; 47:6873-6882. [PMID: 23871252 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2013.02.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2012] [Revised: 01/30/2013] [Accepted: 02/07/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The characteristics of fecal sources, and the ways in which they are measured, can profoundly influence the interpretation of which sources are contaminating a body of water. Although feces from various hosts are known to differ in mass and composition, it is not well understood how those differences compare across fecal sources and how differences depend on characterization methods. This study investigated how nine different fecal characterization methods provide different measures of fecal concentration in water, and how results varied across twelve different fecal pollution sources. Sources investigated included chicken, cow, deer, dog, goose, gull, horse, human, pig, pigeon, septage and sewage. A composite fecal slurry was prepared for each source by mixing feces from 6 to 22 individual samples with artificial freshwater. Fecal concentrations were estimated by physical (wet fecal mass added and total DNA mass extracted), culture-based (Escherichia coli and enterococci by membrane filtration and defined substrate), and quantitative real-time PCR (Bacteroidales, E. coli, and enterococci) characterization methods. The characteristics of each composite fecal slurry and the relationships between physical, culture-based and qPCR-based characteristics varied within and among different fecal sources. An in silico exercise was performed to assess how different characterization methods can impact identification of the dominant fecal pollution source in a mixed source sample. A comparison of simulated 10:90 mixtures based on enterococci by defined substrate predicted a source reversal in 27% of all possible combinations, while mixtures based on E. coli membrane filtration resulted in a reversal 29% of the time. This potential for disagreement in minor or dominant source identification based on different methods of measurement represents an important challenge for water quality managers and researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared S Ervin
- Earth Research Institute and Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
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22
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An alternative approach to water regulations for public health protection at bathing beaches. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2013; 2013:138521. [PMID: 23431320 PMCID: PMC3569914 DOI: 10.1155/2013/138521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2012] [Revised: 12/02/2012] [Accepted: 12/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
New approaches should be considered as the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) moves rapidly to develop new beach monitoring guidelines by the end of 2012, as these guidelines serve as the basis by which states and territories with coasts along the oceans and Great Lakes can then develop and implement monitoring programs for recreational waters. We describe and illustrate one possible approach to beach regulation termed as the “Comprehensive Toolbox within an Approval Process (CTBAP).” The CTBAP consists of three components. The first is a “toolbox” consisting of an inventory of guidelines on monitoring targets, a series of measurement techniques, and guidance to improve water quality through source identification and prevention methods. The second two components are principles of implementation. These include first, “flexibility” to encourage and develop an individualized beach management plan tailored to local conditions and second, “consistency” of this management plan to ensure a consistent national level of public health protection. The results of this approach are illustrated through a case study at a well-studied South Florida recreational marine beach. This case study explores different monitoring targets based on two different health endpoints (skin versus gastrointestinal illness) and recommends a beach regulation program for the study beach that focuses predominately on source prevention.
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23
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Goodwin KD, McNay M, Cao Y, Ebentier D, Madison M, Griffith JF. A multi-beach study of Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, and enterococci in seawater and beach sand. WATER RESEARCH 2012; 46:4195-4207. [PMID: 22652414 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2012.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2011] [Revised: 04/01/2012] [Accepted: 04/02/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Incidences of Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) have risen worldwide prompting a need to better understand routes of human exposure and whether standard bacterial water quality monitoring practices adequately account for this potential threat. Beach water and sand samples were analyzed during summer months for S. aureus, enterococci, and MRSA at three southern California beaches (Avalon, Doheny, Malibu Surfrider). S. aureus frequently was detected in samples of seawater (59%, n = 328) and beach sand (53%, n = 358). MRSA sometimes was detected in seawater (1.6%, n = 366) and sand (2.7%, n = 366) at relatively low concentrations. Site specific differences were observed, with Avalon Beach presenting the highest concentrations of S. aureus and Malibu Surfrider the lowest in both seawater and sand. S. aureus concentrations in seawater and sand were correlated to each other and to a variety of other parameters. Multiple linear regression on the combined beach data indicated that significant explanatory variables for S. aureus in seawater were S. aureus in sand, water temperature, enterococci in seawater, and the number of swimmers. In sand, S. aureus concentrations were related to S. aureus in seawater, water temperature, enterococci in seawater, and inversely to surf height classification. Only the correlation to water temperature held for individually analyzed beaches and for S. aureus concentrations in both seawater and sand. To provide context for these results, the prevalence of S. aureus in sand was compared to published fomite studies, and results suggested that beach prevalence was similar to that in homes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly D Goodwin
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, AOML, 4301 Rickenbacker Cswy, Miami, FL 33149, USA.
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24
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Piggot AM, Klaus JS, Johnson S, Phillips MC, Solo-Gabriele HM. Relationship between enterococcal levels and sediment biofilms at recreational beaches in South Florida. Appl Environ Microbiol 2012; 78:5973-82. [PMID: 22706061 PMCID: PMC3416616 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00603-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2012] [Accepted: 05/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Enterococci, recommended at the U.S. federal level for monitoring water quality at marine recreational beaches, have been found to reside and grow within beach sands. However, the environmental and ecological factors affecting enterococcal persistence remain poorly understood, making it difficult to determine levels of fecal pollution and assess human health risks. Here we document the presence of enterococci associated with beach sediment biofilms at eight south Florida recreational beaches. Enterococcal levels were highest in supratidal sands, where they displayed a nonlinear, unimodal relationship with extracellular polymeric secretions (EPS), the primary component of biofilms. Enterococcal levels peaked at intermediate levels of EPS, suggesting that biofilms may promote the survival of enterococci but also inhibit enterococci as the biofilm develops within beach sands. Analysis of bacterial community profiles determined by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphisms showed the bacterial communities of supratidal sediments to be significantly different from intertidal and subtidal communities; however, no differences were observed in bacterial community compositions associated with different EPS concentrations. Our results suggest that supratidal sands are a microbiologically unique environment favorable for the incorporation and persistence of enterococci within beach sediment biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan M. Piggot
- Division of Marine Geology and Geophysics, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Oceans and Human Health Center, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - James S. Klaus
- Division of Marine Geology and Geophysics, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
- Oceans and Human Health Center, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Sara Johnson
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
- Oceans and Human Health Center, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Matthew C. Phillips
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
- Oceans and Human Health Center, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Helena M. Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
- Oceans and Human Health Center, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
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