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Fernández-Labrada M, López-Mosquera ME, García L, Barrio JC, López-Fabal A. Hazards of swine slurry: Heavy metals, bacteriology, and overdosing-Physicochemical models to predict the nutrient value. Anim Sci J 2023; 94:e13849. [PMID: 37392138 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
In this work, 124 samples of slurry from 32 commercial farms of three animal categories (lactating sows, nursery piglets, and growing pigs) were studied. The samples were collected in summer and winter over two consecutive years and analyzed for physicochemical properties, macronutrient and micronutrient, heavy metals, and major microbiological indicators. The results were found to be influenced by farm type and to deviate especially markedly in nursery piglets, probably as a consequence of differences in pig age, diet, and management. The main potential hazards of the slurries can be expected to arise from their high contents in heavy metals (Cu and Zn), especially in the nursery piglet group, and from the high proportion of samples testing positive for Salmonella spp. (66%). Linear and nonlinear predictive equations were developed for each animal category and the three as a whole. Dry matter, which was highly correlated with N, CaO, and MgO contents, proved the best predictor of fertilizer value. Using an additional predictor failed to improve the results but nonlinear and farm-specific equations did. Rapid on-site measurements can improve the accuracy of fertilizer value estimates and help optimize the use of swine slurry as a result.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Fernández-Labrada
- Departamento de Producción Vegetal y Proyectos de Ingeniería, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Escuela Politécnica Superior de Ingeniería, Lugo, Spain
| | - María Elvira López-Mosquera
- Instituto de Biodiversidad Agraria y Desarrollo Rural (IBADER), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Lucio García
- Centro Tecnológico de la Carne, San Cibrao das Viñas, Spain
| | | | - Adolfo López-Fabal
- Departamento de Producción Vegetal y Proyectos de Ingeniería, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Escuela Politécnica Superior de Ingeniería, Lugo, Spain
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2
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Wong YY, Lee CW, Chai SCY, Lim JH, Bong CW, Sim EUH, Narayanan K, Hii YS, Wang AJ. Distribution of faecal indicator bacteria in tropical waters of Peninsular Malaysia and their decay rates in tropical seawater. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 185:114297. [PMID: 36327936 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the appropriateness of faecal indicator bacteria in tropical waters. We compared total coliform (undetectable to 7.2 × 105 cfu 100 mL-1), faecal coliform (undetectable to 6.1 × 105 cfu 100 mL-1) and enterococci (undetectable to 3.1 × 104 cfu 100 mL-1) distribution in Peninsular Malaysia. Faecal indicator bacteria was highest in freshwater, and lowest in seawater (q > 4.18, p < 0.01). We also measured the decay rates of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecium in microcosms. In seawater, average decay rate for E. coli was 0.084 ± 0.029 h-1, and higher than E. faecium (0.048 ± 0.024 h-1) (t = 2.527, p < 0.05). Grazing accounted for 54 % of both E. coli and E. faecium decay. E. coli decayed in the <0.02 μm seawater fraction (0.023 ± 0.012 h-1) but E. faecium sometimes grew. Seawater warming further uncoupled the response from both E. coli and E. faecium as E. faecium grew and E. coli decayed with warming. Our results suggested that the prevalence of faecal indicator bacteria in tropical waters was not due to faecal pollution alone, and this will have serious implications towards the use of these faecal indicator bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi You Wong
- Laboratory of Microbial Ecology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Institute for Advanced Studies, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Choon Weng Lee
- Laboratory of Microbial Ecology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Stanley Choon Yip Chai
- Laboratory of Microbial Ecology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Institute for Advanced Studies, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Joon Hai Lim
- Laboratory of Microbial Ecology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Institute for Advanced Studies, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chui Wei Bong
- Laboratory of Microbial Ecology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Edmund Ui Hang Sim
- Faculty of Resource Sciences and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Kumaran Narayanan
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yii Siang Hii
- Pakar Scieno TW Pte. Ltd., 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ai-Jun Wang
- Laboratory of Coastal and Marine Geology, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Physical and Geological Processes, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
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3
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Haldar K, Kujawa-Roeleveld K, Hofstra N, Datta DK, Rijnaarts H. Microbial contamination in surface water and potential health risks for peri-urban farmers of the Bengal delta. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2022; 244:114002. [PMID: 35759864 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.114002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Ensuring safe irrigation practices is vital to sustaining food production in water-scarce delta areas. Bangladesh and many other developing countries discharge untreated wastewater into their surrounding surface water bodies, serving as the primary irrigation source. This indirect irrigation of wastewater is believed to pose threats to the farmers, consumers and market vendors and may also affect crop and soil quality. To assess the risk, peri-urban farmers who use surrounding water bodies of Khulna city, Bangladesh, for crop irrigation were selected for the study. The microbial and heavy metal concentrations were measured in water samples collected from various locations over different seasons. For heavy metals As, Co, Ni, Cd, Cr, Cu and Pb, concentrations were below the detection limit, whereas Al, Fe, Mn, Ti and Zn were present but below the FAO recommendation limit for safe irrigation. The mean concentrations of microbial parameters were above the thresholds of WHO guidelines for crop irrigation intended for human consumption. Significant temporal variations in Faecal Coliform, E. coli and Enterococcus concentrations in the water samples were observed. The annual risk of infection for farmers was determined using the screening-level Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA). The results indicated that the annual probability of infection with pathogenic E. coli in different seasons ranges between 5 × 10-3 to 5 × 10-2, above the WHO's acceptable threshold for annual risk of infection for safe water reuse in agriculture. During the farmers' survey, around 45% reported health-related issues and more than 26% reported suffering from water-borne diseases after getting in contact with polluted surface water. This illustrates the actuality of the risks in practice. To ensure safe irrigation, the health risks need to be reduced below the acceptable limits. Suggested technical measures include adequate treatment of wastewater before disposal into rivers and access to protective equipment for farmers. This should be complemented by raising awareness through education programs among farmers to reduce accidental ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamonashish Haldar
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 17, 6700AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Katarzyna Kujawa-Roeleveld
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 17, 6700AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Nynke Hofstra
- Water Systems and Global Change, Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 47, 6700AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Dilip Kumar Datta
- Environmental Science Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, 9208, Bangladesh
| | - Huub Rijnaarts
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 17, 6700AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands
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Dean K, Mitchell J. Identifying water quality and environmental factors that influence indicator and pathogen decay in natural surface waters. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 211:118051. [PMID: 35051677 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Biphasic decay has been observed for indicators and pathogens in bench-scale and in-situ water experiments for decades, however, first-order decay kinetics continue to be applied to persistence data because of their simplicity and ease of application. Model uncertainty introduced by broadly applying first-order decay kinetics to persistence data may lead to erroneous decision making in the fields of water management and protection. As surface waters are exposed to highly variable environmental and water quality factors that influence microbial and viral persistence, it is expected that first-order decay kinetics are not representative of most of the persistence literature for indicators and pathogens in surface water matrices. This review compiled the methods and results of 61 studies that conducted experiments evaluating the persistence of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), bacteriophages, pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and protozoa in natural surface water matrices. The goals of this review were trifold: (1) collate studies in the literature with data available for future persistence modeling, (2) present the current state of knowledge with regards to the environmental and water quality factors affecting persistence in natural surface waters, and (3) identify recurrent evidence for interactions between the frequently studied factors to inform future factor analyses. Comparing the methods and results across the 61 studies suggest potential interactions between sunlight and water type; sunlight and method of detection; predation and water type; predation and temperature; and water type and method of detection. The majority of the identified literature evaluated FIB or bacteria persistence; future experiments are needed that focus on protozoa, brackish or marine water types, and molecular-based methods of detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara Dean
- Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Michigan State University, USA
| | - Jade Mitchell
- Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Michigan State University, USA.
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5
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Tomenchok LE, Abdool-Ghany AA, Elmir SM, Gidley ML, Sinigalliano CD, Solo-Gabriele HM. Trends in regional enterococci levels at marine beaches and correlations with environmental, global oceanic changes, community populations, and wastewater infrastructure. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 793:148641. [PMID: 34328980 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148641] [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: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
An increase in the number of advisories issued for recreational beaches across south Florida (due to the fecal indicator bacteria, enterococci) has been observed in recent years. To evaluate the possible reasons for this increase, we reviewed weekly monitoring data for 18 beaches in Miami-Dade County, Florida, for the years 2000-2019. Our objective was to evaluate this dataset for trends in enterococci levels and correlations with various factors that might have influenced enterococci levels at these beaches. For statistical analyses, we divided the 20-year period of record into 5-year increments (2000-2004, 2005-2009, 2010-2014, and 2015-2019). The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to identify statistically significant differences between the geometric mean of different periods. When all 18 beaches were collectively considered, a significant increase (p = 0.03) in enterococci was observed during 2015-2019, compared to the prior 15-year period of record. To better understand the potential causes for this increase, correlations were evaluated with environmental parameters (rainfall, air temperature, and water temperature), global oceanic changes (sea level and Sargassum), community populations (county population estimates and beach visitation numbers), and wastewater infrastructure (sewage effluent flow rates to ocean outfalls and deep well injection). In relation to the enterococci geometric mean, the correlation with Sargassum was statistically significant at a 95% confidence interval (p = 0.035). Population (p = 0.078), air temperature (p = 0.092), and sea level (p = 0.098) were statistically significant at 90% confidence intervals. Rainfall, water temperature, beach visitation numbers, and sewage effluent flow rates via deep well injection had positive correlations but were not significant factors. Sewage effluent flow rates to ocean outfalls had a negative correlation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara E Tomenchok
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Afeefa A Abdool-Ghany
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Samir M Elmir
- Miami-Dade County Health Department, 1725 NW 167 Street, Miami, FL 33056, USA
| | - Maribeth L Gidley
- University of Miami, Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS), Miami, FL 33149, USA; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML), Miami, FL 33149, USA
| | - Christopher D Sinigalliano
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML), Miami, FL 33149, USA
| | - Helena M Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA.
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6
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Patra P, Mohandass C, Chakraborty P, Seleyi SC. Biochemical responses of oysters in evaluating environmental quality of tropical Indian estuarine systems. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 278:130338. [PMID: 33813337 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Impact of varying concentrations and counts of toxic metals and indigenous bacteria on antioxidative defense system in edible oyster, Saccostrea cucullata, collected from four tropical estuarine systems of Goa (west coast of India), are presented in this study. Relatively high abundance of bacteria was estimated from the oysters especially during monsoon season (June-September). Density of total and fecal coliforms were about 24 times higher in the organism than the surrounding water (average TC: 4360 and FC: 3475 MPN 100 ml-1). Sedimentary Cd, Pb, and Hg concentrations varied from 0.12 to 0.48, 19.28-102.48, and 0.03-0.13 mg kg-1 (dry wt.) while, bioaccumulation of Cd, Pb, and Hg in the oysters ranged from 5.17 to 10.6, 0.18-7.99, and 0.06-0.22 mg kg-1 (dry wt.) respectively. Higher degree of pollution and moderate ecotoxicological risks with increasing toxicity (36-37%) was observed in two of the tropical estuaries. Biomarker response in the oysters was somewhat inconsistent with pollution load in the estuarine systems. Elevated environmental stress was observed during pre-monsoon (March-May) followed by the monsoon period. Sedimentary metals were identified as predominant inducers of antioxidative defence system in oysters from the study areas. This study suggests that, biomarker can be useful in assessing the combined effects of metal and bacterial contaminations on native oysters and in evaluating environmental quality in tropical estuarine systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prantick Patra
- Biological Oceanography Division, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa, 403004, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Chellandi Mohandass
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography-Regional Centre, Mumbai, 400 053, India.
| | - Parthasarathi Chakraborty
- Centre for Oceans, Rivers, Atmosphere and Land Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
| | - Seyieleno C Seleyi
- Biological Oceanography Division, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa, 403004, India
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Abstract
Surface water contamination by pathogen bacteria remains a threat to public health in the rural areas of developing countries. Fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) like Escherichia coli (E. coli) are widely used to assess water contamination, but their behavior in tropical ecosystems is poorly documented. Our study focused on headwater wetlands which are likely to play a key role in stream water purification of fecal pollutants. Our main objectives were to: (i) evaluate decay rates (k) of the total, particle-attached and free-living E. coli; (ii) quantify the relative importance of solar radiation exposition and suspended particles deposition on k; and (iii) investigate E. coli survival in the deposited sediment. We installed and monitored 12 mesocosms, 4500 mL each, across the main headwater wetland of the Houay Pano catchment, northern Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), for 8 days. The four treatments with triplicates were: sediment deposition-light (DL); sediment deposition-dark (DD); sediment resuspension-light (RL); and sediment resuspension-dark (RD). Particle-attached bacteria predominated in all mesocosms (97 ± 6%). Decay rates ranged from 1.43 ± 0.15 to 1.17 ± 0.13 day−1 for DL and DD treatments, and from 0.50 ± 0.15 to −0.14 ± 0.37 day−1 for RL and RD treatments. Deposition processes accounted for an average of 92% of E. coli stock reduction, while solar radiation accounted for around 2% over the experiment duration. The sampling of E. coli by temporary resuspension of the deposited sediment showed k values close to zero, suggesting potential survival or even growth of bacteria in the sediment. The present findings may help parameterizing hydrological and water quality models in a tropical context.
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8
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Poulin C, Peletz R, Ercumen A, Pickering AJ, Marshall K, Boehm AB, Khush R, Delaire C. What Environmental Factors Influence the Concentration of Fecal Indicator Bacteria in Groundwater? Insights from Explanatory Modeling in Uganda and Bangladesh. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:13566-13578. [PMID: 32975935 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c02567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Information about microbial water quality is critical for managing water safety and protecting public health. In low-income countries, monitoring all drinking water supplies is impractical because financial resources and capacity are insufficient. Data sets derived from satellite imagery, census, and hydrological models provide an opportunity to examine relationships between a suite of environmental risk factors and microbial water quality over large geographical scales. We investigated the relationships between groundwater fecal contamination and different environmental parameters in Uganda and Bangladesh. In Uganda, groundwater contamination was associated with high population density (p < 0.001; OR = 1.27), high cropland coverage (p < 0.001; OR = 1.47), high average monthly precipitation (p < 0.001; OR = 1.14), and high surface runoff (p < 0.001; OR = 1.37), while low groundwater contamination was more likely in areas further from cities (p < 0.001; OR = 0.66) and with higher forest coverage (p < 0.001; OR = 0.70). In Bangladesh, contamination was associated with higher weekly precipitation (p < 0.001; OR = 1.44) and higher livestock density (p = 0.05; OR = 1.11), while low contamination was associated with low forest coverage (p < 0.001; OR = 1.23) and high cropland coverage (p < 0.001; OR = 0.80). We developed a groundwater contamination index for each country to help decision-makers identify areas where groundwater is most prone to fecal contamination and prioritize monitoring activities. Our approach demonstrates how to harness satellite-derived data to guide water safety management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Poulin
- The Aquaya Institute, PO Box 21862, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Ayse Ercumen
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Amy J Pickering
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02153, United States
| | | | - Alexandria B Boehm
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford California 94305-4020, United States
| | - Ranjiv Khush
- The Aquaya Institute, PO Box 21862, Nairobi, Kenya
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9
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Myers EM, Juhl AR. Particle association of Enterococcus sp. increases growth rates and simulated persistence in water columns of varying light attenuation and turbulent diffusivity. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 186:116140. [PMID: 33096438 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Predicting water quality and the human health risks associated with sewage-derived microbes requires understanding the fate and transport of these contaminants. Sewage-derived pathogen risks are typically assessed and monitored by measuring concentrations of fecal indicating bacteria (FIB), like Enterococcus sp. Previous research demonstrated that a high fraction of FIB is particle-associated, which can alter FIB dynamics within secondary water bodies. In this study, we experimentally quantified the effect of particle association on dark, temperature- and light-dependent growth and sinking rates of enterococci. Particle association significantly increased dark growth rates, light-dependent growth rates (i.e. decreased mortality), and sinking rates, relative to free-living enterococci. Simulations using a novel, 1-dimensional model parameterized by these rates indicate greater persistence (T90) for particle-associated enterococci in water bodies across a wide range of diffuse attenuation coefficients of light (Kd) and turbulent diffusivity (D) values. In addition, persistence of both fractions increased in simulated turbid and turbulent waters, compared to clear and/or quiescent conditions. Simulated persistence of both fractions also increased when enterococci discharges occurred later in a diel cycle (towards sunset, as opposed to sunrise), especially for the free-living population, because later discharges under our model conditions allowed both fractions to mix deeper before inactivation via sunlight. Model sensitivity testing revealed that T90 variability was greatest when dark growth rates were altered, suggesting that future empirical studies should focus on quantifying these rates for free-living and particle-associated sewage-derived microbes. Despite greater sensitivity of T90 to variability in dark growth rates, omitting light-dependent growth rates from simulations dramatically influenced T90 values. Our results demonstrate that particle association can increase enterococci persistence in receiving waters and highlight the importance of incorporating particle association in future water quality models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise M Myers
- Columbia University, 535 W 116th Street, New York, NY, 10027, USA; Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory, 61 Route 9W, Palisades, NY, 10964, USA.
| | - Andrew R Juhl
- Columbia University, 535 W 116th Street, New York, NY, 10027, USA; Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory, 61 Route 9W, Palisades, NY, 10964, USA
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10
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Loucif K, Neffar S, Menasria T, Maazi MC, Houhamdi M, Chenchouni H. Physico-chemical and bacteriological quality assessment of surface water at Lake Tonga in Algeria. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.enmm.2020.100284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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11
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Siddiqee MH, Henry R, Deletic A, Bulach DM, Coleman RA, McCarthy DT. Salmonella from a Microtidal Estuary Are Capable of Invading Human Intestinal Cell Lines. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2020; 79:259-270. [PMID: 31384980 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-019-01419-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Faecal contamination poses health risks for the recreational users of urban estuaries. However, our understanding of the potential pathogenicity of faecal microbes in these environments is limited. To this end, a study was conducted to understand the spatial and seasonal distribution of Salmonella in water and sediments of the Yarra River estuary, Melbourne, Australia. Among 210 samples in total, culturable Salmonella were recovered from 27%, 17%, and 19% of water, bank, and bed sediment samples, respectively. The combined detection increased from 15% in winter to 32% in summer (p < 0.05) indicating seasonal variation as potential part of public health risk assessments. Further, pathogenic potential of the Salmonella isolates was characterised via the quantification of attachment and invasion capacity using human epithelial colorectal cell line Caco-2 on a subset of isolates (n = 62). While all of these isolates could attach and invade Caco-2 cells, 52% and 13% of these showed greater attachment and invasiveness, respectively, than the corresponding mean values for S. Typhimurium ATCC14028 control. Isolates from winter were on average more invasive (seven out of eight isolates with the highest invasiveness recovered from the colder sampling period) than the isolates from summer, and Salmonella collected during summer showed lower invasion (p < 0.05) compared with the control. Similar low invasion compared with the same control was observed for isolates recovered from bank sediment (p < 0.05). While the higher prevalence in summer may imply higher risks during these peak recreational periods, it is essential that this information is used in combination with quantitative microbial risk assessments to fully understand the health risks posed by Salmonella in microtidal estuaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahbubul H Siddiqee
- Environmental and Public Health Microbiology Laboratory (EPHM LAB), Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Molecular and Environmental Microbiology Laboratory (MEM LAB), Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rebekah Henry
- Environmental and Public Health Microbiology Laboratory (EPHM LAB), Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ana Deletic
- Environmental and Public Health Microbiology Laboratory (EPHM LAB), Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Dieter M Bulach
- The Doherty Institute and Melbourne Bioinformatics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Rhys A Coleman
- Melbourne Water Corporation, Docklands, VIC, 3008, Australia
| | - David T McCarthy
- Environmental and Public Health Microbiology Laboratory (EPHM LAB), Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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12
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O'Dea C, Zhang Q, Staley C, Masters N, Kuballa A, Fisher P, Veal C, Stratton H, Sadowsky MJ, Ahmed W, Katouli M. Compositional and temporal stability of fecal taxon libraries for use with SourceTracker in sub-tropical catchments. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 165:114967. [PMID: 31430652 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.114967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Characterization of microbial communities using high-throughput amplicon sequencing is an emerging approach for microbial source tracking of fecal pollution. This study used SourceTracker software to examine temporal and geographical variability of fecal bacterial community profiles to identify pollutant sources in three freshwater catchments in sub-tropical Australia. Fecal bacterial communities from 10 animal species, humans, and composite wastewater samples from six sewage treatment plants were characterized and compared to freshwater samples using Illumina amplicon sequencing of the V5-V6 regions of the 16S rRNA gene. Source contributions were calculated in SourceTracker using new fecal taxon libraries as well as previously generated libraries to determine the effects of geographic and temporal variability on source assignments. SourceTracker determined 16S rRNA bacterial communites within freshwater samples, shared taxonomic similarities to that of wastewater at low levels (typically <3%). SourceTraker also predicted occasional fecal detection of deer and flying fox sources in the water samples. No significant differences in source contributions were observed within sequences from current and previously characterized fecal samples (P ≥ 0.107). However, significant differences were observed between previously characterized and newly characterized source communities (ANOSIM P ≤ 0.001), which shared <15% community composition. Results suggest temporal instability of fecal taxon libraries among tested sources and highlight continual evaluation of community-based MST using confirmatory qPCR analyses of marker genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian O'Dea
- Genecology Research Centre, School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, 4558, Australia.
| | - Qian Zhang
- The Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, MN, 55108, USA.
| | - Christopher Staley
- The Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, MN, 55108, USA; Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, MN, 55455, USA.
| | - Nicole Masters
- Genecology Research Centre, School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, 4558, Australia.
| | - Anna Kuballa
- Genecology Research Centre, School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, 4558, Australia.
| | - Paul Fisher
- Seqwater, 117 Brisbane Street, Ipswich, QLD, Australia.
| | - Cameron Veal
- Seqwater, 117 Brisbane Street, Ipswich, QLD, Australia.
| | - Helen Stratton
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia.
| | - Michael J Sadowsky
- The Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, MN, 55108, USA; Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, University of Minnesota, MN, 55108, USA; Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, MN, 55108, USA.
| | - Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, QLD, Australia.
| | - Mohammad Katouli
- Genecology Research Centre, School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, 4558, Australia.
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13
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Luna GM, Manini E, Turk V, Tinta T, D'Errico G, Baldrighi E, Baljak V, Buda D, Cabrini M, Campanelli A, Cenov A, Del Negro P, Drakulović D, Fabbro C, Glad M, Grilec D, Grilli F, Jokanović S, Jozić S, Kauzlarić V, Kraus R, Marini M, Mikuš J, Milandri S, Pećarević M, Perini L, Quero GM, Šolić M, Lušić DV, Zoffoli S. Status of faecal pollution in ports: A basin-wide investigation in the Adriatic Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 147:219-228. [PMID: 29636186 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.03.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Ports are subject to a variety of anthropogenic impacts, and there is mounting evidence of faecal contamination through several routes. Yet, little is known about pollution in ports by faecal indicator bacteria (FIB). FIB spatio-temporal dynamics were assessed in 12 ports of the Adriatic Sea, a semi-enclosed basin under strong anthropogenic pressure, and their relationships with environmental variables were explored to gain insight into pollution sources. FIB were abundant in ports, often more so than in adjacent areas; their abundance patterns were related to salinity, oxygen, and nutrient levels. In addition, a molecular method, quantitative (q)PCR, was used to quantify FIB. qPCR enabled faster FIB determination and water quality monitoring that culture-based methods. These data provide robust baseline evidence of faecal contamination in ports and can be used to improve the management of routine port activities (dredging and ballast water exchange), having potential to spread pathogens in the sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian Marco Luna
- Institute of Marine Sciences (CNR-ISMAR), National Research Council, Largo Fiera della Pesca 2, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Elena Manini
- Institute of Marine Sciences (CNR-ISMAR), National Research Council, Largo Fiera della Pesca 2, Ancona, Italy
| | - Valentina Turk
- National Institute of Biology, Marine Biology Station, Fornače 41, Piran, Slovenia
| | - Tinkara Tinta
- National Institute of Biology, Marine Biology Station, Fornače 41, Piran, Slovenia
| | - Giuseppe D'Errico
- Department for Life and Environmental Science (DISVA), Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Elisa Baldrighi
- Institute of Marine Sciences (CNR-ISMAR), National Research Council, Largo Fiera della Pesca 2, Ancona, Italy
| | - Vanja Baljak
- University of Rijeka, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Environmental Health, Braće Branchetta 20, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Donatella Buda
- Fondazione Centro Ricerche Marine, National Reference Laboratory (NRL) on Marine Biotoxin, Viale A. Vespucci 2, Cesenatico, FC, Italy
| | - Marina Cabrini
- OGS (Istituto Nazionale di Oceanografia e di Geofisica Sperimentale), Oceanography Division, via A. Piccard 54, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandra Campanelli
- Institute of Marine Sciences (CNR-ISMAR), National Research Council, Largo Fiera della Pesca 2, Ancona, Italy
| | - Arijana Cenov
- Teaching Institute of Public Health of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Department of Environmental Health, Krešimirova 52a, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Paola Del Negro
- OGS (Istituto Nazionale di Oceanografia e di Geofisica Sperimentale), Oceanography Division, via A. Piccard 54, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Cinzia Fabbro
- OGS (Istituto Nazionale di Oceanografia e di Geofisica Sperimentale), Oceanography Division, via A. Piccard 54, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marin Glad
- Teaching Institute of Public Health of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Department of Environmental Health, Krešimirova 52a, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Dolores Grilec
- Institute of Public Health of Dubrovnik-Neretva County, Croatia
| | - Federica Grilli
- Institute of Marine Sciences (CNR-ISMAR), National Research Council, Largo Fiera della Pesca 2, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Slaven Jozić
- Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Split, Croatia
| | - Vesna Kauzlarić
- Institute of Public Health of Istrian County, Department of Environmental Health, Pula, Croatia
| | - Romina Kraus
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Center for Marine Research, Giordano Paliaga 5, Rovinj, Croatia
| | - Mauro Marini
- Institute of Marine Sciences (CNR-ISMAR), National Research Council, Largo Fiera della Pesca 2, Ancona, Italy
| | - Josip Mikuš
- University of Dubrovnik, Department of Aquaculture, Ćira Carića 4, Dubrovnik, Croatia
| | - Stefania Milandri
- Fondazione Centro Ricerche Marine, National Reference Laboratory (NRL) on Marine Biotoxin, Viale A. Vespucci 2, Cesenatico, FC, Italy
| | - Marijana Pećarević
- University of Dubrovnik, Department of Aquaculture, Ćira Carića 4, Dubrovnik, Croatia
| | | | | | - Mladen Šolić
- Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Split, Croatia
| | - Darija Vukić Lušić
- University of Rijeka, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Environmental Health, Braće Branchetta 20, Rijeka, Croatia; Teaching Institute of Public Health of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Department of Environmental Health, Krešimirova 52a, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Silvia Zoffoli
- Fondazione Centro Ricerche Marine, National Reference Laboratory (NRL) on Marine Biotoxin, Viale A. Vespucci 2, Cesenatico, FC, Italy
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14
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O'Mullan GD, Juhl AR, Reichert R, Schneider E, Martinez N. Patterns of sediment-associated fecal indicator bacteria in an urban estuary: Benthic-pelagic coupling and implications for shoreline water quality. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 656:1168-1177. [PMID: 30625648 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.11.405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Estuarine and coastal waterways are commonly monitored for fecal and sewage contamination to protect recreator health and ecosystem functions. Such monitoring programs commonly rely on cultivation-based counts of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) in water column samples. Recent studies demonstrate that sediments and beach sands can be heavily colonized by FIB, and that settling and resuspension of colonized particles may significantly influence the distribution of FIB in the water column. However, measurements of sediment FIB are rarely incorporated into monitoring programs, and geographic surveys of sediment FIB are uncommon. In this study, the distribution of FIB and the extent of benthic-pelagic FIB coupling were examined in the urbanized, lower Hudson River Estuary. Using cultivation-based enumeration, two commonly-measured FIB, enterococci and Escherichia coli, were widely distributed in both sediment and water, and were positively correlated with each other. The taxonomic identity of FIB isolates from water and sediment was confirmed by DNA sequencing. The geometric mean of FIB concentration in sediment was correlated with both the geometric mean of FIB in water samples from the same locations and with sediment organic carbon. These two positive associations likely reflect water as the FIB source for underlying sediments, and longer FIB persistence in the sediments compared to the water, respectively. The relative representation of other fecal associated bacterial genera in sediment, determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, increased with the sequence representation of the two FIB, supporting the value of these FIB for assessing sediment contamination. Experimental resuspension of sediment increased shoreline water column FIB concentrations, which may explain why shoreline water samples had higher average FIB concentrations than samples collected nearby but further from shore. In combination, these results demonstrate extensive benthic-pelagic coupling of FIB in an urbanized estuary and highlight the importance of sediment FIB distribution and ecology when interpreting water quality monitoring data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory D O'Mullan
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Queen College, City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367, USA; Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, 61 Route 9W, Palisades, NY 10964, USA.
| | - Andrew R Juhl
- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, 61 Route 9W, Palisades, NY 10964, USA
| | - Roman Reichert
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Queen College, City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367, USA
| | - Erin Schneider
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Queen College, City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367, USA
| | - Natalia Martinez
- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, 61 Route 9W, Palisades, NY 10964, USA
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15
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Coffey R, Paul M, Stamp J, Hamilton A, Johnson T. A REVIEW OF WATER QUALITY RESPONSES TO AIR TEMPERATURE AND PRECIPITATION CHANGES 2: NUTRIENTS, ALGAL BLOOMS, SEDIMENT, PATHOGENS. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATION 2018; 55:844-868. [PMID: 33867785 PMCID: PMC8048137 DOI: 10.1111/1752-1688.12711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
In this paper we review the published, scientific literature addressing the response of nutrients, sediment, pathogens and cyanobacterial blooms to historical and potential future changes in air temperature and precipitation. The goal is to document how different attributes of water quality are sensitive to these drivers, to characterize future risk, to inform management responses and to identify research needs to fill gaps in our understanding. Results suggest that anticipated future changes present a risk of water quality and ecosystem degradation in many U.S. locations. Understanding responses is, however, complicated by inherent high spatial and temporal variability, interactions with land use and water management, and dependence on uncertain changes in hydrology in response to future climate. Effects on pollutant loading in different watershed settings generally correlate with projected changes in precipitation and runoff. In all regions, increased heavy precipitation events are likely to drive more episodic pollutant loading to water bodies. The risk of algal blooms could increase due to an expanded seasonal window of warm water temperatures and the potential for episodic increases in nutrient loading. Increased air and water temperatures are also likely to affect the survival of waterborne pathogens. Responding to these challenges requires understanding of vulnerabilities, and management strategies to reduce risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rory Coffey
- Office of Research and Development U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington D.C., USA
| | - Michael Paul
- Center for Ecological Sciences, Tetra Tech, Inc., Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jen Stamp
- Center for Ecological Sciences, Tetra Tech, Inc., Montpelier, Vermont, USA
| | - Anna Hamilton
- Center for Ecological Sciences, Tetra Tech, Inc., Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Thomas Johnson
- Office of Research and Development U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington D.C., USA
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16
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Feitosa RC. Ocean outfalls as an alternative to minimizing risks to human and environmental health. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2017; 22:2037-2048. [PMID: 28614522 DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232017226.15522016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Submarine outfalls are proposed as an efficient alternative for the final destination of wastewater in densely populated coastal areas, due to the high dispersal capacity and the clearance of organic matter in the marine environment, and because they require small areas for implementation. This paper evaluates the probability of unsuitable bathing conditions in coastal areas nearby to the Ipanema, Barra da Tijuca and Icaraí outfalls based on a computational methodology gathering hydrodynamic, pollutant transport, and bacterial decay modelling. The results show a strong influence of solar radiation and all factors that mitigate its levels in the marine environment on coliform concentration. The aforementioned outfalls do not pollute the coastal areas, and unsuitable bathing conditions are restricted to nearby effluent launching points. The pollution observed at the beaches indicates that the contamination occurs due to the polluted estuarine systems, rivers and canals that flow to the coast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato Castiglia Feitosa
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos. 21040-900 Rio de Janeiro RJ Brasil.
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17
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Brooks LE, Field KG. Bayesian meta-analysis to synthesize decay rate constant estimates for common fecal indicator bacteria. WATER RESEARCH 2016; 104:262-271. [PMID: 27543910 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2016.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
For decades, fecal indicator bacteria have been used as proxies to quantitatively estimate fecal loading into water bodies. Widely used cultured indicators (e.g. Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp.) and more recently developed genetic markers are well studied, but their decay in the environment is still poorly understood. We used Hierarchical Bayesian Linear Modeling to conduct a series of meta-analyses using published decay rate constant estimates, to synthesize findings into pooled estimates and identify gaps in the data preventing reliable estimates. In addition to the meta-analysis assuming all estimates come from the same population, meta-regressions including covariates believed to contribute to decay were fit and used to provided synthesized estimates for specific combinations of significant variables. Additionally, statements regarding the significance of variables across studies were made using the 95% confidence interval for meta-regression coefficients. These models were used to construct a mean decay rate constant estimate as well as credible intervals for the mean and the distribution of all likely data points. While synthesized estimates for each targeted indicator bacteria were developed, the amount of data available varied widely for each target, as did the predictive power of the models as determined by testing with additional data not included in the modeling. Temperature was found to be significant for all selected indicators, while light was found to be significant only for culturable indicators. Results from the models must be interpreted with caution, as they are based only on the data available, which may not be representative of decay in other scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Brooks
- Oregon State University, Department of Microbiology, 226 Nash Hall, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.
| | - Katharine G Field
- Oregon State University, Department of Microbiology, 226 Nash Hall, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.
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18
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Elmahdy M, Fongaro G, Magri M, Petruccio M, Barardi C. Spatial distribution of enteric viruses and somatic coliphages in a Lagoon used as drinking water source and recreation in Southern Brazil. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2016; 219:617-625. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2016.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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19
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Bordalo AA, Chalermwat K, Teixeira C. Nutrient variability and its influence on nitrogen processes in a highly turbid tropical estuary (Bangpakong, Gulf of Thailand). J Environ Sci (China) 2016; 45:131-142. [PMID: 27372127 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2016.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Revised: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Estuarine ecosystems in SE Asia have been poorly studied when compared to other tropical environments. Important gaps exist particularly in the understanding of their biogeochemical function and contribution to global change. In this work we looked into N-turnover in the water column and sediments of the Bangpakong estuary (13°N). A seasonal sampling program was performed along the salinity gradient covering different stretches of the estuary (68km). Key physical and chemical characteristics were also monitored in order to unravel possible environmental controls. Results showed the occurrence of active denitrification in sediments (5.7-50.9nmol N-N2/(cm(3)·hr)), and water column (3.5-1044pmol N-N2/(cm(3)·hr)). No seasonal or spatial variability was detected for denitrification potential in sediment samples. However, in the water column, the denitrification activity peaked during the transition season in the downstream sites coinciding with high turbidity levels. Therefore, in that period of the year, the water column compartment may be an important contributor to nitrate reduction within the estuary. The rather low nitrification rates detected were not always measurable, probably due to the reduced oxygen content and high siltation. This study is one of the few dealing simultaneously with sediments and water column processes in a highly turbid tropical estuary. Therefore, it emerges as a valuable contribution for the understanding of the dynamics of the nitrogen cycle in tropical environments by exploring the role of estuarine N microbial activity in reducing the effects of increased nitrogen loads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano A Bordalo
- Laboratory of Hydrobiology and Ecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal.
| | | | - Catarina Teixeira
- Laboratory of Hydrobiology and Ecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal
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20
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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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21
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Johnston KK, Dorsey JH, Saez JA. Stratification and loading of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) in a tidally muted urban salt marsh. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2015; 187:58. [PMID: 25647802 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-015-4314-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 01/18/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Stratification and loading of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) were assessed in the main tidal channel of the Ballona Wetlands, an urban salt marsh receiving muted tidal flows, to (1) determine FIB concentration versus loading within the water column at differing tidal flows, (2) identify associations of FIB with other water quality parameters, and (3) compare wetland FIB concentrations to the adjacent estuary. Sampling was conducted four times during spring-tide events; samples were analyzed for FIB and turbidity (NTU) four times over a tidal cycle at pre-allocated depths, depending on the water level. Additional water quality parameters measured included temperature, salinity, oxygen, and pH. Loadings were calculated by integrating the stratified FIB concentrations with water column cross-sectional volumes corresponding to each depth. Enterococci and Escherichia coli were stratified both by concentration and loading, although these variables portrayed different patterns over a tidal cycle. Greatest concentrations occurred in surface to mid-strata levels, during flood tides when contaminated water flowed in from the estuary, and during ebb flows when sediments were suspended. Loading was greatest during flood flows and diminished during low tide periods. FIB concentrations within the estuary often were significantly greater than those within the wetland tide channel, supporting previous studies that the wetlands act as a sink for FIB. For public health water quality monitoring, these results indicate that more accurate estimates of FIB concentrations would be obtained by sampling a number of points within a water column rather than relying only on single surface samples.
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22
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Liu R, Cheng KHF, Wong K, Cheng SCS, Lau SCK. Differential utility of the Bacteroidales DNA and RNA markers in the tiered approach for microbial source tracking in subtropical seawater. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2015; 99:5669-81. [PMID: 25652655 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-015-6410-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Revised: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Source tracking of fecal pollution is an emerging component in water quality monitoring. It may be implemented in a tiered approach involving Escherichia coli and/or Enterococcus spp. as the standard fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) and the 16S rRNA gene markers of Bacteroidales as source identifiers. The relative population dynamics of the source identifiers and the FIB may strongly influence the implementation of such approach. Currently, the relative performance of DNA and RNA as detection targets of Bacteroidales markers in the tiered approach is not known. We compared the decay of the DNA and RNA of the total (AllBac) and ruminant specific (CF128) Bacteroidales markers with those of the FIB in seawater spiked with cattle feces. Four treatments of light and oxygen availability simulating the subtropical seawater of Hong Kong were tested. All Bacteroidales markers decayed significantly slower than the FIB in all treatments. Nonetheless, the concentrations of the DNA and RNA markers and E. coli correlated significantly in normoxic seawater independent of light availability, and in hypoxic seawater only under light. In hypoxic seawater without light, the concentrations of RNA but not DNA markers correlated with that of E. coli. Generally, the correlations between Enterococcus spp. and Bacteroidales were insignificant. These results suggest that either DNA or RNA markers may complement E. coli in the tiered approach for normoxic or hypoxic seawater under light. When light is absent, either DNA or RNA markers may serve for normoxic seawater, but only the RNA markers are suitable for hypoxic seawater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rulong Liu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
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23
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Sediment composition influences spatial variation in the abundance of human pathogen indicator bacteria within an estuarine environment. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112951. [PMID: 25397595 PMCID: PMC4232572 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 10/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Faecal contamination of estuarine and coastal waters can pose a risk to human health, particularly in areas used for shellfish production or recreation. Routine microbiological water quality testing highlights areas of faecal indicator bacteria (FIB) contamination within the water column, but fails to consider the abundance of FIB in sediments, which under certain hydrodynamic conditions can become resuspended. Sediments can enhance the survival of FIB in estuarine environments, but the influence of sediment composition on the ecology and abundance of FIB is poorly understood. To determine the relationship between sediment composition (grain size and organic matter) and the abundance of pathogen indicator bacteria (PIB), sediments were collected from four transverse transects of the Conwy estuary, UK. The abundance of culturable Escherichia coli, total coliforms, enterococci, Campylobacter, Salmonella and Vibrio spp. in sediments was determined in relation to sediment grain size, organic matter content, salinity, depth and temperature. Sediments that contained higher proportions of silt and/or clay and associated organic matter content showed significant positive correlations with the abundance of PIB. Furthermore, the abundance of each bacterial group was positively correlated with the presence of all other groups enumerated. Campylobacter spp. were not isolated from estuarine sediments. Comparisons of the number of culturable E. coli, total coliforms and Vibrio spp. in sediments and the water column revealed that their abundance was 281, 433 and 58-fold greater in sediments (colony forming units (CFU)/100g) when compared with the water column (CFU/100ml), respectively. These data provide important insights into sediment compositions that promote the abundance of PIB in estuarine environments, with important implications for the modelling and prediction of public health risk based on sediment resuspension and transport.
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Malham SK, Rajko-Nenow P, Howlett E, Tuson KE, Perkins TL, Pallett DW, Wang H, Jago CF, Jones DL, McDonald JE. The interaction of human microbial pathogens, particulate material and nutrients in estuarine environments and their impacts on recreational and shellfish waters. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2014; 16:2145-2155. [PMID: 25043898 DOI: 10.1039/c4em00031e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities have increased the load of faecal bacteria, pathogenic viruses and nutrients in rivers, estuaries and coastal areas through point and diffuse sources such as sewage discharges and agricultural runoff. These areas are used by humans for both commercial and recreational activities and are therefore protected by a range of European Directives. If water quality declines in these zones, significant economic losses can occur. Identifying the sources of pollution, however, is notoriously difficult due to the ephemeral nature of discharges, their diffuse source, and uncertainties associated with transport and transformation of the pollutants through the freshwater-marine interface. Further, significant interaction between nutrients, microorganisms and particulates can occur in the water column making prediction of the fate and potential infectivity of human pathogenic organisms difficult to ascertain. This interaction is most prevalent in estuarine environments due to the formation of flocs (suspended sediment) at the marine-freshwater interface. A range of physical, chemical and biological processes can induce the co-flocculation of microorganisms, organic matter and mineral particles resulting in pathogenic organisms becoming potentially protected from a range of biotic (e.g. predation) and abiotic stresses (e.g. UV, salinity). These flocs contain and retain macro- and micro- nutrients allowing the potential survival, growth and transfer of pathogenic organisms to commercially sensitive areas (e.g. beaches, shellfish harvesting waters). The flocs can either be transported directly to the coastal environment or can become deposited in the estuary forming cohesive sediments where pathogens can survive for long periods. Especially in response to storms, these sediments can be subsequently remobilised releasing pulses of potential pathogenic organisms back into the water column leading to contamination of marine waters long after the initial contamination event occurred. Further work, however, is still required to understand and predict the potential human infectivity of pathogenic organisms alongside the better design of early warning systems and surveillance measures for risk assessment purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelagh K Malham
- Centre for Applied Marine Science, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, UK
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Biotic interactions and sunlight affect persistence of fecal indicator bacteria and microbial source tracking genetic markers in the upper Mississippi river. Appl Environ Microbiol 2014; 80:3952-61. [PMID: 24747902 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00388-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The sanitary quality of recreational waters that may be impacted by sewage is assessed by enumerating fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) (Escherichia coli and enterococci); these organisms are found in the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and many other animals, and hence their presence provides no information about the pollution source. Microbial source tracking (MST) methods can discriminate between different pollution sources, providing critical information to water quality managers, but relatively little is known about factors influencing the decay of FIB and MST genetic markers following release into aquatic environments. An in situ mesocosm was deployed at a temperate recreational beach in the Mississippi River to evaluate the effects of ambient sunlight and biotic interactions (predation, competition, and viral lysis) on the decay of culture-based FIB, as well as molecularly based FIB (Entero1a and GenBac3) and human-associated MST genetic markers (HF183 and HumM2) measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). In general, culturable FIB decayed the fastest, while molecularly based FIB and human-associated genetic markers decayed more slowly. There was a strong correlation between the decay of molecularly based FIB and that of human-associated genetic markers (r(2), 0.96 to 0.98; P < 0.0001) but not between culturable FIB and any qPCR measurement. Overall, exposure to ambient sunlight may be an important factor in the early-stage decay dynamics but generally was not after continued exposure (i.e., after 120 h), when biotic interactions tended to be the only/major influential determinant of persistence.
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Jayakumar R, Steger K, Chandra TS, Seshadri S. An assessment of temporal variations in physicochemical and microbiological properties of barmouths and lagoons in Chennai (Southeast coast of India). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2013; 70:44-53. [PMID: 23507232 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2012] [Revised: 01/31/2013] [Accepted: 02/02/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Two estuary and two coastal lagoon stations along Chennai, Southeast coast of India were monitored for 1year to study both physicochemical and microbiological properties of the water. Influence of the marine environment over the systems was evident by elevated salinity levels. Considerable concentrations of total heterotrophic bacterial count and fecal bacteria such as total coliforms, fecal coliforms and fecal streptococci were observed throughout the study period which evinced a pattern of anthropogenic activities. Principle component analysis was employed for assessing the overall pattern of variation within the data sets. Climatic variation was highly correlated with changes in water quality, i.e. the Northeast monsoon and Summer had influenced considerably the microbial occurrence as well as the physicochemical parameters such as total suspended solids, chloride, sulphate and salinity. However, the effect of the Southwest monsoon was less prominent than the Northeast monsoon with its heavy rains. As both estuaries revealed elevated concentrations of polluted water, these stations can be used as indicators or alerts for the water quality along the coastal zone of Chennai.
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Blaustein RA, Pachepsky Y, Hill RL, Shelton DR, Whelan G. Escherichia coli survival in waters: temperature dependence. WATER RESEARCH 2013. [PMID: 23182082 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2012.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Knowing the survival rates of water-borne Escherichia coli is important in evaluating microbial contamination and making appropriate management decisions. E. coli survival rates are dependent on temperature, a dependency that is routinely expressed using an analogue of the Q₁₀ model. This suggestion was made 34 years ago based on 20 survival curves taken from published literature, but has not been revisited since then. The objective of this study was to re-evaluate the accuracy of the Q₁₀ equation, utilizing data accumulated since 1978. We assembled a database of 450 E. coli survival datasets from 70 peer-reviewed papers. We then focused on the 170 curves taken from experiments that were performed in the laboratory under dark conditions to exclude the effects of sunlight and other field factors that could cause additional variability in results. All datasets were tabulated dependencies "log concentration vs. time." There were three major patterns of inactivation: about half of the datasets had a section of fast log-linear inactivation followed by a section of slow log-linear inactivation; about a quarter of the datasets had a lag period followed by log-linear inactivation; and the remaining quarter were approximately linear throughout. First-order inactivation rate constants were calculated from the linear sections of all survival curves and the data grouped by water sources, including waters of agricultural origin, pristine water sources, groundwater and wells, lakes and reservoirs, rivers and streams, estuaries and seawater, and wastewater. Dependency of E. coli inactivation rates on temperature varied among the water sources. There was a significant difference in inactivation rate values at the reference temperature between rivers and agricultural waters, wastewaters and agricultural waters, rivers and lakes, and wastewater and lakes. At specific sites, the Q₁₀ equation was more accurate in rivers and coastal waters than in lakes making the value of the Q₁₀ coefficient appear to be site-specific. Results of this work indicate possible sources of uncertainty to be accounted for in watershed-scale microbial water quality modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Blaustein
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, University of Maryland at College Park, College Park, MD, USA
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Persistence and growth of the fecal indicator bacteria enterococci in detritus and natural estuarine plankton communities. Appl Environ Microbiol 2012; 78:2569-77. [PMID: 22327586 DOI: 10.1128/aem.06902-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterococci are used to evaluate recreational-water quality and health risks in marine environments. In addition to their occurrence in feces of warm blooded animals, they are also common epiphytes. We investigated the contribution of plankton- or particle-associated enterococci in estuarine and coastal water. Seven water and size-fractionated plankton samples were collected monthly between April 2008 and January 2009 in the tidal reaches of the Skidaway River (Georgia, USA). Each size fraction, along with filtered (<30 μm) and bulk estuarine water, was processed according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency method 1600. Presumptive enterococci were selected and species were identified using carbon substrate utilization patterns. The highest average densities occurred within the 30-, 63-, 105-, and 150-μm size fractions, which also represented the majority (>99%) of the particles within the sampled water. Particle-associated enterococci accounted for as little as 1% of enterococci in bulk water in April to as much as 95% in July. Enterococcus faecalis was the most commonly isolated species from both water and plankton and represented 31% (16/51) and 35% (6/17) of the identified Enterococcus species from water and plankton, respectively. Enterococcus casseliflavus represented 29% of the selected isolates from plankton and 16% from water. Both E. faecalis and E. casseliflavus were able to survive and grow in plankton suspensions significantly longer than in artificial seawater. Enterococcus spp. may be highly concentrated in plankton and associated particles, especially during summer and fall months. These findings could have implications for the effectiveness of enterococci as an indicator of coastal water quality, especially in particle-rich environments.
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Abreu Acosta N, Rodríguez Gómez LE, Alvarez Díaz M. Effect of oxygen injection in a reclaimed wastewater pipeline on the microbiological quality of water. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2012; 33:497-505. [PMID: 22629622 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2011.581312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
In this work the influence of oxygen injection on the inactivation of microbiological indicators during reclaimed wastewater transportation was studied. Experiments were carried out in a completely filled gravity pipe (62 km long), at two different periods of the year and with three different oxygen doses (7, 15 and 30 mg L(-1)). Microbiological parameters studied were faecal coliforms, Escherichia coli, enterococci and somatic coliphages. As a consequence of the oxygen injection, a significant inactivation of the microbiological parameters was observed during the aerobic stretch of the pipe. Later, once the oxygen had been consumed, inactivation stopped and even a slight regrowth of the microbial population took place. Inactivations were within the range of 0.6-1.0 log10 units, in most cases. No significant differences between inactivations for the different microbiological parameters were found, except for the somatic coliphages. A relationship between the inactivation degree and oxygen dose and organic matter content was observed. The biofilm played an important role in the inactivation process. The injection of oxygen contributes to improving the microbiological quality of reclaimed wastewater during its transport by pipelines, helping to diminish the subsequent on-site disinfection requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Abreu Acosta
- INFULAB S.L. Mencey Romén 7, 38530, Candelaria, Tenerife, Spain
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30
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Comparison of genotypic and phylogenetic relationships of environmental Enterococcus isolates by BOX-PCR typing and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Appl Environ Microbiol 2011; 77:5050-5. [PMID: 21622792 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00130-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental Enterococcus spp. were compared by BOX-PCR genotyping and 16S rRNA gene sequencing to clarify the predictive relationship of BOX-PCR fingerprints to species designation. BOX-PCR and 16S rRNA gene relationships agreed for 77% of strains. BOX-PCR provided superior intraspecies discrimination but incorrectly identified some strains to the species level and divided some species into multiple groups.
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31
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Futch JC, Griffin DW, Lipp EK. Human enteric viruses in groundwater indicate offshore transport of human sewage to coral reefs of the Upper Florida Keys. Environ Microbiol 2009; 12:964-74. [PMID: 20105219 DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-2920.2010.02141.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
To address the issue of human sewage reaching corals along the main reef of the Florida Keys, samples were collected from surface water, groundwater and coral [surface mucopolysaccharide layers (SML)] along a 10 km transect near Key Largo, FL. Samples were collected semi-annually between July 2003 and September 2005 and processed for faecal indicator bacteria (faecal coliform bacteria, enterococci and Clostridium perfringens) and human-specific enteric viruses (enterovirus RNA and adenovirus DNA) by (RT)-nested polymerase chain reaction. Faecal indicator bacteria concentrations were generally higher nearshore and in the coral SML. Enteric viruses were evenly distributed across the transect stations. Adenoviruses were detected in 37 of 75 samples collected (49.3%) whereas enteroviruses were only found in 8 of 75 samples (10.7%). Both viruses were detected twice as frequently in coral compared with surface water or groundwater. Offshore, viruses were most likely to be found in groundwater, especially during the wet summer season. These data suggest that polluted groundwater may be moving to the outer reef environment in the Florida Keys.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Carrie Futch
- The University of Georgia, Department of Environmental Health Science, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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32
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Hernandez-Morga J, Leon-Felix J, Peraza-Garay F, Gil-Salas B, Chaidez C. Detection and characterization of hepatitis A virus and Norovirus in estuarine water samples using ultrafiltration - RT-PCR integrated methods. J Appl Microbiol 2009; 106:1579-90. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2008.04125.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Berthe T, Touron A, Leloup J, Deloffre J, Petit F. Faecal-indicator bacteria and sedimentary processes in estuarine mudflats (Seine, France). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2007; 57:59-67. [PMID: 18036620 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2007.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Over a three-year period, quantification of faecal indicators and the molecular detection of Escherichia coli and Salmonella were monitored in sediments from three contrasting mudflats of the Seine estuary (France). The elevation of the mudflat surface was monitored concurrently using a high-resolution altimeter. During the period of the study, estuarine mudflats were areas of deposition for faecal-indicator bacteria and were mainly controlled by sedimentary processes. In the intertidal freshwater and subtidal mudflats, the highest abundances of faecal-indicator bacteria were counted during a depositional period. Maximum levels were observed in the freshwater mudflats during periods of high flow: thermotolerant coliforms: 3.9 x 10(4) cfu cm(-2), enterococci: 1.2 x 10(4) cfu cm(-2), Clostridium perfringens spores: 9.8 x 10(5) spores cm(-2). Loss of culturability of enteric bacteria in sediment microcosms demonstrated the remediatory capacity of the mudflats, even if they might be a secondary source of bacteria-forming spores to the water column through erosion and resuspension events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Berthe
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie du Froid, UPRES 2123, Groupe Biodiversité et Environnement, UFR des Sciences, Mont Saint Aignan Cedex, France
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Campos CJA, Cachola RA. Faecal coliforms in bivalve harvesting areas of the Alvor lagoon (southern Portugal): influence of seasonal variability and urban development. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2007; 133:31-41. [PMID: 17286181 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-006-9557-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2006] [Accepted: 10/24/2006] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Faecal coliform (FC) levels in surface water and clams (Ruditapes decussatus) and variations in environmental parameters were studied in two bivalve harvesting areas in the Alvor lagoon (southern Portugal). Land use and cover characteristics in adjacent subwatersheds were also analysed to assess their contributions as sources of faecal contamination. High FC levels in clams from the harvesting area in the most urbanized subwatershed (impervious surface coverage approximately 10.5%) were positively associated with rainfall and with the cooler periods of the year. FC levels in clams from the least urbanized subwatershed were generally very low and did not present any detectable seasonal trend. From these results, it was concluded that the periodic deterioration of the microbiological quality of clams derives from the cumulative impact of the reservoir of faecal contamination created in urbanized areas, entering into the lagoon during storm water runoff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos J A Campos
- Centro Regional de Investigação Pesqueira do Sul (CRIPSul), Instituto de Investigação das Pescas e do Mar (IPIMAR), Olhão, Portugal.
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35
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Okabe S, Shimazu Y. Persistence of host-specific Bacteroides-Prevotella 16S rRNA genetic markers in environmental waters: effects of temperature and salinity. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2007; 76:935-44. [PMID: 17598108 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-007-1048-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2007] [Revised: 05/18/2007] [Accepted: 05/22/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Host-specific Bacteroides-Prevotella 16S rRNA genetic markers are promising alternative indicators for identifying the sources of fecal pollution because of their high abundance in the feces of warm-blooded animals and high host specificity. However, little is known about the persistence of these genetic markers in environments after being released into environmental waters. The persistence of feces-derived four different host-specific Bacteroides-Prevotella 16S rRNA genetic makers (total, human-, cow-, and pig-specific) in environmental waters was therefore investigated at different incubation temperatures (4, 10, 20, and 30 degrees C) and salinities (0, 10, 20, and 30 ppt) and then compared with the survival of conventional fecal-indicator organisms. The host-specific genetic markers were monitored by using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays with specific primer sets. Each host-specific genetic marker showed similar responses in non-filtered river water and seawater: They persisted longer at lower temperatures and higher salinities. In addition, these markers did not increase in all conditions tested. Decay rates for indicator organisms were lower than those for host-specific genetic markers at temperature above 10 degrees C. Furthermore, we investigated whether the PCR-detectable 16S rRNA genetic markers reflect the presence of live target cells or dead target cells in environmental waters. The result revealed that the detection of the Bacteroides-Prevotella 16S rRNA genetic markers in environmental waters mainly reflected the presence of 'viable but non-culturable' Bacteroides-Prevotella cells. These findings indicate that seasonal and geographical variations in persistence of these host-specific Bacteroides-Prevotella 16S rRNA genetic markers must be considered when we use them as alternative fecal indicators in environmental waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Okabe
- Department of Urban and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University, North-13, West-8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-8628, Japan.
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Stedtfeld RD, Baushke S, Tourlousse D, Chai B, Cole JR, Hashsham SA. Multiplex approach for screening genetic markers of microbial indicators. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2007; 79:260-9. [PMID: 17469657 DOI: 10.2175/106143007x181378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Genetic markers are expected to provide better specificity in epidemiological studies and potentially serve as better indicators of waterborne pathogens. Methods used to assess genetic markers of emerging microbial indicators include pulsed field gel electrophoresis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and microarrays. This paper outlines a high-throughput approach to screen for such genetic markers using a set of theoretical and experimental screening tools. The theoretical screening involves evaluating genes related to the ribosomal RNA and specific functions from emerging indicator groups, followed by experimental validation with appropriate sampling schemes and high-throughput and economical screening methods, such as microarrays, real time PCR, and on-chip PCR. Analysis of a wide range of samples covering temporal variability in location, host, and waterborne disease outbreaks is essential. The proposed approach is expected to shorten the time and cost associated with searching for new genetic markers of emerging indicators by at least 10-fold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert D Stedtfeld
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824, USA
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Lleò MDM, Bonato B, Benedetti D, Canepari P. Survival of enterococcal species in aquatic environments. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2005; 54:189-96. [PMID: 16332318 DOI: 10.1016/j.femsec.2005.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2004] [Accepted: 03/24/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Analysis of the survival ability of faecal streptococci/enterococci in the environment has almost invariably been conducted using the standard culture method (CFU counts) despite the demonstration that these microorganisms are capable of entering a viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state. In this study we evaluated the fate, in terms of culturability and viability, of different enterococcal species under laboratory stress conditions mimicking those of the aquatic environment. The results indicate that enterococcal species may activate two different survival strategies, namely starvation and the VBNC state, depending on the specific environmental condition. Moreover, the different enterococcal species can be divided into three groups on the basis of the time needed to activate the VBNC state and the resuscitation capability. The differences in activation of the two survival strategies and the different kinetics observed among the enterococcal species reaching the VBNC state should be taken into consideration when the microbiological quality of waters has to be evaluated and because of their role as faecal contamination indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria del Mar Lleò
- Dipartimento di Patologia, Sezione di Microbiologia, Università di Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy.
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Fong TT, Lipp EK. Enteric viruses of humans and animals in aquatic environments: health risks, detection, and potential water quality assessment tools. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2005; 69:357-71. [PMID: 15944460 PMCID: PMC1197419 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.69.2.357-371.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 452] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Waterborne enteric viruses threaten both human and animal health. These pathogens are host specific and cause a wide range of diseases and symptoms in humans or other animals. While considerable research has documented the risk of enteric viruses to human health from contact with contaminated water, the current bacterial indicator-based methods for evaluation of water quality are often ineffectual proxies for pathogenic viruses. Additionally, relatively little work has specifically investigated the risk of waterborne viruses to animal health, and this risk currently is not addressed by routine water quality assessments. Nonetheless, because of their host specificity, enteric viruses can fulfill a unique role both for assessing health risks and as measures of contamination source in a watershed, yet the use of animal, as well as human, host-specific viruses in determining sources of fecal pollution has received little attention. With improved molecular detection assays, viruses from key host groups can be targeted directly using PCR amplification or hybridization with a high level of sensitivity and specificity. A multispecies viral analysis would provide needed information for controlling pollution by source, determining human health risks based on assessments of human virus loading and exposure, and determining potential risks to production animal health and could indicate the potential for the presence of other zoonotic pathogens. While there is a need to better understand the prevalence and environmental distribution of nonhuman enteric viruses, the development of improved methods for specific and sensitive detection will facilitate the use of these microbes for library-independent source tracking and water quality assessment tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theng-Theng Fong
- Department of Environmental Health Science, The University of Georgia, Athens, 30602, USA
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39
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Bolster CH, Bromley JM, Jones SH. Recovery of chlorine-exposed Escherichia coli in estuarine microcosms. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2005; 39:3083-9. [PMID: 15926556 DOI: 10.1021/es048643s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Laboratory microcosm experiments were performed to determine whether chlorine-exposed Escherichia coli are capable of recovery (i.e., increase in numbers of culturable cells) in estuarine waters and if so what water-quality parameters are responsible for this recovery. Suspensions of E. coli were exposed to 0.5 mg L(-1) of chlorine for 5 min followed by dechlorination with sodium thiosulfate. The chlorine-exposed bacteria were introduced into 2-L microcosms containing estuarine water collected from the Seacoast region of New Hampshire. Culturable cells in the microcosms were enumerated at 0, 10, 24, 48, and 74 h. In all estuarine microcosms the number of culturable cells increased by factors ranging from 2.8 to 50 over the 74-h incubation period. Multiple linear regression analyses indicated that ammonium and salinity were most significantly correlated with the recovery of E. coli over the 74-h incubation period; however, ammonium concentrations were strongly correlated with dissolved organic carbon and total dissolved nitrogen, making it impossible to determine with any degree of certainty the unique effect nitrogen or carbon had on recovery. The extensive recovery observed in our study indicates that following exposure to concentrations of chlorine that cause cell injury rather than death, numbers of culturable E. coli may increase significantly when discharged into estuarine waters. Thus, depending on the effectiveness of the chlorination process, the regular monitoring of chlorinated wastewater treatment effluent may underestimate the true impact on water-quality and public health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl H Bolster
- US Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42104, USA.
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40
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Lleo MM, Bonato B, Tafi MC, Signoretto C, Pruzzo C, Canepari P. Molecular vs culture methods for the detection of bacterial faecal indicators in groundwater for human use. Lett Appl Microbiol 2005; 40:289-94. [PMID: 15752220 DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-765x.2005.01666.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The current standard culture methods are unable to detect nongrowing bacteria and, thus, might not be sufficient for precise monitoring of the microbiological quality of waters. The use of a molecular method such as PCR could be a valid alternative to detect bacterial faecal contamination indicators such as Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis and reveal the presence of culturable and nonculturable bacterial forms. METHODS AND RESULTS The presence of E. coli and Ent. faecalis cells in 30 groundwater samples was evaluated with the standard culture method and compared with a specific PCR protocol. A substantial percentage (50%) of the samples not containing culturable cells proved positive in the search for Ent. faecalis DNA by PCR. Quantification by competitive PCR (cPCR) of the DNA detected allowed us to calculate the number of nonculturable cells present in water samples: the number varied from 2 to 120 cells ml(-1). Only four samples were positive for E. coli DNA and the corresponding nonculturable cells varied from 24 to 70 ml(-1). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that the standard culture methods in use are unable to detect a substantial proportion of the bacterial population which is nonculturable but, as previously demonstrated, potentially still viable and able to express those pathogenic factors needed for causing infections in humans. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY To protect human health it is necessary to develop and use methods which detect the nonculturable as well as culturable bacteria present in water.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Lleo
- Dipartimento di Patologia, Sezione di Microbiologia, Università di Verona, Verona, Italy.
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Kirschner AKT, Zechmeister TC, Kavka GG, Beiwl C, Herzig A, Mach RL, Farnleitner AH. Integral strategy for evaluation of fecal indicator performance in bird-influenced saline inland waters. Appl Environ Microbiol 2005; 70:7396-403. [PMID: 15574941 PMCID: PMC535172 DOI: 10.1128/aem.70.12.7396-7403.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Wild birds are an important nonpoint source of fecal contamination of surface waters, but their contribution to fecal pollution is mostly difficult to estimate. Thus, to evaluate the relation between feces production and input of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) into aquatic environments by wild waterfowl, we introduced a new holistic approach for evaluating the performance of FIB in six shallow saline habitats. For this, we monitored bird abundance, fecal pellet production, and the abundance of FIB concomitantly with a set of environmental variables over a 9-month period. For estimating fecal pellet production, a new protocol of fecal pellet counting was introduced, which was called fecal taxation (FTX). We could show that, over the whole range of investigated habitats, bird abundance, FTX values, and FIB abundance were highly significantly correlated and could demonstrate the good applicability of the FTX as a meaningful surrogate parameter for recent bird abundances and fecal contamination by birds in shallow aquatic ecosystems. Presumptive enterococci (ENT) were an excellent surrogate parameter of recent fecal contamination in these saline environments for samples collected at biweekly to monthly sampling intervals while presumptive Escherichia coli and fecal coliforms (FC) were often undetectable. Significant negative correlations with salinity indicated that E. coli and FC survival was hampered by osmotic stress. Statistical analyses further revealed that fecal pollution-associated parameters represented one system component independent from other environmental variables and that, besides feces production, rainfall, total suspended solids (direct), and trophy (indirect) had significant positive effects on ENT concentrations. Our holistic approach of linking bird abundance, feces production, and FIB detection with environmental variables may serve as a powerful model for application to other aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander K T Kirschner
- Research Group General Microbiology, Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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