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Skiendzielewski K, Burch T, Stokdyk J, McGinnis S, McLoughlin S, Firnstahl A, Spencer S, Borchardt M, Murphy HM. Two risk assessments: Evaluating the use of indicator HF183 Bacteroides versus pathogen measurements for modelling recreational illness risks in an urban watershed. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 259:121852. [PMID: 38889662 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121852] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of HF183 Bacteroides for estimating pathogen exposures during recreational water activities. We compared the use of Bacteroides-based exposure assessment to exposure assessment that relied on pathogen measurements. We considered two types of recreational water sites: those impacted by combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and those not impacted by CSOs. Samples from CSO-impacted and non-CSO-impacted urban creeks were analysed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for HF183 Bacteroides and eight human gastrointestinal pathogens. Exposure assessment was conducted two ways for each type of site (CSO-impacted vs. non-CSO impacted): 1) by estimating pathogen concentrations from HF183 Bacteroides concentrations using published ratios of HF183 to pathogens in sewage and 2) by estimating pathogen concentrations from qPCR measurements. QMRA (quantitative microbial risk assessment) was then conducted for swimming, wading, and fishing exposures. Overall, mean risk estimates varied from 0.27 to 53 illnesses per 1,000 recreators depending on exposure assessment, site, activity, and norovirus dose-response model. HF183-based exposure assessment identified CSO-impacted sites as higher risk, and the recommended HF183 risk-based threshold of 525 genomic copies per 100 mL was generally protective of public health at the CSO-impacted sites but was not as protective at the non-CSO-impacted sites. In the context of our urban watershed, HF183-based exposure assessment over- and under-estimated risk relative to exposure assessment based on pathogen measurements, and the etiology of predicted pathogen-specific illnesses differed significantly. Across all sites, the HF183 model overestimated risk for norovirus, adenovirus, and Campylobacter jejuni, and it underestimated risk for E. coli and Cryptosporidium. To our knowledge, this study is the first to directly compare health risk estimates using HF183 and empirical pathogen measurements from the same waterways. Our work highlights the importance of site-specific hazard identification and exposure assessment to decide whether HF183 is applicable for monitoring risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Skiendzielewski
- Water, Health and Applied Microbiology Lab (WHAM Lab), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Temple University College of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
| | - T Burch
- US Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Environmentally Integrated Dairy Management Research Unit, Marshfield, WI, United States
| | - J Stokdyk
- US Geological Survey Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Marshfield, WI, United States
| | - S McGinnis
- Water, Health and Applied Microbiology Lab (WHAM Lab), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Temple University College of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - S McLoughlin
- Water, Health and Applied Microbiology Lab (WHAM Lab), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Temple University College of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - A Firnstahl
- US Geological Survey Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Marshfield, WI, United States
| | - S Spencer
- US Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Environmentally Integrated Dairy Management Research Unit, Marshfield, WI, United States
| | - M Borchardt
- US Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Environmentally Integrated Dairy Management Research Unit, Marshfield, WI, United States
| | - H M Murphy
- Water, Health and Applied Microbiology Lab (WHAM Lab), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Temple University College of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Water, Health and Applied Microbiology Lab (WHAM Lab), Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.
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Lobos AE, Brandt AM, Gallard-Góngora JF, Korde R, Brodrick E, Harwood VJ. Persistence of sewage-associated genetic markers in advanced and conventional treated recycled water: implications for microbial source tracking in surface waters. mBio 2024; 15:e0065524. [PMID: 38864636 PMCID: PMC11253620 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00655-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Sewage contamination of environmental waters is increasingly assessed by measuring DNA from sewage-associated microorganisms in microbial source tracking (MST) approaches. However, DNA can persist through wastewater treatment and reach surface waters when treated sewage/recycled water is discharged, which may falsely indicate pollution from untreated sewage. Recycled water discharged from an advanced wastewater treatment (AWT) facility into a Florida stream elevated the sewage-associated HF183 marker 1,000-fold, with a minimal increase in cultured Escherichia coli. The persistence of sewage-associated microorganisms was compared by qPCR in untreated sewage and recycled water from conventional wastewater treatment (CWT) and AWT facilities. E. coli (EC23S857) and sewage-associated markers HF183, H8, and viral crAssphage CPQ_056 were always detected in untreated sewage (6.5-8.7 log10 GC/100 mL). Multivariate analysis found a significantly greater reduction of microbial variables via AWT vs CWT. Bacterial markers decayed ~4-5 log10 through CWT, but CPQ_056 was ~100-fold more persistent. In AWT facilities, the log10 reduction of all variables was ~5. In recycled water, bacterial marker concentrations were significantly correlated (P ≤ 0.0136; tau ≥ 0.44); however, CPQ_056 was not correlated with any marker, suggesting varying drivers of decay. Concentrations of cultured E. coli carrying the H8 marker (EcH8) in untreated sewage were 5.24-6.02 log10 CFU/100 mL, while no E. coli was isolated from recycled water. HF183 and culturable EcH8 were also correlated in contaminated surface waters (odds ratio β1 = 1.701). Culturable EcH8 has a strong potential to differentiate positive MST marker signals arising from treated (e.g., recycled water) and untreated sewage discharged into environmental waters. IMPORTANCE Genes in sewage-associated microorganisms are widely accepted indicators of sewage pollution in environmental waters. However, DNA persists through wastewater treatment and can reach surface waters when recycled water is discharged, potentially causing false-positive indications of sewage contamination. Previous studies have found that bacterial and viral sewage-associated genes persist through wastewater treatment; however, these studies did not compare different facilities or identify a solution to distinguish sewage from recycled water. In this study, we demonstrated the persistence of bacterial marker genes and the greater persistence of a viral marker gene (CPQ_056 of crAssphage) through varying wastewater treatment facilities. We also aim to provide a tool to confirm sewage contamination in surface waters with recycled water inputs. This work showed that the level of wastewater treatment affects the removal of microorganisms, particularly viruses, and expands our ability to identify sewage in surface waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo E. Lobos
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Amanda M. Brandt
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Javier F. Gallard-Góngora
- Department of Earth, Marine, and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Marine Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Morehead City, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ruchi Korde
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Eleanor Brodrick
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Valerie J. Harwood
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
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Young I, Sanchez JJ, Sekerciouglu F, Desta BN, Holeton C, Lyng D, Peczulis V, Renwick S, Brooks T, Tustin J. Burden of recreational water illness due to exposure to cyanobacteria and their toxins in freshwater beaches in Canada: protocol of a prospective cohort study. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e085406. [PMID: 38866574 PMCID: PMC11177695 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-085406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cyanobacterial blooms are increasingly common in freshwater sources used for swimming and other recreational water contact activities in Canada. Many species of cyanobacteria can produce toxins that affect human and animal health, but there are limited data on the risk of illness associated with water contact at impacted beaches. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This study will investigate the incidence of recreational water illness due to exposure to cyanobacterial blooms and their toxins in four targeted and popular freshwater beaches in Ontario, Manitoba and Nova Scotia, Canada. A prospective cohort design and One Health approach will be used. On-site recruitment of recreational water users will be conducted at two beaches per year during the summers of 2024 and 2025. The population of interest includes recreational water users of any age and their pet dogs. After enrolment, an in-person survey will determine beach exposures and confounding factors, and a 3-day follow-up survey will ascertain any acute illness outcomes experienced by participants or their dogs. The target sample size is 2500 recreational water users. Water samples will be taken each recruitment day and analysed for cyanobacterial indicators (pigments), cell counts and toxin levels. Bayesian regression analysis will be conducted to estimate the association with water contact, cyanobacterial levels and risks of different acute illness outcomes. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study has been approved by the Toronto Metropolitan University Research Ethics Board (REB 2023-461). Study results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and as infographics on a project website.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Young
- Occupational and Public Health, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - J Johanna Sanchez
- Occupational and Public Health, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Fatih Sekerciouglu
- Occupational and Public Health, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Binyam N Desta
- Occupational and Public Health, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Claire Holeton
- Environmental Monitoring and Reporting Branch, Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dylan Lyng
- Water Science and Watershed Management, Government of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | | | - Shane Renwick
- Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Teresa Brooks
- Water and Air Quality Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jordan Tustin
- Occupational and Public Health, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Niknejad H, Hoseinvandtabar S, Panahandeh M, Gholami-Borujeni F, Janipoor R, Sarvestani RA, Saeedi R, Arani MH, Abtahi M, Rafiee M. Quantitative microbial risk assessment of gastrointestinal illness due to recreational exposure to E. coli and enterococci on the southern coasts of the Caspian Sea. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29974. [PMID: 38694045 PMCID: PMC11058881 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Gastrointestinal illness refers to a broad range of diseases that affect the digestive system, including infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) is a powerful tool used to evaluate the risks associated with microbial pathogens in various environments. The main objective of this study was to conduct a quantitative assessment of gastrointestinal illnesses that occur as a result of exposure to E. coli and enterococci during recreational activities on the southern coasts of the Caspian Sea. Methods Samples were collected from the recreational beaches along the border line of the Caspian Sea. The samples were analyzed for the presence and enumeration of E. coli and enterococci using the microplate method and membrane filtration techniques. Then, the annual and daily infection risks were computed using the Monte Carlo simulation approach. Results The results revealed that the risk of daily and annual infections on the coasts of Babolsar was higher than that on the coasts of Sari. Also, in the recreational waters of these beaches, the risk of infection by enterococci was higher than that posed by E. coli. In Babolsar, the average annual infection risk caused by E. coli and enterococci was 0.365 and 1 for children and 0.181 and 0.986 for adults. Also, in Sari, the average annual infection risk caused by E. coli and enterococci was 0.060 and 0.908 for children and 0.027 and 0.815 for adults. In addition, children were more likely than adults to become infected. Conclusion In light of the study's findings, due to the entry of untreated urban wastewater into the southern part of the Caspian Sea (northern Iran) and the high risk of infectious diseases for children, more control and health measures are necessary for children's swimming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Niknejad
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Hoseinvandtabar
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Panahandeh
- Environmental Research Institute, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Rasht, Iran
| | - Fathollah Gholami-Borujeni
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Reihaneh Janipoor
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roghayeh Abedi Sarvestani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Saeedi
- Department of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Hesami Arani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrnoosh Abtahi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rafiee
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Leri AC, Fassihi GE, Lundquist MJ, Khan M, Arguin ML. Vertical stratification and seasonality of fecal indicator bacteria in New York City playground sandboxes. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 273:116152. [PMID: 38417319 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116152] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Sandboxes in public play spaces afford a crucial opportunity for urban children to engage in naturalistic play that fosters development of cognitive, social, and motor skills. As open pits, sandboxes in New York City public playgrounds are potentially exposed to fecal inputs from various sources, including wild and domestic animals. A longitudinal study of thirteen sandboxes located in public playgrounds on the east side of Manhattan reveals ubiquity of the fecal indicator bacteria enterococci and Escherichia coli through all seasons. The highest concentrations of bacteria occur in surface sand (n = 42; mean enterococci 230 MPN/g and E. coli 182 MPN/g dry weight), with significantly lower levels at depths below the surface (n = 35; mean enterococci 21 MPN/g and E. coli 12 MPN/g dry weight), a stratification consistent with fecal loading at the surface. Generalized linear mixed models indicate that sand depth (surface vs. underlayers) is the most influential variable affecting bacterial levels (P <0.001 for both enterococci and E. coli), followed by sampling season (P <0.001 for both). Bacterial concentrations do not vary significantly as a function of playground location or ZIP code within the study area. Children's exposure while playing in sandboxes likely reaches 105 enterococci and 104E. coli in a typical play period. Microbial source tracking to identify fecal hosts reveals dog, bird, and human biomarkers in low concentrations. Open sandbox microcosms installed at ground level in the urban environment of Manhattan are fouled by enterococci and E. coli within two weeks, while adjacent closed microcosms exhibit no fecal contamination over a 33-day sampling period. Collectively, our results indicate that increasing the frequency of sand refills and covering sandboxes during times of disuse would be straightforward management strategies to mitigate fecal contamination in playground sandboxes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra C Leri
- Department of Natural Sciences, Marymount Manhattan College, 221 E 71st St., New York, NY 10021, United States.
| | - G Eliana Fassihi
- Department of Natural Sciences, Marymount Manhattan College, 221 E 71st St., New York, NY 10021, United States
| | - Matthew J Lundquist
- Department of Natural Sciences, Marymount Manhattan College, 221 E 71st St., New York, NY 10021, United States
| | - Marjan Khan
- Department of Natural Sciences, Marymount Manhattan College, 221 E 71st St., New York, NY 10021, United States
| | - Mariette L Arguin
- P.S. 77 Lower Lab School, 1700 3rd Ave., New York, NY 10128, United States
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Jones J, Aslan A, Nazaruk D, Zeki S. Beachgoers' responses to beach health advisories. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2024; 22:565-571. [PMID: 38557571 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2024.306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Drawing on responses from 238 beachgoers who have visited a Georgia (U.S. state) beach in the past three years, this study asks respondents about their knowledge of beach water quality monitoring, awareness of beach health advisories, perception of water quality, and expected responses upon learning of a beach's water pollution advisory. Binomial logistic regression finds that the only demographic predictor of respondents who would completely stop visiting a beach with an advisory is whether the respondent is a visitor or resident (year-round or part-time). Nearly 40% of visitors would not come to a beach with an advisory compared to 13.4% of residents. Most respondents report they would continue to visit a beach but would stay out of the water and stop harvesting seafood from the beach's waters. More than a third (36.1%), however, are unaware Georgia regularly monitors beach water for water quality, and 41.2% have never read a beach sign warning of contaminated water or seafood. Alarmingly, just over half view aesthetic factors such as no litter, no odor, and clear water as criteria for defining whether beach water is safe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffery Jones
- Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, P.O. Box 8015, Statesboro, GA 30460, USA; Institute for Water and Health, Georgia Southern University, 925 Mohawk Street, Savannah, GA, 31419, USA E-mail:
| | - Asli Aslan
- Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, P.O. Box 8015, Statesboro, GA 30460, USA; Institute for Water and Health, Georgia Southern University, 925 Mohawk Street, Savannah, GA, 31419, USA
| | - Dziyana Nazaruk
- Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, P.O. Box 8015, Statesboro, GA 30460, USA
| | - Sibel Zeki
- Institute of Marine Sciences and Management, Istanbul University, Müsküle Sok. No. 1 Vefa, Istanbul 34470, Turkey
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Liu Y, Wang Z, Wang Z, Zhou J, Han J, Lu C, Liu B, Yu R, Sun X, Zhang Z, Wang R, Su X. Rapid and simultaneous multiepitope antigen-based detection of Enterococcus by microscale thermophoresis and immunomagnetic separation. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1341451. [PMID: 38322321 PMCID: PMC10844561 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1341451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Generally, enterococci bacteria cause nosocomial infections and are major indicators of bacterial contamination in marine bathing beach. However, a method for the rapid and simultaneous detection of multiple pathogenic enterococci has not been developed on account of the wide variety of pathogenic enterococci and their existence in complex matrices. Methods Immunoinformatics tools were used to design a multi-epitope antigen for the detection of various pathogenic enterococci by using the sequence of dltD gene on enterococci lipoteichoic acid (LTA) surface, which is associated with toxicological effects. The multi-epitopes included enterococci such as Enterococcus faecalis, E. gallinarum, E. raffinosus, E. durans, E. faecium, E. hirae, E. thailandicus, E. casseliflavus, E. avium, E. mundtii, E. lactis, E. solitarius, E. pseudoavium, and E. malodoratum. Microscale thermophoresis (MST) and western blot were carried out to detect the affinity between multi-epitope antigens and antibodies and between multi-epitope antibodies and bacteria. Furthermore, the detection of pathogenic enterococci was carried out by using immunomagnetic beads (IMBs) and immune chromatographic test strip (ICTS). Results The multi-epitope antibody had a satisfactory affinity to the antigen and enterococci. IMBs and ICTS were detected with a minimum of 101 CFU/mL and showed incompatibility for Vibrio parahemolyticus, V. vulnifcus, V. harveyi, V. anguillarum, and Edwardsiella tarda. Implication The present study demonstrated that the multi-epitope antigens exhibited excellent specificity and sensitivity, making them highly suitable for efficient on-site screening of enterococci bacteria in marine bathing beaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- School of Marine Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Ziyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- School of Marine Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Ze Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- School of Marine Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- School of Marine Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Jiaojiao Han
- State Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- School of Marine Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Chenyang Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- School of Marine Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Bing Liu
- Vigor Health Products Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | - Rongxian Yu
- Vigor Health Products Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoling Sun
- Vigor Health Products Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- School of Marine Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Rixin Wang
- School of Marine Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Xiurong Su
- State Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- School of Marine Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
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Saleem F, Li E, Edge TA, Tran KL, Schellhorn HE. Identification of potential microbial risk factors associated with fecal indicator exceedances at recreational beaches. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOME 2024; 19:4. [PMID: 38225663 PMCID: PMC10790499 DOI: 10.1186/s40793-024-00547-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fecal bacterial densities are proxy indicators of beach water quality, and beach posting decisions are made based on Beach Action Value (BAV) exceedances for a beach. However, these traditional beach monitoring methods do not reflect the full extent of microbial water quality changes associated with BAV exceedances at recreational beaches (including harmful cyanobacteria). This proof of concept study evaluates the potential of metagenomics for comprehensively assessing bacterial community changes associated with BAV exceedances compared to non-exceedances for two urban beaches and their adjacent river water sources. RESULTS Compared to non-exceedance samples, BAV exceedance samples exhibited higher alpha diversity (diversity within the sample) that could be further differentiated into separate clusters (Beta-diversity). For Beach A, Cyanobacterial sequences (resolved as Microcystis and Pseudanabaena at genus level) were significantly more abundant in BAV non-exceedance samples. qPCR validation supported the Cyanobacterial abundance results from metagenomic analysis and also identified saxitoxin genes in 50% of the non-exceedance samples. Microcystis sp and saxitoxin gene sequences were more abundant on non-exceedance beach days (when fecal indicator data indicated the beach should be open for water recreational purposes). For BAV exceedance days, Fibrobacteres, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, and Clostridium sequences were significantly more abundant (and positively correlated with fecal indicator densities) for Beach A. For Beach B, Spirochaetes (resolved as Leptospira on genus level) Burkholderia and Vibrio sequences were significantly more abundant in BAV exceedance samples. Similar bacterial diversity and abundance trends were observed for river water sources compared to their associated beaches. Antibiotic Resistance Genes (ARGs) were also consistently detected at both beaches. However, we did not observe a significant difference or correlation in ARGs abundance between BAV exceedance and non-exceedance samples. CONCLUSION This study provides a more comprehensive analysis of bacterial community changes associated with BAV exceedances for recreational freshwater beaches. While there were increases in bacterial diversity and some taxa of potential human health concern associated with increased fecal indicator densities and BAV exceedances (e.g. Pseudomonas), metagenomics analyses also identified other taxa of potential human health concern (e.g. Microcystis) associated with lower fecal indicator densities and BAV non-exceedances days. This study can help develop more targeted beach monitoring strategies and beach-specific risk management approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faizan Saleem
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W., Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Enze Li
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W., Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Thomas A Edge
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W., Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Kevin L Tran
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W., Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Herb E Schellhorn
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W., Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada.
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Denpetkul T, Pumkaew M, Sittipunsakda O, Sresung M, Chyerochana N, Kongprajug A, Rattanakul S, Patarapongsant Y, Mongkolsuk S, Sirikanchana K. Quantitative microbial risk assessment of the gastrointestinal risks to swimmers at Southeast Asian urban beaches using site-specific and combined autochthonous and fecal bacteria exposure data. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 902:165818. [PMID: 37517714 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Recreational exposure to microbial pollution at urban beaches poses a health risk to beachgoers. The accurate quantification of such risks is crucial in managing beaches effectively and establishing warning guidelines. In this study, we employed a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) framework to assess marine water quality and estimate the risks associated with Vibrio parahaemolyticus, an autochthonous pathogen that causes gastrointestinal illnesses, and enterococci, a traditional fecal bacteria indicator. The microbial contamination levels of V. parahaemolyticus and enterococci were determined from 48 water samples collected at two beaches in Thailand during dry and wet seasons. The accidentally ingested water volumes were obtained through a survey involving 438 respondents. The probability of illness (Pill) was estimated using dose-response models and Monte Carlo simulation. The results revealed that enterococci posed a higher risk of illness than V. parahaemolyticus at all seven study sites. The median combined gastrointestinal (GI) risk from both bacteria at all sites met the US EPA risk benchmark of 0.036 and the 0.05 benchmark set by the WHO, but the 95th percentile risk data at all sites exceeded the benchmarks. This emphasizes the need for the continuous monitoring and management of microbial pollution at these sites. The site-specific exposure data showed higher estimated risks with increased variations compared to the WHO-referenced values, which highlights the significance of locally measured microbial concentrations and survey exposure data to avoid underestimation. Estimating the risks from recreational exposure to waterborne bacteria can inform beach management policies aimed at reducing public health risks to swimmers. The study findings improve the understanding of the risks associated with water recreation activities at Southeast Asian beaches and offer valuable insights for the development of water quality guidelines, which are crucial for the sustainable development of the blue economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thammanitchpol Denpetkul
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Monchai Pumkaew
- Environmental Engineering and Disaster Management Program, School of Multidisciplinary, Mahidol University, Kanchanaburi Campus, Kanchanaburi 71150, Thailand
| | - Oranoot Sittipunsakda
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Montakarn Sresung
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Natcha Chyerochana
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Akechai Kongprajug
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Surapong Rattanakul
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok 10140, Thailand
| | - Yupin Patarapongsant
- Behavioral Research and Informatics in Social Sciences Research Unit (RU-BRI), SASIN School of Management, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Skorn Mongkolsuk
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand; Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology, Ministry of Education, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Kwanrawee Sirikanchana
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand; Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology, Ministry of Education, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
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10
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Glassmeyer ST, Burns EE, Focazio MJ, Furlong ET, Gribble MO, Jahne MA, Keely SP, Kennicutt AR, Kolpin DW, Medlock Kakaley EK, Pfaller SL. Water, Water Everywhere, but Every Drop Unique: Challenges in the Science to Understand the Role of Contaminants of Emerging Concern in the Management of Drinking Water Supplies. GEOHEALTH 2023; 7:e2022GH000716. [PMID: 38155731 PMCID: PMC10753268 DOI: 10.1029/2022gh000716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
The protection and management of water resources continues to be challenged by multiple and ongoing factors such as shifts in demographic, social, economic, and public health requirements. Physical limitations placed on access to potable supplies include natural and human-caused factors such as aquifer depletion, aging infrastructure, saltwater intrusion, floods, and drought. These factors, although varying in magnitude, spatial extent, and timing, can exacerbate the potential for contaminants of concern (CECs) to be present in sources of drinking water, infrastructure, premise plumbing and associated tap water. This monograph examines how current and emerging scientific efforts and technologies increase our understanding of the range of CECs and drinking water issues facing current and future populations. It is not intended to be read in one sitting, but is instead a starting point for scientists wanting to learn more about the issues surrounding CECs. This text discusses the topical evolution CECs over time (Section 1), improvements in measuring chemical and microbial CECs, through both analysis of concentration and toxicity (Section 2) and modeling CEC exposure and fate (Section 3), forms of treatment effective at removing chemical and microbial CECs (Section 4), and potential for human health impacts from exposure to CECs (Section 5). The paper concludes with how changes to water quantity, both scarcity and surpluses, could affect water quality (Section 6). Taken together, these sections document the past 25 years of CEC research and the regulatory response to these contaminants, the current work to identify and monitor CECs and mitigate exposure, and the challenges facing the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan T. Glassmeyer
- U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyOffice of Research and DevelopmentCincinnatiOHUSA
| | | | - Michael J. Focazio
- Retired, Environmental Health ProgramEcosystems Mission AreaU.S. Geological SurveyRestonVAUSA
| | - Edward T. Furlong
- Emeritus, Strategic Laboratory Sciences BranchLaboratory & Analytical Services DivisionU.S. Geological SurveyDenverCOUSA
| | - Matthew O. Gribble
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental HealthRollins School of Public HealthEmory UniversityAtlantaGAUSA
| | - Michael A. Jahne
- U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyOffice of Research and DevelopmentCincinnatiOHUSA
| | - Scott P. Keely
- U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyOffice of Research and DevelopmentCincinnatiOHUSA
| | - Alison R. Kennicutt
- Department of Civil and Mechanical EngineeringYork College of PennsylvaniaYorkPAUSA
| | - Dana W. Kolpin
- U.S. Geological SurveyCentral Midwest Water Science CenterIowa CityIAUSA
| | | | - Stacy L. Pfaller
- U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyOffice of Research and DevelopmentCincinnatiOHUSA
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11
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Sadeghi J, Hashemi Shahraki A, Chaganti SR, Heath D. Functional gene transcription variation in bacterial metatranscriptomes in large freshwater Lake Ecosystems: Implications for ecosystem and human health. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 231:116298. [PMID: 37268212 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Little is known regarding the temporal and spatial functional variation of freshwater bacterial community (BC) under non-bloom conditions, especially in winter. To address this, we used metatranscriptomics to assess bacterial gene transcription variation among three sites across three seasons. Our metatranscriptome data for freshwater BCs at three public beaches (Ontario, Canada) sampled in the winter (no ice), summer and fall (2019) showed relatively little spatial, but a strong temporal variation. Our data showed high transcriptional activity in summer and fall but surprisingly, 89% of the KEGG pathway genes and 60% of the selected candidate genes (52 genes) associated with physiological and ecological activity were still active in freezing temperatures (winter). Our data also supported the possibility of an adaptively flexible gene expression response of the freshwater BC to low temperature conditions (winter). Only 32% of the bacterial genera detected in the samples were active, indicating that the majority of detected taxa were non-active (dormant). We also identified high seasonal variation in the abundance and activity of taxa associated with health risks (i.e., Cyanobacteria and waterborne bacterial pathogens). This study provides a baseline for further characterization of freshwater BCs, health-related microbial activity/dormancy and the main drivers of their functional variation (such as rapid human-induced environmental change and climate change).
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Affiliation(s)
- Javad Sadeghi
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Subba Rao Chaganti
- Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Daniel Heath
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada; Department of Integrative Biology, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada.
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12
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Saleem F, Schellhorn HE, Simhon A, Edge TA. Same-day Enterococcus qPCR results of recreational water quality at two Toronto beaches provide added public health protection and reduced beach days lost. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH = REVUE CANADIENNE DE SANTE PUBLIQUE 2023; 114:676-687. [PMID: 37069453 PMCID: PMC10349029 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-023-00763-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We evaluated the potential impacts from using a rapid same-day quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) monitoring method for beach posting outcomes at two Toronto beaches. METHODS In total, 228 water samples were collected at Marie Curtis Park East and Sunnyside Beaches over the 2021 summer season. Water samples were processed using the USEPA 1609.1 Enterococcus qPCR-based method. Escherichia coli (E. coli) culture data and daily beach posting decisions were obtained from Toronto Public Health. RESULTS No significant correlation was observed between previous-day and same-day (retrospective) E. coli enumeration results at any Sunnyside Beach transect, and only relatively low (R = 0.41-0.56) or no significant correlation was observed at sampling transects for Marie Curtis Park East Beach. Comparing our same-day Enterococcus qPCR data to Toronto's 2-day E. coli geometric mean beach posting decisions, we noted the need for additional postings for 1 (2%) and 3 (8%) missed health-risk days at Sunnyside and Marie Curtis Park East Beaches, respectively. The qPCR data also pointed to incorrect postings for 12 (31%) and 6 (16%) lost beach days at Sunnyside and Marie Curtis Park East Beaches, respectively. CONCLUSION Application of a rapid Enterococcus qPCR method at two Toronto beaches revealed 5% of beach posting decisions were false negatives that missed health-risk days, while 23% of decisions were false positives resulting in lost beach days. Deployment of the rapid same-day qPCR method offers the potential to reduce both health risks and unnecessary beach postings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faizan Saleem
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Herb E Schellhorn
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Albert Simhon
- Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thomas A Edge
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
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13
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Bridgemohan RSH, Deitch MJ, Gebremicael T, Whiles MR, Wilson PC, Bachoon D, Tharpe I. Environmental risk assessment for fecal contamination sources in urban and peri-urban estuaries, in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, FL, USA. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:867. [PMID: 37341799 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11478-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Fecal pollution of estuaries and adjacent creeks and streams is of significant concern along the Gulf of Mexico. The prospective threat to human life and water quality impairment via fecal pollution is a substantial danger to the strength and resistance of coastline areas. Pensacola, FL, has a prosperous coastal tourism industry that is utilized for numerous other uses, such as recreational watersports and boating, seafood, and shellfish harvesting. However, the frequency and severity of fecal contamination present possible socio-economic issues, specifically financial hardships. Therefore, understanding the source, abundance, and fate of fecal microbial pollutants in aquatic systems signifies an imperative initial stage for detecting the host sources and techniques to lessen their transport from the landscape. This research aimed to quantify the fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), Escherichia coli, and perform microbiological fecal source tracking to verify if the fecal inputs are of either animal or human host origin. Surface water samples were taken from urban and peri-urban creeks for two sampling periods (February 2021 and January 2022), and IDEXX Colilert-18 (USEPA Standard Method 9223) was used for E. coli enumeration. DNA extractions were obtained from each sample, and quantitative PCR was utilized for fecal microbial source tracking (MST) to detect human, dog, ruminant, and bird host-specific Bacteroides DNA. The result indicates elevated quantities of FIB, E. coli, that surpass the threshold considered safe regarding human health. E. coli at six sites over the two sampling periods exceeded the impairment threshold, reaching as high as 866.4 MPN/100 ml. Fecal source tracking identified human host fecal contamination at four of nine sites, dogs at three of nine, and birds at one site. However, those sites with sources identified via MST all had E. coli levels below impairment thresholds. No sites were determined to be positive for ruminant as a source or for the pathogen Helicobacter pylori. No canine host fecal inputs were found in January 2022, and only one site with human sewage. Our results highlight the utility of MST in assessing bacterial inputs to water bodies and the challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronell S H Bridgemohan
- Soil and Water Sciences Department, IFAS/West Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 5988 Hwy 90, Building 4900, Milton, FL, 32583, USA.
- , Pensacola, USA.
| | - Matthew J Deitch
- Soil and Water Sciences Department, IFAS/West Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 5988 Hwy 90, Building 4900, Milton, FL, 32583, USA
| | - Tesfay Gebremicael
- Soil and Water Sciences Department, IFAS/West Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 5988 Hwy 90, Building 4900, Milton, FL, 32583, USA
| | - Matthew R Whiles
- Soil and Water Sciences Department, University of Florida, 2181 McCarty Hall, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - P Christopher Wilson
- Soil and Water Sciences Department, University of Florida, 2181 McCarty Hall, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Dave Bachoon
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Georgia College and State University, Campus Box 81, Milledgeville, GA, 31061-0490, USA
| | - Israel Tharpe
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Georgia College and State University, Campus Box 81, Milledgeville, GA, 31061-0490, USA
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14
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Young I, Sanchez JJ, Desta BN, Heasley C, Tustin J. Recreational water exposures and illness outcomes at a freshwater beach in Toronto, Canada: A prospective cohort pilot study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286584. [PMID: 37267237 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Swimming and other recreational water activities in surface waters are popular in Canada during the summer. However, these activities can also increase the risk of recreational water illness. While routine monitoring of beach water quality is conducted by local authorities each summer, little research is available in Canada about beach exposures and illness risks. METHODS We conducted a pilot of a prospective cohort study at a popular beach in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, in 2022 to determine characteristics of beachgoers, common water and sand exposures, the incidence of recreational water illness, and the feasibility for a larger, national cohort study. We enrolled beachgoers on-site and surveyed about their exposures at the beach and conducted a follow-up survey 7 days following their beach visit to ascertain acute gastrointestinal, respiratory, skin, ear, and eye illness outcomes. We descriptively tabulated and summarized the collected data. RESULTS We enrolled 649 households, consisting of 831 beachgoers. Water contact activities were reported by 56% of beachgoers, with swimming being the most common activity (44% of participants). Similarly, 56% of beachgoers reported digging in the sand or burying themselves in the sand. Children (≤14 years) and teenagers (15-19 years) were most likely to report engaging in water contact activities and swallowing water, while children were most likely to report sand contact activities and getting sand in their mouth. Boys and men were more likely than women and girls to report swallowing water (15.2% vs. 9.4%). Water and sand exposures also differed by household education level and participant ethno-racial identity. E. coli levels in beach water were consistently low (median = 20 CFU/100 mL, range = 10-58). The incidence of illness outcomes was very low (0.3-2.8%) among the 287 participants that completed the follow-up survey. CONCLUSIONS The identified beach exposure patterns can inform future risk assessments and communication strategies. Excellent water quality was observed at the studied beach, likely contributing to the low incidence of illnesses. A larger, national cohort study is needed in Canada to examine risks of illness at beaches at higher risk of fecal contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Young
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - J Johanna Sanchez
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Binyam Negussie Desta
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cole Heasley
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jordan Tustin
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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15
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Hassanein F, Masoud IM, Awwad ZM, Abdel-Salam H, Salem M, Shehata AI. Microbial bowel infections-induced biochemical and biological abnormalities and their effects on young Egyptian swimmers. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4597. [PMID: 36944683 PMCID: PMC10030829 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31708-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Swimmers' personal hygiene affects the spread of microbes in pools. The present study aimed to determine the incidence of microbial infections among young Egyptian swimmers and its impact on swimmers' scores. From January 2020 to June 2021, 528 public club swimmers were examined cross-sectionally. Swimmers were divided into two groups according to their star tests and their scores in the competition (group 1 with a high score and group 2 with a low score). Stool samples, biochemical and biological parameters were assessed. Microbial infections were 54% for intestinal parasitosis and 2.8% for Helicobacter pylori. The rate of intestinal parasitosis was higher among Gp2 as compared to Gp1. The results also revealed higher prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia lamblia, Entameba histolytica, and Cyclospora among Gp2 than Gp1. Swimming frequency, and duration influenced the infectious status that induced anemia, abnormal blood pressure, and heart rate. Infected swimmers with cryptosporidiosis had higher alanine transaminase levels, white blood cells, and differential cells but lower aspartate transaminase levels. Giardiasis showed higher reduction in the biochemical markers including ferritin, lactoferrin, iron, and transferrin among Gp 2, compared to Gp 1 and thus affected the swimmers' scores. Thus, raising swimmers' hygiene awareness and targeting health education is obliged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faika Hassanein
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Dentistry, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Inas M Masoud
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Zeinab M Awwad
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Hussin Abdel-Salam
- Department of Water Sports Training, Faculty of Fitness Education, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Salem
- Department of Water Sports Training, Faculty of Fitness Education, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Amany I Shehata
- Department of Tropical Health, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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16
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McNair JN, Lane MJ, Hart JJ, Porter AM, Briggs S, Southwell B, Sivy T, Szlag DC, Scull BT, Pike S, Dreelin E, Vernier C, Carter B, Sharp J, Nowlin P, Rediske RR. Validity assessment of Michigan's proposed qPCR threshold value for rapid water-quality monitoring of E. coli contamination. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 226:119235. [PMID: 36257159 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.119235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Michigan's water-quality standards specify that E. coli concentrations at bathing beaches must not exceed 300 E. coli per 100 mL, as determined by the geometric mean of culture-based concentrations in three or more representative samples from a given beach on a given day. Culture-based analysis requires 18-24 h to complete, so results are not available on the day of sampling. This one-day delay is problematic because results cannot be used to prevent recreation at beaches that are unsafe on the sampling day, nor do they reliably indicate whether recreation should be prevented the next day, due to high between-day variability in E. coli concentrations demonstrated by previous studies. By contrast, qPCR-based E. coli concentrations can be obtained in 3-4 h, making same-day beach notification decisions possible. Michigan has proposed a qPCR threshold value (qTV) for E. coli of 1.863 log10 gene copies per reaction as a potential equivalent value to the state standard, based on statistical analysis of a set of state-wide training data from 2016 to 2018. The main purpose of the present study is to assess the validity of the proposed qTV by determining whether the implied qPCR-based beach notification decisions agree well with culture-based decisions on two sets of test data from 2016-2018 (6,564 samples) and 2019-2020 (3,205 samples), and whether performance of the proposed qTV is similar on the test and training data. The results show that performance of Michigan's proposed qTV on both sets of test data was consistently good (e.g., 95% agreement with culture-based beach notification decisions during 2019-2020) and was as good as or better than its performance on the training data set. The false-negative rate for the proposed qTV was 25-29%, meaning that beach notification decisions based on the qTV would be expected to permit recreation on the day of sampling in 25-29% of cases where the beach exceeds the state standard for FIB contamination. This false-negative rate is higher than one would hope to see but is well below the corresponding error rate for culture-based decisions, which permit recreation at beaches that exceed the state standard on the day of sampling in 100% of cases because of the one-day delay in obtaining results. The key advantage of qPCR-based analysis is that it permits a large percentage (71-75%) of unsafe beaches to be identified in time to prevent recreation on the day of sampling.
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Affiliation(s)
- James N McNair
- Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute, 740 West Shoreline Dr., Muskegon, MI 49441, USA.
| | - Molly J Lane
- Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute, 740 West Shoreline Dr., Muskegon, MI 49441, USA
| | - John J Hart
- Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute, 740 West Shoreline Dr., Muskegon, MI 49441, USA
| | - Alexis M Porter
- Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute, 740 West Shoreline Dr., Muskegon, MI 49441, USA
| | - Shannon Briggs
- Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, 525W. Allegan St., Lansing, MI 48909, USA
| | - Benjamin Southwell
- Lake Superior State University, 650W Easterday Ave., Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783, USA
| | - Tami Sivy
- Saginaw Valley State University, Department of Chemistry, 7400 Bay Road, University Center, MI 48710, USA
| | - David C Szlag
- Oakland University, Department of Chemistry, 146 Library Dr., Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | - Brian T Scull
- Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute, 740 West Shoreline Dr., Muskegon, MI 49441, USA
| | - Schuyler Pike
- Ferris State University, Shimadzu Core Laboratory, 820 Campus Dr., Big Rapids, MI 49307, USA
| | - Erin Dreelin
- Michigan State University, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, 420 Wilson Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Chris Vernier
- Assurance Water Laboratory, Central Michigan District Health Department, 103N Bowery Ave, Gladwin, MI 48624, USA
| | - Bonnie Carter
- Oakland County Health Division Laboratory, 1200N. Telegraph, Pontiac, MI, 48341, USA
| | - Josh Sharp
- Biology Department, Northern Michigan University, 1401 Presque Isle Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855, USA
| | - Penny Nowlin
- Northern Michigan Regional Lab, Health Department of Northwest Michigan, 95 Livingston Blvd, Gaylord, MI 49735, USA
| | - Richard R Rediske
- Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute, 740 West Shoreline Dr., Muskegon, MI 49441, USA
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17
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Cyterski M, Shanks OC, Wanjugi P, McMinn B, Korajkic A, Oshima K, Haugland R. Bacterial and viral fecal indicator predictive modeling at three Great Lakes recreational beach sites. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 223:118970. [PMID: 35985141 PMCID: PMC9724166 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Coliphage are viruses that infect Escherichia coli (E. coli) and may indicate the presence of enteric viral pathogens in recreational waters. There is an increasing interest in using these viruses for water quality monitoring and forecasting; however, the ability to use statistical models to predict the concentrations of coliphage, as often done for cultured fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) such as enterococci and E. coli, has not been widely assessed. The same can be said for FIB genetic markers measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) methods. Here we institute least-angle regression (LARS) modeling of previously published concentrations of cultured FIB (E. coli, enterococci) and coliphage (F+, somatic), along with newly reported genetic concentrations measured via qPCR for E. coli, enterococci, and general Bacteroidales. We develop site-specific models from measures taken at three beach sites on the Great Lakes (Grant Park, South Milwaukee, WI; Edgewater Beach, Cleveland, OH; Washington Park, Michigan City, IN) to investigate the efficacy of a statistical predictive modeling approach. Microbial indicator concentrations were measured in composite water samples collected five days per week over a beach season (∼15 weeks). Model predictive performance (cross-validated standardized root mean squared error of prediction [SRMSEP] and R2PRED) were examined for seven microbial indicators (using log10 concentrations) and water/beach parameters collected concurrently with water samples. Highest predictive performance was seen for qPCR-based enterococci and Bacteroidales models, with F+ coliphage consistently yielding poor performing models. Influential covariates varied by microbial indicator and site. Antecedent rainfall, bird abundance, wave height, and wind speed/direction were most influential across all models. Findings suggest that some fecal indicators may be more suitable for water quality forecasting than others at Great Lakes beaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike Cyterski
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Athens, GA, 30605, United States.
| | - Orin C Shanks
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
| | - Pauline Wanjugi
- New York State Department of Health, Center for Environmental Health, Bureau of Water Supply Protection, New York City Watershed Section, Albany, NY 12201, United States
| | - Brian McMinn
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
| | - Asja Korajkic
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
| | - Kevin Oshima
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
| | - Rich Haugland
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
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18
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Bortagaray V, Gamazo P, Castro S, Grilli M, Colina R, Victoria M. Comparison of the risk of infection of human rotavirus and astrovirus according to fishing and swimming activities at Las Cañas beach, Uruguay. J Appl Microbiol 2022; 133:3523-3533. [PMID: 36000509 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To estimate the risk of human Rotavirus (RV) and Astrovirus (HAstV) infections for swimmers and fishers at Las Cañas beach, Uruguay. METHODS AND RESULTS Surface water samples were collected monthly for one year. The dose response models used were β Poisson and 1 F1 hypergeometric for RV and HAstV, respectively. The probabilities of infection were calculated using a kernel density estimate to fitting the data and then sampling from this distribution (Monte Carlo simulation). The probability of RV infection for fishers was between 0 and 65% and for swimmers was between 0 and 50% (<18 years old) and between 0 and 38% (>18 years old). For HAstV, the probability of infection for fishers was between 0% and 45% and for swimmers was between 0 and 38% (<18 years old) and between 0 and 18% (>18 years old). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that fishers are at higher risk of infection for both viruses when compared with swimmers mainly due to higher viral frequency and concentration at the site for fishing activities. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY This study highlights the different risk of infection for Rotavirus and Astrovirus, determined according to two popular activities such as swimming and fishing evidencing their negative impact in public health when contaminated waters are used mainly in developing countries like Uruguay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Bortagaray
- Laboratorio of Molecular Virology, Department of Biological Sciences, CENUR Litoral Norte, Sede Salto, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - Pablo Gamazo
- Department of Water, CENUR Litoral Norte, Sede Salto, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - Sebastián Castro
- Department of Mathematics and Estadistic from litoral (DMEL), CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - Marcos Grilli
- Laboratorio of Molecular Virology, Department of Biological Sciences, CENUR Litoral Norte, Sede Salto, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - Rodney Colina
- Laboratorio of Molecular Virology, Department of Biological Sciences, CENUR Litoral Norte, Sede Salto, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - Matias Victoria
- Laboratorio of Molecular Virology, Department of Biological Sciences, CENUR Litoral Norte, Sede Salto, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
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19
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Zhu K, Suttner B, Knee J, Capone D, Moe CL, Stauber CE, Konstantinidis KT, Wallach TE, Pickering AJ, Brown J. Elevated Fecal Mitochondrial DNA from Symptomatic Norovirus Infections Suggests Potential Health Relevance of Human Mitochondrial DNA in Fecal Source Tracking. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS 2022; 9:543-550. [PMID: 35719858 PMCID: PMC9202355 DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.2c00140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
An end goal of fecal source tracking (FST) is to provide information on risk of transmission of waterborne illnesses associated with fecal contamination. Ideally, concentrations of FST markers in ambient waters would reflect exposure risk. Human mtDNA is an FST marker that is exclusively human in origin and may be elevated in feces of individuals experiencing gastrointestinal inflammation. In this study, we examined whether human mtDNA is elevated in fecal samples from individuals with symptomatic norovirus infections using samples from the United States (US), Mozambique, and Bangladesh. We quantified hCYTB484 (human mtDNA) and HF183/BacR287 (human-associated Bacteroides) FST markers using droplet digital polymerase chain reaction. We observed the greatest difference in concentrations of hCYTB484 when comparing samples from individuals with symptomatic norovirus infections versus individuals without norovirus infections or diarrhea symptoms: log10 increase of 1.42 in US samples (3,820% increase, p-value = 0.062), 0.49 in Mozambique (308% increase, p-value = 0.061), and 0.86 in Bangladesh (648% increase, p-value = 0.035). We did not observe any trends in concentrations of HF183/BacR287 in the same samples. These results suggest concentrations of fecal mtDNA may increase during symptomatic norovirus infection and that mtDNA in environmental samples may represent an unambiguously human source-tracking marker that correlates with enteric pathogen exposure risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin
J. Zhu
- School
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Brittany Suttner
- School
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Jackie Knee
- Department
of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene
and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT,United Kingdom
| | - Drew Capone
- Department
of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global
Public Health, University of North Carolina
at Chapel Hill, Chapel
Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Christine L. Moe
- Center
for Global Safe Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, Rollins School of
Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Christine E. Stauber
- Department
of Population Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30302, United States
| | - Kostas T. Konstantinidis
- School
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Thomas E. Wallach
- Division
of Pediatric Gastroenterology, SUNY Downstate
Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York 11203, United States
| | - Amy J. Pickering
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Joe Brown
- Department
of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global
Public Health, University of North Carolina
at Chapel Hill, Chapel
Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
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20
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Stec J, Kosikowska U, Mendrycka M, Stępień-Pyśniak D, Niedźwiedzka-Rystwej P, Bębnowska D, Hrynkiewicz R, Ziętara-Wysocka J, Grywalska E. Opportunistic Pathogens of Recreational Waters with Emphasis on Antimicrobial Resistance-A Possible Subject of Human Health Concern. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127308. [PMID: 35742550 PMCID: PMC9224392 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Infections caused by exposure to opportunistic pathogens can cause serious health problems during recreational water use. The problem of diseases caused by microbes transmitted by water is a major public health challenge, especially in developing countries with economic problems and poor hygiene conditions. Moreover, the quality of water in natural reservoirs is often at a very low level in terms of microbiological water purity, which means that their use for recreational purposes, but also as a source of drinking water, may have serious health consequences. Recreational waters pose a threat to human health. Therefore, the quality of recreational waters is closely monitored in many jurisdictions. In this review, we summarize key information on the most common pathogens that can be water-based or waterborne. The issue of antimicrobial resistance among opportunistic pathogens remains equally important. It is important not only to fight pathogens, but also to take action to reduce chemical stressors (especially antibiotics) in the aquatic environment, and to understand the various mechanisms of the spread of antibiotic-resistant genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Stec
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.S.); (U.K.)
| | - Urszula Kosikowska
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.S.); (U.K.)
| | - Mariola Mendrycka
- Department of Nursing, Kazimierz Pulaski University of Technology and Humanities in Radom, 26-600 Radom, Poland;
| | - Dagmara Stępień-Pyśniak
- Department of Veterinary Prevention and Avian Diseases, Institute of Biological Bases of Animal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-950 Lublin, Poland;
| | | | - Dominika Bębnowska
- Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland; (P.N.-R.); (R.H.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Rafał Hrynkiewicz
- Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland; (P.N.-R.); (R.H.)
| | | | - Ewelina Grywalska
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
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21
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Health risks to children from exposure to fecally-contaminated recreational water. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266749. [PMID: 35413082 PMCID: PMC9004770 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Children may be at higher risk for swimming-associated illness following exposure to fecally-contaminated recreational waters. We analyzed a pooled data set of over 80,000 beachgoers from 13 beach sites across the United States to compare risks associated with the fecal indicator bacteria Enterococcus spp. (measured by colony forming units, CFU and quantitative polymerase chain reaction cell equivalents, qPCR CE) for different age groups across different exposures, sites and health endpoints.
Methods
Sites were categorized according to the predominant type of fecal contamination (human or non-human). Swimming exposures of varying intensity were considered according to degree of contact and time spent in the water. Health endpoints included gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms and skin rashes. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the risk of illness as a function of fecal contamination in water as measured by Enterococcus spp. among the exposed groups. Non-swimmers (those who did not enter the water) were excluded from the models to reduce bias and facilitate comparison across groups.
Results
Gastrointestinal symptoms were the most sensitive health endpoint and strongest associations were observed with Enterococcus qPCR CE at sites impacted by human fecal contamination. Under several exposure scenarios, associations between illness and Enterococcus spp. levels were significantly higher among children compared to adolescents and adults. Respiratory symptoms were also associated with Enterococcus spp. exposures among young children at sites affected by human fecal sources, although small sample sizes resulted in imprecise estimates for these associations.
Conclusion
Under many exposure scenarios, children were at higher risk of illness associated with exposure to fecal contamination as measured by the indicator bacteria Enterococcus spp. The source of fecal contamination and the intensity of swimming exposure were also important factors affecting the association between Enterococcus spp. and swimming-associated illness.
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22
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Sojobi AO, Zayed T. Impact of sewer overflow on public health: A comprehensive scientometric analysis and systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 203:111609. [PMID: 34216613 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Sewer overflow (SO), which has attracted global attention, poses serious threat to public health and ecosystem. SO impacts public health via consumption of contaminated drinking water, aerosolization of pathogens, food-chain transmission, and direct contact with fecally-polluted rivers and beach sediments during recreation. However, no study has attempted to map the linkage between SO and public health including Covid-19 using scientometric analysis and systematic review of literature. Results showed that only few countries were actively involved in SO research in relation to public health. Furthermore, there are renewed calls to scale up environmental surveillance to safeguard public health. To safeguard public health, it is important for public health authorities to optimize water and wastewater treatment plants and improve building ventilation and plumbing systems to minimize pathogen transmission within buildings and transportation systems. In addition, health authorities should formulate appropriate policies that can enhance environmental surveillance and facilitate real-time monitoring of sewer overflow. Increased public awareness on strict personal hygiene and point-of-use-water-treatment such as boiling drinking water will go a long way to safeguard public health. Ecotoxicological studies and health risk assessment of exposure to pathogens via different transmission routes is also required to appropriately inform the use of lockdowns, minimize their socio-economic impact and guide evidence-based welfare/social policy interventions. Soft infrastructures, optimized sewer maintenance and prescreening of sewer overflow are recommended to reduce stormwater burden on wastewater treatment plant, curtail pathogen transmission and marine plastic pollution. Comprehensive, integrated surveillance and global collaborative efforts are important to curtail on-going Covid-19 pandemic and improve resilience against future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tarek Zayed
- Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
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23
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Biological Indicators for Fecal Pollution Detection and Source Tracking: A Review. Processes (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/pr9112058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fecal pollution, commonly detected in untreated or less treated sewage, is associated with health risks (e.g., waterborne diseases and antibiotic resistance dissemination), ecological issues (e.g., release of harmful gases in fecal sludge composting, proliferative bacterial/algal growth due to high nutrient loads) and economy losses (e.g., reduced aqua farm harvesting). Therefore, the discharge of untreated domestic sewage to the environment and its agricultural reuse are growing concerns. The goals of fecal pollution detection include fecal waste source tracking and identifying the presence of pathogens, therefore assessing potential health risks. This review summarizes available biological fecal indicators focusing on host specificity, degree of association with fecal pollution, environmental persistence, and quantification methods in fecal pollution assessment. The development of practical tools is a crucial requirement for the implementation of mitigation strategies that may help confine the types of host-specific pathogens and determine the source control point, such as sourcing fecal wastes from point sources and nonpoint sources. Emerging multidisciplinary bacterial enumeration platforms are also discussed, including individual working mechanisms, applications, advantages, and limitations.
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24
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Price MT, Blackwood AD, Noble RT. Integrating culture and molecular quantification of microbial contaminants into a predictive modeling framework in a low-lying, tidally-influenced coastal watershed. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 792:148232. [PMID: 34147794 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Examinations of stormwater delivery in the context of tidal inundation are lacking. Along the coastal plains of the southeastern United States, tidal inundation is increasing in frequency and severity, often with dramatic adverse impacts on timely stormwater discharge, coastal flooding hazards, and even "sunny day flooding". Therefore, a comprehensive study was conducted to examine tidally-influenced stormwater outfalls discharging to Taylor's Creek, an estuary proximal to Beaufort, NC used regularly for recreation and tourism. Over a wide range of meteorological conditions, water samples were collected and analyzed for fecal indicator bacteria (FIB, used for water quality management) and previously published quantitative microbial source tracking (qMST) markers. Nineteen sampling events were conducted from July 2017-June 2018 with samples classified according to tidal state and defined as either inundated, receding, or transition. A first-of-its-kind multiple linear regression model was developed to predict concentrations of Enterococcus sp. by tidal cycle, salinity and antecedent rainfall. We demonstrated that the majority of variability associated with the concentration of Enterococcus sp. could be predicted by E. coli concentration and tidal phase. FIB concentrations were significantly (<0.05) influenced by tide with higher concentrations observed in samples collected during receding (low) tides (EC: log 3.12 MPN/100 mL; ENT: 2.67 MPN/100 mL) compared to those collected during inundated (high) (EC: log 2.62 MPN/100 mL; ENT: 2.11 MPN/100 mL) or transition (EC: log 2.74 MPN/100 mL; ENT: 2.53 MPN/100 mL) tidal periods. Salinity, was also found to significantly (<0.05) correlate with Enterococcus sp. concentrations during inundated (high) tidal conditions (sal: 17 ppt; ENT: 2.04 MPN/100 mL). Tide, not precipitation, was shown to be a significant driver in explaining the variability in Enterococcus sp. concentrations. Precipitation has previously been shown to be a driver of Enterococcus sp. concentrations, but our project demonstrates the need for tidal parameters to be included in the future development of water quality monitoring programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew T Price
- UNC Institute of Marine Sciences, 3431 Arendell St., Morehead City, NC 28557, USA
| | - Angelia D Blackwood
- UNC Institute of Marine Sciences, 3431 Arendell St., Morehead City, NC 28557, USA
| | - Rachel T Noble
- UNC Institute of Marine Sciences, 3431 Arendell St., Morehead City, NC 28557, USA.
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25
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Corsi SR, De Cicco LA, Hansen AM, Lenaker PL, Bergamaschi BA, Pellerin BA, Dila DK, Bootsma MJ, Spencer SK, Borchardt MA, McLellan SL. Optical Properties of Water for Prediction of Wastewater Contamination, Human-Associated Bacteria, and Fecal Indicator Bacteria in Surface Water at Three Watershed Scales. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:13770-13782. [PMID: 34591452 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c02644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Relations between spectral absorbance and fluorescence properties of water and human-associated and fecal indicator bacteria were developed for facilitating field sensor applications to estimate wastewater contamination in waterways. Leaking wastewater conveyance infrastructure commonly contaminates receiving waters. Methods to quantify such contamination can be time consuming, expensive, and often nonspecific. Human-associated bacteria are wastewater specific but require discrete sampling and laboratory analyses, introducing latency. Human sewage has fluorescence and absorbance properties different than those of natural waters. To assist real-time field sensor development, this study investigated optical properties for use as surrogates for human-associated bacteria to estimate wastewater prevalence in environmental waters. Three spatial scales were studied: Eight watershed-scale sites, five subwatershed-scale sites, and 213 storm sewers and open channels within three small watersheds (small-scale sites) were sampled (996 total samples) for optical properties, human-associated bacteria, fecal indicator bacteria, and, for selected samples, human viruses. Regression analysis indicated that bacteria concentrations could be estimated by optical properties used in existing field sensors for watershed and subwatershed scales. Human virus occurrence increased with modeled human-associated bacteria concentration, providing confidence in these regressions as surrogates for wastewater contamination. Adequate regressions were not found for small-scale sites to reliably estimate bacteria concentrations likely due to inconsistent local sanitary sewer inputs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven R Corsi
- U.S. Geological Survey, 8505 Research Way, Middleton, Wisconsin 53562, United States
| | - Laura A De Cicco
- U.S. Geological Survey, 8505 Research Way, Middleton, Wisconsin 53562, United States
| | - Angela M Hansen
- United States Geological Survey, 6000 J Street, Placer Hall, Sacramento, California 95819, United States
| | - Peter L Lenaker
- U.S. Geological Survey, 8505 Research Way, Middleton, Wisconsin 53562, United States
| | - Brian A Bergamaschi
- United States Geological Survey, 6000 J Street, Placer Hall, Sacramento, California 95819, United States
| | - Brian A Pellerin
- United States Geological Survey, 12201 Sunrise Valley Dr., Reston, Virginia 20192, United States
| | - Debra K Dila
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 600 E Greenfield Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204, United States
| | - Melinda J Bootsma
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 600 E Greenfield Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204, United States
| | - Susan K Spencer
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 2615 Yellowstone Dr., Marshfield, Wisconsin 54449, United States
| | - Mark A Borchardt
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 2615 Yellowstone Dr., Marshfield, Wisconsin 54449, United States
| | - Sandra L McLellan
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 600 E Greenfield Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204, United States
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26
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Recreational water exposure and waterborne infections in a prospective salivary antibody study at a Lake Michigan beach. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20540. [PMID: 34654825 PMCID: PMC8519948 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00059-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In a prospective observational study, seroconversion to a specific pathogen can serve as a marker of an incident infection, whether or not that infection is symptomatic or clinically diagnosed. While self-reported symptoms can be affected by reporting bias, seroconversion is likely to be free of this bias as it is based on objective measurements of antibody response. Non-invasive salivary antibody tests can be used instead of serum tests to detect seroconversions in prospective studies. In the present study, individuals and families were recruited at a Lake Michigan beach in Wisconsin in August 2011. Data on recreational water exposure and baseline saliva samples (S1) were collected at recruitment. Follow-up data on gastrointestinal symptoms were collected via a telephone interview approximately 10 days post-recruitment. Follow-up saliva samples were self-collected approximately 2 weeks (S2) and 30–40 days post-recruitment (S3) and mailed to the study laboratory. Samples were analyzed for immunoglobulin (Ig) G responses to recombinant antigens of three noroviruses and Cryptosporidium, as well as protein purification tags as internal controls, using an in-house multiplex suspension immunoassay on the Luminex platform. Responses were defined as ratios of antibody reactivities with a target protein and its purification tag. Seroconversions were defined as at least four-fold and three-fold increases in responses in S2 and S3 samples compared to S1, respectively. In addition, an S2 response had to be above the upper 90% one-sided prediction limit of a corresponding spline function of age. Among 872 study participants, there were seven (0.8%) individuals with seroconversions, including six individuals with seroconversions to noroviruses and two to Cryptosporidium (one individual seroconverted to both pathogens). Among 176 (20%) individuals who reported swallowing lake water, there were six (3.4%) seroconversions compared to one (0.14%) seroconversion among the remaining 696 individuals: the crude and age-standardized risk differences per 1000 beachgoers were 32.7 (95% confidence limits 5.7; 59.6) and 94.8 (4.6; 276), respectively. The age-adjusted odds ratio of seroconversion in those who swallowed water vs. all others was 49.5 (4.5; 549), p = 0.001. Individuals with a norovirus seroconversion were more likely to experience vomiting symptoms within 4 days of the index beach visit than non-converters with an odds ratio of 34 (3.4, 350), p = 0.003. This study contributed further evidence that recreational water exposure is associated with symptomatic and asymptomatic waterborne infections, and that salivary antibody assays can be used in epidemiological surveys of norovirus and Cryptosporidium infections.
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27
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Shoults DC, Li Q, Petterson S, Rudko SP, Dlusskaya L, Leifels M, Scott C, Schlosser C, Ashbolt NJ. Pathogen performance testing of a natural swimming pool using a cocktail of microbiological surrogates and QMRA-derived management goals. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2021; 19:629-641. [PMID: 34371499 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2021.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, natural swimming pools (NSPs) have gained popularity in Europe, especially in Germany and Austria. NSPs differ from swimming pools in that they utilize biological treatment processes based on wetland processes with no disinfection residual. However, data are missing on the specific log-reduction performance of NSPs to address enteric virus, bacteria, and parasitic protozoa removal considered necessary to meet the North American risk-based benchmark (<35 illnesses per 1,000 swimming events) set by the USEPA for voluntary swimming. In this study, we examined Canada's first NSP at Borden Park, Edmonton, Canada, to address the following three questions: (1) Given normal faecal shedding rates by bathers, what is the total log reduction (TLR) theoretically needed to meet the EPA benchmark? (2) what is the in-situ performance of the NSP based on spiking suitable microbial surrogates (MS2 coliphage, Enterococcus faecalis, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae [Baker's yeast])? and (3) how much time is required to reach acceptable bather risk levels under different representative volume-turnover rates? A reverse-quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) revealed that of the four reference pathogens selected (Norovirus, Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia), only Norovirus was estimated to exceed the risk benchmark at the 50th, 75th, and 95th percentiles, while Campylobacter was the only other reference pathogen to exceed at the 95th percentile. Log-reduction values (LRVs) were similar to previous reports for bacterial indicators, and novel LRVs were estimated for the other two surrogates. A key finding was that more than 24 h treatment time would be necessary to provide acceptable bather protection following heavy bather use (378 bathers/day for main pool and 26 bathers/day for children's pool), due to the mixing dynamics of the treated water diluting out possible residual pool faecal contamination. The theoretical maximum number of people in the pool per day to be below USEPA's 35 gastro cases in 1,000 swimming events was 113, 47, and 8, at the 50th, 75th, and 95th percentiles. Further, the use of ultra-violet disinfection to the pool return flow had little effect on reducing the treatment time required.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Shoults
- Centre for Water Resources Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Qiaozhi Li
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G7, Canada E-mail:
| | - Susan Petterson
- Water & Health Pty Ltd, North Sydney, NSW 2060, Australia; School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Sydney P Rudko
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G7, Canada E-mail:
| | - Lena Dlusskaya
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G7, Canada E-mail:
| | - Mats Leifels
- Singapore Centre of Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, Canada
| | - Candis Scott
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G7, Canada E-mail:
| | - Cyndi Schlosser
- Borden Park, City of Edmonton, Edmonton, Alberta T5B 4W8, Canada
| | - Nicholas J Ashbolt
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G7, Canada E-mail: ; Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, East Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia
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28
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Rajeev AC, Sahu N, Arvind K, Deori M, Grace T, Dev SA, Yadav VP, Ghosh I. Exploring prevalence of potential pathogens and fecal indicators in geographically distinct river systems through comparative metagenomics. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 282:117003. [PMID: 33848911 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microbial communities are considered as vital members to reflect the health of a riverine system. Among them, pathogenic and fecal indicators imply health risks involved with potability of river water. The present study explores the diverse microbial communities, distribution pattern of potential pathogens, and fecal indicators between the geographically distinct Himalayan and Peninsular river systems of India. It also inquires into the environmental factors associated with community variance and distribution pattern of microbial indicators. The application of high-throughput amplicon sequencing approach unveiled significant demarcation (p < 0.004, Anosim R = 0.62) of samples suggesting unique microbial diversities in these two river sediments. Random forest analysis revealed Desulfobulbulus, PSB_M_3, and Opitutus in Himalayan, while DA101, Bacillus, and Streptomyces in the Peninsular as significant contributors to develop overall dissimilarity between the river systems. Permutational multivariate analysis of variance and co-occurrence network analysis were used to study the relationships between microbial taxa and environmental factors. Amongst the various studied environmental parameters, pH, K, Ca, Mg, Ba, and Al in the Himalayan and salinity, Na, temperature, and Th in the Peninsular significantly influenced shaping of distinct microbial communities. Furthermore, the potential pathogenic genera, including Flavobacterium, Clostridium, Arcobacter, Pseudomonas, and Bacillus were highly prevalent in both the river systems. Arcobacter, Clostridium, Acinetobacter, Bacteroides, and Caloramator were the prominent fecal indicators in these river systems. Our findings provide salient information about the crucial role and interplay between various environmental factors and anthropogenic influences in framing the microbiome of the distinct river systems in India. Moreover, assessing potential pathogenic and fecal indicators suggest the public health risk associated with untreated sewage discharge into these water sources. The detection of various F/S indicators and potentially pathogenic bacteria in Himalayan and Peninsular river systems emphasize the urgent need for future monitoring and management of major riverine systems in India.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nishi Sahu
- School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Kumar Arvind
- Department of Genomic Science, Central University of Kerala, India
| | - Maushumi Deori
- School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Tony Grace
- Department of Genomic Science, Central University of Kerala, India
| | - Suma Arun Dev
- Division of Forest Genetics and Biotechnology, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Kerala, India
| | - Vijay Pal Yadav
- School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Ilora Ghosh
- School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.
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29
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Comparative stability of assay results of enterococci measured by culture and qPCR over time in bathing beach waters. J Microbiol Methods 2021; 188:106274. [PMID: 34175353 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2021.106274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The diurnal presence of the culturable bacterial indicators of fecal contamination in the water environment has been shown to be highly variable over time due to natural die-off and injury from effects of sunlight and other environmental stressors. Molecular analytes of a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method for measuring fecal contamination degrade considerably slower than the alternative of culturable fecal indicator bacteria. The rapid qPCR method holds the promise of more timely notification decisions with respect to postings or closure being made on the basis of microbial water quality samples collected earlier on the same day. In the case of culture-based methods requiring a 24 h or longer incubation period, decisions must be based on samples collected no sooner than the previous day. To examine the effect of this lag in assay results, temporal stability of a molecular Enterococci target analyte with that of traditional culture-based cells is compared using data from USEPA studies conducted between 2003 and 2007 on seven freshwater and marine beaches that were impacted by publicly-owned treatment works. Generally, levels of the molecular indicator were more consistent throughout the day between 8:00 am and 3:00 pm. The difference in temporal consistency is even more pronounced when the 24-h lag in culture-based results is taken into account.
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Ahmed W, Gyawali P, Hamilton KA, Joshi S, Aster D, Donner E, Simpson SL, Symonds EM. Antibiotic Resistance and Sewage-Associated Marker Genes in Untreated Sewage and a River Characterized During Baseflow and Stormflow. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:632850. [PMID: 34177821 PMCID: PMC8226142 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.632850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Since sewage is a hotspot for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), the identification of ARGs in environmental waters impacted by sewage, and their correlation to fecal indicators, is necessary to implement management strategies. In this study, sewage treatment plant (STP) influent samples were collected and analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to investigate the abundance and correlations between sewage-associated markers (i.e., Bacteroides HF183, Lachnospiraceae Lachno3, crAssphage) and ARGs indicating resistance to nine antibiotics (belonging to aminoglycosides, beta-lactams, sulfonamides, macrolides, and tetracyclines). All ARGs, except blaVIM, and sewage-associated marker genes were always detected in untreated sewage, and ermF and sul1 were detected in the greatest abundances. intl1 was also highly abundant in untreated sewage samples. Significant correlations were identified between sewage-associated marker genes, ARGs and the intl1 in untreated sewage (τ = 0.488, p = 0.0125). Of the three sewage-associated marker genes, the BIO-ENV procedure identified that HF183 alone best maximized correlations to ARGs and intl1 (τ = 0.590). Additionally, grab samples were collected from peri-urban and urban sites along the Brisbane River system during base and stormflow conditions, and analyzed for Escherichia coli, ARGs, the intl1, and sewage-associated marker genes using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Significant correlations were identified between E. coli, ARGs, and intl1 (τ = 0.0893, p = 0.0032), as well as with sewage-associated marker genes in water samples from the Brisbane River system (τ = 0.3229, p = 0.0001). Of the sewage-associated marker genes and E. coli, the BIO-ENV procedure identified that crAssphage alone maximized correlations with ARGs and intl1 in river samples (τ = 0.4148). Significant differences in E. coli, ARGs, intl1, and sewage-associated marker genes, and by flow condition (i.e., base vs. storm), and site types (peri-urban vs. urban) combined were identified (R = 0.3668, p = 0.0001), where percent dissimilarities between the multi-factorial groups ranged between 20.8 and 11.2%. Results from this study suggest increased levels of certain ARGs and sewage-associated marker genes in stormflow river water samples compared to base flow conditions. E. coli, HF183 and crAssphage may serve as potential indicators of sewage-derived ARGs under stormflow conditions, and this merits further investigation. Data presented in this study will be valuable to water quality managers to understand the links between sewage pollution and ARGs in urban environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park, QLD, Australia
| | - Pradip Gyawali
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd. (ESR), Porirua, New Zealand
| | - Kerry A Hamilton
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States.,Biodesign Center for Environmental Health Engineering, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Sayalee Joshi
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States.,Biodesign Center for Environmental Health Engineering, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - David Aster
- Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park, QLD, Australia
| | - Erica Donner
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, University Boulevard, Mawson Lakes, SA, Australia
| | | | - Erin M Symonds
- College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
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Furlan JPR, Ramos MS, Dos Santos LDR, Gallo IFL, Lopes R, Stehling EG. Appearance of mcr-9, bla KPC, cfr and other clinically relevant antimicrobial resistance genes in recreation waters and sands from urban beaches, Brazil. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 167:112334. [PMID: 33839570 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The co-occurrence of mcr-like and carbapenemase-encoding genes have been reported mainly in humans and animals, whereas, in the environment, studies are gradually increasing due to the One Health approach. In this study, we investigated antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in water and sand samples from marine environments in Brazil. Total DNA from 56 samples (33 sands and 23 waters) was obtained and 27 different ARGs were detected, highlighting the presence of mcr-9, blaKPC and cfr genes. Additionally, the microbiological analysis revealed that sand samples of all analyzed beaches were not recommended for primary use, whereas water samples from most beaches were classified as unsuitable for bathing. The presence of clinically relevant ARGs in urban beaches suggests the presence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of mcr-9 and cfr genes in the environment from Brazil and recreational areas worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Pedro Rueda Furlan
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Micaela Santana Ramos
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Lucas David Rodrigues Dos Santos
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Inara Fernanda Lage Gallo
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Ralf Lopes
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Eliana Guedes Stehling
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
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32
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Tiwari A, Oliver DM, Bivins A, Sherchan SP, Pitkänen T. Bathing Water Quality Monitoring Practices in Europe and the United States. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:5513. [PMID: 34063910 PMCID: PMC8196636 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Many countries including EU Member States (EUMS) and the United States (U.S.) regularly monitor the microbial quality of bathing water to protect public health. This study comprehensively evaluates the EU bathing water directive (BWD) and the U.S. recreational water quality criteria (RWQC) as regulatory frameworks for monitoring microbial quality of bathing water. The major differences between these two regulatory frameworks are the provision of bathing water profiles, classification of bathing sites based on the pollution level, variations in the sampling frequency, accepted probable illness risk, epidemiological studies conducted during the development of guideline values, and monitoring methods. There are also similarities between the two approaches given that both enumerate viable fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) as an index of the potential risk to human health in bathing water and accept such risk up to a certain level. However, enumeration of FIB using methods outlined within these current regulatory frameworks does not consider the source of contamination nor variation in inactivation rates of enteric microbes in different ecological contexts, which is dependent on factors such as temperature, solar radiation, and salinity in various climatic regions within their geographical areas. A comprehensive "tool-box approach", i.e., coupling of FIB and viral pathogen indicators with microbial source tracking for regulatory purposes, offers potential for delivering improved understanding to better protect the health of bathers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananda Tiwari
- Expert Microbiology Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 95, FI-70701 Kuopio, Finland;
| | - David M. Oliver
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK;
| | - Aaron Bivins
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering & Earth Science, University of Notre Dame, 156 Fitzpatrick Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA;
| | - Samendra P. Sherchan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Tulane University, 1440 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Tarja Pitkänen
- Expert Microbiology Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 95, FI-70701 Kuopio, Finland;
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
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Large-scale comparison of E. coli levels determined by culture and a qPCR method (EPA Draft Method C) in Michigan towards the implementation of rapid, multi-site beach testing. J Microbiol Methods 2021; 184:106186. [PMID: 33766609 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2021.106186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Fecal pollution remains a challenge for water quality managers at Great Lakes and inland recreational beaches. The fecal indicator of choice at these beaches is typically Escherichia coli (E. coli), determined by culture-based methods that require over 18 h to obtain results. Researchers at the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have developed a rapid E. coli qPCR methodology (EPA Draft Method C) that can provide same-day results for improving public health protection with demonstrated sensitivity, specificity, and data acceptance criteria. However, limited information is currently available to compare the occurrence of E. coli determined by cultivation and by EPA Draft Method C (Method C). This study provides a large-scale data collection effort to compare the occurrence of E. coli determined by these alternative methods at more than 100 Michigan recreational beach and other sites using the complete set of quantitative data pairings and selected subsets of the data and sites meeting various eligibility requirements. Simple linear regression analyses of composite (pooled) data indicated a correlation between results of the E. coli monitoring approaches for each of the multi-site datasets as evidenced by Pearson R-squared values ranging from 0.452 to 0.641. Theoretical Method C threshold values, expressed as mean log10 target gene copies per reaction, that corresponded to an established E. coli culture method water quality standard of 300 MPN or CFU /100 mL varied only from 1.817 to 1.908 for the different datasets using this model. Different modeling and derivation approaches that incorporated within and between-site variability in the estimates also gave Method C threshold values in this range but only when relatively well-correlated datasets were used to minimize the error. A hypothetical exercise to evaluate the frequency of water impairments based on theoretical qPCR thresholds corresponding to the E. coli water quality standard for culture methods suggested that the methods may provide the same beach notification outcomes over 90% of the time with Method C results differing from culture method results that indicated acceptable and unacceptable water quality at overall rates of 1.9% and 6.6%, respectively. Results from this study provide useful information about the relationships between E. coli determined by culture and qPCR methods across many diverse freshwater sites and should facilitate efforts to implement qPCR-based E. coli detection for rapid recreational water quality monitoring on a large scale in the State of Michigan.
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Antibiotic Resistance in Recreational Waters: State of the Science. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17218034. [PMID: 33142796 PMCID: PMC7663426 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17218034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ambient recreational waters can act as both recipients and natural reservoirs for antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria and antimicrobial resistant genes (ARGs), where they may persist and replicate. Contact with AMR bacteria and ARGs potentially puts recreators at risk, which can thus decrease their ability to fight infections. A variety of point and nonpoint sources, including contaminated wastewater effluents, runoff from animal feeding operations, and sewer overflow events, can contribute to environmental loading of AMR bacteria and ARGs. The overall goal of this article is to provide the state of the science related to recreational exposure and AMR, which has been an area of increasing interest. Specific objectives of the review include (1) a description of potential sources of antibiotics, AMR bacteria, and ARGs in recreational waters, as documented in the available literature; (2) a discussion of what is known about human recreational exposures to AMR bacteria and ARGs, using findings from health studies and exposure assessments; and (3) identification of knowledge gaps and future research needs. To better understand the dynamics related to AMR and associated recreational water risks, future research should focus on source contribution, fate and transport-across treatment and in the environment; human health risk assessment; and standardized methods.
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Devane ML, Moriarty E, Weaver L, Cookson A, Gilpin B. Fecal indicator bacteria from environmental sources; strategies for identification to improve water quality monitoring. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 185:116204. [PMID: 32745743 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In tropical to temperate environments, fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), such as enterococci and Escherichia coli, can persist and potentially multiply, far removed from their natural reservoir of the animal gut. FIB isolated from environmental reservoirs such as stream sediments, beach sand and vegetation have been termed "naturalized" FIB. In addition, recent research suggests that the intestines of poikilothermic animals such as fish may be colonized by enterococci and E. coli, and therefore, these animals may contribute to FIB concentrations in the aquatic environment. Naturalized FIB that are derived from fecal inputs into the environment, and subsequently adapted to maintain their population within the non-host environment are termed "naturalized enteric FIB". In contrast, an additional theory suggests that some "naturalized" FIB diverged from enteric FIB many millions of years ago and are now normal inhabitants of the environment where they are referred to as "naturalized non-enteric FIB". In the case of the Escherichia genus, the naturalized non-enteric members are identified as E. coli during routine water quality monitoring. An over-estimation of the health risk could result when these naturalized, non-enteric FIB, (that is, not derived from avian or mammalian fecal contamination), contribute to water quality monitoring results. It has been postulated that these environmental FIB belonging to the genera Escherichia and Enterococcus can be differentiated from enteric FIB by genetic methods because they lack some of the genes required for colonization of the host intestine, and have acquired genes that aid survival in the environment. Advances in molecular tools such as next generation sequencing will aid the identification of genes peculiar or "enriched" in particular habitats to discriminate between enteric and environmental FIB. In this appraisal, we have reviewed the research studying "naturalized" FIB, and discussed the techniques for their differentiation from enteric FIB. This differentiation includes the important distinction between enteric FIB derived from fresh and non-recent fecal inputs, and those truly non-enteric environmental microbes, which are currently identified as FIB during routine water quality monitoring. The inclusion of tools for the identification of naturalized FIB (enteric or environmental) would be a valuable resource for future studies assessing water quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan L Devane
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd., 27 Creyke Rd, Ilam, Christchurch, New Zealand.
| | - Elaine Moriarty
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd., 27 Creyke Rd, Ilam, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Louise Weaver
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd., 27 Creyke Rd, Ilam, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Adrian Cookson
- AgResearch Ltd., Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand; mEpiLab, School of Veterinary Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Brent Gilpin
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd., 27 Creyke Rd, Ilam, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Lane MJ, Rediske RR, McNair JN, Briggs S, Rhodes G, Dreelin E, Sivy T, Flood M, Scull B, Szlag D, Southwell B, Isaacs NM, Pike S. A comparison of E. coli concentration estimates quantified by the EPA and a Michigan laboratory network using EPA Draft Method C. J Microbiol Methods 2020; 179:106086. [PMID: 33058947 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2020.106086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated data from 10 laboratories that analyzed water samples from 82 recreational water sites across the state of Michigan between 2016 and 2018. Water sample replicates were analyzed by experienced U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) analysts and Michigan laboratories personnel, many of whom were newly trained, using EPA Draft Method C-a rapid quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technique that provides same day Escherichia coli (E. coli) concentration results. Beach management decisions (i.e. remain open or issue an advisory or closure) based on E. coli concentration estimates obtained by Michigan labs and by the EPA were compared; the beach management decision agreed in 94% of the samples analyzed. We used the Wilcoxon one-sample signed rank test and nonparametric quantile regression to assess (1) the degree of agreement between E. coli concentrations quantified by Michigan labs versus the EPA and (2) Michigan lab E. coli measurement precision, relative to EPA results, in different years and water body types. The median quantile regression curve for Michigan labs versus EPA approximated the 1:1 line of perfect agreement more closely as years progressed. Similarly, Michigan lab E. coli estimates precision also demonstrated yearly improvements. No meaningful difference was observed in the degree of association between Michigan lab and EPA E. coli concentration estimates for inland lake and Great Lakes samples (median regression curve average slopes 0.93 and 0.95, respectively). Overall, our study shows that properly trained laboratory personnel can perform Draft Method C to a degree comparable with experienced EPA analysts. This allows health departments that oversee recreational water quality monitoring to be confident in qPCR results generated by the local laboratories responsible for analyzing the water samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly J Lane
- Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University, 1 Campus Dr., Allendale, MI 49401, USA.
| | - Richard R Rediske
- Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University, 1 Campus Dr., Allendale, MI 49401, USA.
| | - James N McNair
- Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University, 1 Campus Dr., Allendale, MI 49401, USA.
| | - Shannon Briggs
- Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), 525 W. Allegan St., Lansing, MI 48909, USA.
| | - Geoff Rhodes
- Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), 525 W. Allegan St., Lansing, MI 48909, USA.
| | - Erin Dreelin
- Michigan State University, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Natural Resource Building, 420 Wilson Rd, Room 13, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
| | - Tami Sivy
- Saginaw Valley State University, Department of Chemistry, 7400 Bay Road, University Center, MI 48710, USA.
| | - Matthew Flood
- Michigan State University, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Natural Resource Building, 420 Wilson Rd, Room 13, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
| | - Brian Scull
- Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University, 1 Campus Dr., Allendale, MI 49401, USA.
| | - David Szlag
- Oakland University, Department of Chemistry, 146 Library Dr., Rochester, MI 48309, USA.
| | - Benjamin Southwell
- Lake Superior State University, 650 W Easterday Ave., Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783, USA.
| | - Natasha M Isaacs
- U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Upper Midwest Water Science Center, 5840 Enterprise Dr., Lansing, MI 48911, USA.
| | - Schuyler Pike
- Ferris State University, Shimadzu Core Laboratory for Academic and Research Excellence, 820 Campus Dr., Big Rapids, MI 49307, USA.
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Ahmed W, Payyappat S, Cassidy M, Harrison N, Marinoni O, Besley C. Prevalence and abundance of traditional and host-associated fecal indicators in urban estuarine sediments: Potential implications for estuarine water quality monitoring. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 184:116109. [PMID: 32818744 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the prevalence and abundance of sewage and animal fecal contamination of sediment at seven estuarine locations in Sydney, NSW, Australia. Sediment samples were tested for the occurrence of microbial targets including molecular marker genes of enterococci (ENT), Bacteroides HF183 (HF183), Methanobrevibacter smithii (nifH), human adenovirus (HAdV) and emerging sewage-associated marker genes crAssphage (CPQ_056) and Lachnospiraceae (Lachno3) and animal feces-associated marker genes, including avian feces-associated Helicobacter spp. (GFD), canine-feces associated Bacteroides (DogBact), cattle-feces associated (cowM2) and horse feces-associated Bacteroides (HoF597). Results from this study showed that urban estuarine sediment can act as a reservoir of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) and several microbial source tracking (MST) marker genes, including previously unreported Lachno3. The sewage-associated marker gene CPQ_056 was most prevalent, in 63.8% of sediment samples, while the avian associated marker gene GFD had the highest mean abundance. The GFD marker gene was highly abundant and widely detected in sediment samples from all seven locations compared to the other animal feces-associated marker genes. In all, 31 (44.9%) sediment samples were positive for at least two sewage-associated marker genes. However, the non-quantifiable detection of the HAdV marker gene did not always align with the detection of two or more sewage-associated marker genes. In addition, the most frequent wet weather overflow exposure occurred at locations that did not have a consistent pattern of detection of the sewage-associated marker genes, suggesting sediments may not be a suitable measure of recent sewage contamination. To assist water quality and public health managers better understand past microbial contamination of estuarine sediment, further studies seem justified to explore the role of decay of MST marker genes in sediment. Further work is also needed on the role of resuspension of MST marker genes from sediment during storm events to the water column as a source of contamination for both the GFD and sewage-associated marker genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD, 4102, Australia.
| | - Sudhi Payyappat
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW, 2150, Australia
| | - Michele Cassidy
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW, 2150, Australia
| | - Nathan Harrison
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW, 2150, Australia
| | - Oswald Marinoni
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Colin Besley
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW, 2150, Australia
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Shrestha A, Kelty CA, Sivaganesan M, Shanks OC, Dorevitch S. Fecal pollution source characterization at non-point source impacted beaches under dry and wet weather conditions. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 182:116014. [PMID: 32622131 PMCID: PMC8220998 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Though Lake Michigan beaches in Chicago are not impacted by stormwater or wastewater outfalls, several of those beaches often exceed USEPA Beach Action Values (BAVs). We investigated the role of microbial source tracking (MST) as a complement to routine beach monitoring at Chicago beaches. In summer 2016, water samples from nine Chicago beaches were analyzed for E. coli by culture and enterococci by qPCR. A total of 195 archived samples were then tested for human (HF183/BacR287, HumM2), canine (DG3, DG37), and avian (GFD) microbial source tracking (MST) markers. Associations between MST and general fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) measures were evaluated and stratified based on wet and dry weather definitions. Among the 195 samples, HF183/BacR287 was quantifiable in 4%, HumM2 in 1%, DG3 in 6%, DG37 in 2%, and GFD in 23%. The one beach with a dog area was far more likely to have DG3 present in the quantifiable range than other beaches. Exceedance of general FIB BAVs increased the odds of human, dog and avian marker detection. MST marker weighted-average fecal scores for DG3 was 2.4 times, DG37 was 2.1 times, and GFD was 1.6 times higher during wet compared to dry weather conditions. HF183/BacR287 weighted-average fecal scores were not associated with precipitation. Associations between FIB BAV exceedance and MST marker detection were generally stronger in wet weather. Incorporating MST testing into routine beach water monitoring can provide information that beach managers can use when developing protection plans for beaches not impacted by point sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhilasha Shrestha
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Catherine A Kelty
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Mano Sivaganesan
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Orin C Shanks
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Samuel Dorevitch
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Institute for Environmental Science and Policy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Federigi I, Bonadonna L, Bonanno Ferraro G, Briancesco R, Cioni L, Coccia AM, Della Libera S, Ferretti E, Gramaccioni L, Iaconelli M, La Rosa G, Lucentini L, Mancini P, Suffredini E, Vicenza T, Veneri C, Verani M, Carducci A. Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment as support for bathing waters profiling. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 157:111318. [PMID: 32658683 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111318] [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: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Profiling bathing waters supported by Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) is key to the WHO's recommendations for the 2020/2021 revision of the European Bathing Water Directive. We developed an area-specific QMRA model on four pathogens, using fecal indicator concentrations (E. coli, enterococci) for calculating pathogen loads. The predominance of illness was found to be attributable to Human Adenovirus, followed by Salmonella, Vibrio, and Norovirus. Overall, the cumulative illness risk showed a median of around 1 case/10000 exposures. The risk estimates were strongly influenced by the indicators that were used, suggesting the need for a more detailed investigation of the different sources of fecal contamination. Area-specific threshold values for fecal indicators were estimated on a risk-basis by modelling the cumulative risk against E. coli and enterococci concentrations. To improve bathing waters assessment, we suggest considering source apportionment, locally estimating of pathogen/indicator ratios, and calculating site-specific indicators thresholds based on risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucia Bonadonna
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Rossella Briancesco
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Cioni
- Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri 7, 56123 Pisa, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Coccia
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Emanuele Ferretti
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Marcello Iaconelli
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina La Rosa
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Lucentini
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Pamela Mancini
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Suffredini
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Teresa Vicenza
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Carolina Veneri
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Verani
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Shrestha A, Dorevitch S. Slow adoption of rapid testing: Beach monitoring and notification using qPCR. J Microbiol Methods 2020; 174:105947. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2020.105947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Xu T, Coco G, Neale M. A predictive model of recreational water quality based on adaptive synthetic sampling algorithms and machine learning. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 177:115788. [PMID: 32330740 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.115788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Predicting recreational water quality is one of the most difficult tasks in water management with major implications for humans and society. Many data-driven models have been used to predict water quality indicators to allow a real time assessment of public health risk. This assessment is most commonly based on Faecal Indicator Bacteria (FIB), with the value of FIB compared with thresholds published in guidelines. However, FIB values usually tend to be unbalanced within water quality datasets, with small proportions of data exceeding guideline thresholds and far larger numbers that do not. This can be a limiting factor in the uptake of model predictions since, even if the overall accuracy is high, the sensitivity of the predictions can be low. To address this issue, this paper proposes an adaptive synthetic sampling algorithm (ADASYN) to generate synthetic above-threshold FIB instances and test the validity of the approach for the prediction of recreational water quality. The models in this paper are based on four machine learning techniques: k-mean nearest neighbour, boosting decision tree, support vector machine, and multi-layer perceptron artificial neural network and are applied to five different locations in Auckland, New Zealand. Aside from support vector machine, all models provide favourable predictions with relatively high sensitivity (around 75%) and overall accuracy (over 90%), indicating that both the compliant and exceedance conditions can be effectively predicted through the use of more sophisticated model training which involves artificial data. Considering the model accuracy and stability, boosting decision trees (BDT) and multi-layer perceptron artificial neural (MLP-ANN) network are the best two models and the multi-layer perceptron is the most efficient with the shortest computation time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Xu
- School of Environment, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Giovanni Coco
- School of Environment, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Martin Neale
- School of Environment, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, New Zealand
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Ferguson A, Kumar Dwivedi A, Ehindero E, Adelabu F, Rattler K, Perone HR, Montas L, Mena K, Solo-Gabriele H. Soil, Hand, and Body Adherence Measures across Four Beach Areas: Potential Influence on Exposure to Oil Spill Chemicals. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E4196. [PMID: 32545527 PMCID: PMC7345354 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Skin adherence (SA) of soil affects exposure from soil contaminants through dermal routes via loading on the skin and through ingestion routes through hand to mouth activities. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the relationships between adherence versus child-specific and environmental factors. Two sets of soil-to-skin adherence were evaluated. The first was based on loading on hands following hand presses (Hand SA). The second was based on body rinses following one hour of play activities on the beach (Body SA). Results for 98-119 children conducted at four beach sites show that mean Hand SA was 35.7 mg/cm2 (std. dev. 41.8 mg/cm2), while Body SA based on full coverage was 6.8 mg/cm2 (std. dev. 4.8 mg/cm2). Statistically significant differences in Body SA were observed between male (8.1 mg/cm2) and female (5.8 mg/cm2) children (p < 0.05). No significant difference by sex was found for Hand SA. Other statistically different observations were that Hand SA (p < 0.05), but not Body SA, differed across the four beaches (p < 0.05). For Hand SA, this difference was associated soil size variability across the beaches. Hand and Body SA values measured during this study are recommended for use in risk assessments that evaluate beach exposures to oil spill chemicals for young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alesia Ferguson
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA; (A.K.D.); (E.E.); (F.A.)
| | - Ashok Kumar Dwivedi
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA; (A.K.D.); (E.E.); (F.A.)
| | - Esther Ehindero
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA; (A.K.D.); (E.E.); (F.A.)
| | - Foluke Adelabu
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA; (A.K.D.); (E.E.); (F.A.)
| | - Kyra Rattler
- School of Social Work, University of Arkansas Little Rock, Little Rock, AR 72204, USA;
| | - Hanna Rose Perone
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA; (H.R.P.); (L.M.); (H.S.-G.)
| | - Larissa Montas
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA; (H.R.P.); (L.M.); (H.S.-G.)
| | - Kristina Mena
- School of Public Health, University of Texas-Houston, El Paso, TX 79905, USA;
| | - Helena Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA; (H.R.P.); (L.M.); (H.S.-G.)
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Russo GS, Eftim SE, Goldstone AE, Dufour AP, Nappier SP, Wade TJ. Evaluating health risks associated with exposure to ambient surface waters during recreational activities: A systematic review and meta-analysis. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 176:115729. [PMID: 32240845 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.115729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Recreational water quality guidelines protect the public from health risks associated with water recreation by helping to prevent unacceptable concentrations of pathogenic organisms in ambient water. However, illness risk is associated with both the concentration of pathogens in the water and the degree of contact with those pathogens. Different recreational activities can result in different levels of contact with ambient water containing water-borne pathogens. We conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to evaluate risks of illness associated with different recreational activities and different levels of contact to ambient surface waters. We screened 8,618 potentially relevant studies for quantitative measures of risk using inclusion/exclusion criteria established in advance. We categorized recreational activities as swimming, sports-related contact, minimal contact, and sand contact. We combined relative risks using a random effects meta-analysis for adverse health outcome categories representing gastrointestinal illness, respiratory illness, skin, eye, ear, nose, throat, and cold/flu illness. We identified 92 studies meeting our inclusion criteria. Pooled risk estimates indicate significant elevation of gastrointestinal illness with the recreational activity categories swimming (2.19, 95% CI: 1.82, 2.63) and sports-related contact (2.69, 95% CI: 1.04, 6.92), and nonsignificant elevation of gastrointestinal illness with minimal contact (1.27, 95% CI: 0.74, 2.16). We also found a significant elevation of respiratory illness with swimming (1.78, 95% CI: 1.38, 2.29) and sports-related contact (1.49, 95% CI: 1.00, 2.24), and no elevation of respiratory illness with minimal contact (0.90, 95% CI: 0.71, 1.14). This study suggests that exposures associated with different types of recreational activities are important characteristics of the exposure pathway when assessing illness risk associated with recreation in ambient surface waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary S Russo
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, Office of Science and Technology, Standards and Health Protection Division, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Mail Code 4305T, Washington, DC, 20460, USA.
| | | | | | - Alfred P Dufour
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Exposure Research Laboratory, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Mail Code 587, Cincinnati, OH, 45268, USA
| | - Sharon P Nappier
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, Office of Science and Technology, Health and Ecological Division, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Mail Code 4304T, Washington, DC, 20460, USA
| | - Timothy J Wade
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Mail Code 58C, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
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DeFlorio-Barker S, Holman D, Landolfi R, Arnold BF, Colford JM, Weisberg SB, Schiff KC, Sams EA, Wade TJ. Incidence and public health burden of sunburn among beachgoers in the United States. Prev Med 2020; 134:106047. [PMID: 32142856 PMCID: PMC7271251 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.106047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The beach environment creates many barriers to effective sun protection, putting beachgoers at risk for sunburn, a well-established risk factor for skin cancer. Our objective was to estimate incidence of sunburn among beachgoers and evaluate the relationship between sunburn incidence and sun-protective behaviors. A secondary analysis, of prospective cohorts at 12 locations within the U.S. from 2003 to 2009 (n = 75,614), were pooled to evaluate sunburn incidence 10-12 days after the beach visit. Behavioral and environmental conditions were cross-tabulated with sunburn incidence. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the association between new sunburn and sun-protective behaviors. Overall, 13.1% of beachgoers reported sunburn. Those aged 13-18 years (16.5%), whites (16.0%), and those at beach locations along the Eastern Seaboard (16.1%), had the highest incidence of sunburn. For those spending ≥5 h in the sun, the use of multiple types of sun protection reduced odds of sunburn by 55% relative to those who used no sun protection (Odds Ratio = 0.45 (95% Confidence Interval:0.27-0.77)) after adjusting for skin type, age, and race. Acute health effects of sunburn tend to be mild and self-limiting, but potential long-term health consequences are more serious and costly. Efforts to encourage and support proper sun-protective behaviors, and increase access to shade, protective clothing, and sunscreen, can help prevent sunburn and reduce skin cancer risk among beachgoers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie DeFlorio-Barker
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive M/D B243-01, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - Dawn Holman
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Robert Landolfi
- Office of Atmospheric Programs, Office of Air and Radiation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Benjamin F Arnold
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
| | - John M Colford
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
| | - Stephen B Weisberg
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority, Costa Mesa, CA, USA.
| | - Kenneth C Schiff
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority, Costa Mesa, CA, USA.
| | - Elizabeth A Sams
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive M/D B243-01, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - Timothy J Wade
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive M/D B243-01, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
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Verhougstraete MP, Pogreba-Brown K, Reynolds KA, Lamparelli CC, Zanoli Sato MI, Wade TJ, Eisenberg JNS. A critical analysis of recreational water guidelines developed from temperate climate data and applied to the tropics. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 170:115294. [PMID: 31765827 PMCID: PMC6962556 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.115294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Recreational water epidemiology studies are rare in settings with minimal wastewater treatment where risk may be highest, and in tropical settings where warmer temperature influences the ecology of fecal indicator bacteria commonly used to monitor recreational waters. One exception is a 1999 study conducted in São Paulo Brazil. We compared the risk and exposure characteristics of these data with those conducted in the United Kingdom (UK) in the early 1990s that are the basis of the World Health Organization's (WHO) guidelines on recreational water risks. We then developed adjusted risk difference models (excess gastrointestinal illness per swimming event) for children (<10 years of age) and non-children (≥10 years of age) across five Brazil beaches. We used these models along with beach water quality data from 2004 to 2015 to assess spatial and temporal trends in water quality and human risk. Risk models indicate that children in Brazil have as much as two times the risk of gastrointestinal illness than non-children. In Brazil, 11.8% of the weekly water samples from 2004 to 2015 exceeded 158 enterococci CFU/100 ml, the highest level of fecal streptococci concentration measured in the UK study. Risks associated with these elevated levels equated to median NEEAR-Gastrointestinal Illness (NGI) risks of 53 and 96 excess cases per 1000 swimmers in non-children and children, respectively. Two of the five beaches appear to drive the overall elevated NGI risks seen during this study. Distinct enteric pathogen profiles that exist in tropical settings as well as in settings with minimal wastewater treatment highlight the importance of regionally specific guideline development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc P Verhougstraete
- The University of Arizona, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Department of Community Environment and Policy, USA.
| | - Kristen Pogreba-Brown
- The University of Arizona, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, USA.
| | - Kelly A Reynolds
- 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 São Paulo State (CETESB), São 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, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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Wu B, Wang C, Zhang C, Sadowsky MJ, Dzakpasu M, Wang XC. Source-Associated Gastroenteritis Risk from Swimming Exposure to Aging Fecal Pathogens. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:921-929. [PMID: 31800232 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b01188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Human contact with fecally contaminated waters often raises public health concern. The infection potential closely relates to the fecal source type and the aging persistence of waterborne pathogens. In this study, the health risk of contracting gastroenteritis from exposure to aging fecal contamination was predicted using source-associated markers. Microbial decay characteristics in typical summer seawater were incorporated into a pathogen dose estimation model for a constant fecal input. Results show that the median illness probability commensurate with the health benchmark of 36/1000 corresponded to the marker concentrations of ∼7.8, ∼6.6, ∼3.7, and ∼3.5 log10 gene copies/100 mL for seagulls, cattle, raw sewage, and treated effluent, respectively. The error in risk estimates due to neglecting microbial decay was linearly correlated to the decay differences between markers and pathogens. Specifically, the health risk associated with nonhuman sources, which was primarily contributed by bacterial and parasitic pathogens, can be substantially overestimated, while that for virus-dominated human sources was insignificantly affected by the differential decay. Additionally, seagulls dominated the Enterococcus concentration in waters with a mixture of the above-mentioned sources, although they posed limited health risk. This study provides an approach to understanding the influence of fecal aging on health risk estimation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baolei Wu
- International Science & Technology Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development; Key Lab of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering; and School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering , Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology , Number 13, Yanta Road , Xi'an , Shaanxi 710055 , P. R. China
| | - Chunwei Wang
- International Science & Technology Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development; Key Lab of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering; and School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering , Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology , Number 13, Yanta Road , Xi'an , Shaanxi 710055 , P. R. China
| | - Chongmiao Zhang
- International Science & Technology Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development; Key Lab of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering; and School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering , Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology , Number 13, Yanta Road , Xi'an , Shaanxi 710055 , P. R. China
| | - Michael J Sadowsky
- BioTechnology Institute, Department of Soil, Water, & Climate and Department of Plant & Microbial Biology , University of Minnesota , 1479 Gortner Avenue , Saint Paul , Minnesota 55108 , United States
| | - Mawuli Dzakpasu
- International Science & Technology Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development; Key Lab of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering; and School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering , Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology , Number 13, Yanta Road , Xi'an , Shaanxi 710055 , P. R. China
| | - Xiaochang C Wang
- International Science & Technology Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development; Key Lab of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering; and School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering , Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology , Number 13, Yanta Road , Xi'an , Shaanxi 710055 , P. R. China
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47
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Weiskerger CJ, Brandão J, Ahmed W, Aslan A, Avolio L, Badgley BD, Boehm AB, Edge TA, Fleisher JM, Heaney CD, Jordao L, Kinzelman JL, Klaus JS, Kleinheinz GT, Meriläinen P, Nshimyimana JP, Phanikumar MS, Piggot AM, Pitkänen T, Robinson C, Sadowsky MJ, Staley C, Staley ZR, Symonds EM, Vogel LJ, Yamahara KM, Whitman RL, Solo-Gabriele HM, Harwood VJ. Impacts of a changing earth on microbial dynamics and human health risks in the continuum between beach water and sand. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 162:456-470. [PMID: 31301475 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Although infectious disease risk from recreational exposure to waterborne pathogens has been an active area of research for decades, beach sand is a relatively unexplored habitat for the persistence of pathogens and fecal indicator bacteria (FIB). Beach sand, biofilms, and water all present unique advantages and challenges to pathogen introduction, growth, and persistence. These dynamics are further complicated by continuous exchange between sand and water habitats. Models of FIB and pathogen fate and transport at beaches can help predict the risk of infectious disease from beach use, but knowledge gaps with respect to decay and growth rates of pathogens in beach habitats impede robust modeling. Climatic variability adds further complexity to predictive modeling because extreme weather events, warming water, and sea level change may increase human exposure to waterborne pathogens and alter relationships between FIB and pathogens. In addition, population growth and urbanization will exacerbate contamination events and increase the potential for human exposure. The cumulative effects of anthropogenic changes will alter microbial population dynamics in beach habitats and the assumptions and relationships used in quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) and process-based models. Here, we review our current understanding of microbial populations and transport dynamics across the sand-water continuum at beaches, how these dynamics can be modeled, and how global change factors (e.g., climate and land use) should be integrated into more accurate beachscape-based models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea J Weiskerger
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - João Brandão
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisboa, Portugal; Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) - Department of Animal Biology, University of Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Warish Ahmed
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boogo Road, Dutton Park, Old, 4102, Australia
| | - Asli Aslan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
| | - Lindsay Avolio
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Brian D Badgley
- School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Alexandria B Boehm
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Thomas A Edge
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jay M Fleisher
- College of Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Christopher D Heaney
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Luisa Jordao
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - James S Klaus
- Department of Marine Geosciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Päivi Meriläinen
- Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Mantha S Phanikumar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Alan M Piggot
- Department of Earth and Environment, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Tarja Pitkänen
- Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Clare Robinson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael J Sadowsky
- BioTechnology Institute and Departments of Soil, Water, & Climate, and Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | | | | | - Erin M Symonds
- College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL, USA
| | - Laura J Vogel
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kevan M Yamahara
- Monterrey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Moss Landing, CA, USA
| | - Richard L Whitman
- Great Lakes Science Center, United States Geological Survey, Chesterton, IN, USA
| | - Helena M Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Valerie J Harwood
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
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Mchau GJ, Makule E, Machunda R, Gong YY, Kimanya M. Harmful algal bloom and associated health risks among users of Lake Victoria freshwater: Ukerewe Island, Tanzania. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2019; 17:826-836. [PMID: 31638032 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2019.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
There is a global concern regarding the occurrences of harmful algal blooms (HABs) and their effects on human health. Lake Victoria (LV) has been reported to face eutrophication challenges, resulting in an increase of bloom-forming cyanobacteria. This study is aimed at understanding the association of HABs and health risks at Ukerewe Island. A cross-sectional study conducted on 432 study subjects and water samples for cyanobacteria species identification were collected at LV shores. The results reveal that concentrations of cyanobacteria cells are beyond (WHO) acceptable limits; species of Microcystis aeruginosa range from 90,361.63 to 3,032.031.65 cells/mL and Anabaena spp. range from 13,310.00 to 4,814,702 cells/mL. Water usage indicates that 31% use lake water, 53% well water and 16% treated supplied pipe water. Vomiting and throat irritation was highly reported by lake water users as compared to wells and pipe water (P < 0.001). Gastrointestinal illness (GI) was significantly elevated among lake water users as compared to pipe and well water users (P < 0.001). Visible blooms in lake water were associated with GI, skin irritation and vomiting as compared to water without visible blooms (P < 0.001). The concentration of cyanobacteria blooms poses greater risks when water is used without treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geofrey J Mchau
- Nelson Mandela Africa Institute of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania E-mail: ; Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, P.O. Box 573, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Edna Makule
- Nelson Mandela Africa Institute of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania E-mail:
| | - Revocatus Machunda
- Nelson Mandela Africa Institute of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania E-mail:
| | - Yun Yun Gong
- School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Martin Kimanya
- Nelson Mandela Africa Institute of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania E-mail:
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49
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Zhang Q, Gallard J, Wu B, Harwood VJ, Sadowsky MJ, Hamilton KA, Ahmed W. Synergy between quantitative microbial source tracking (qMST) and quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA): A review and prospectus. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 130:104703. [PMID: 31295713 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.03.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The use of microbial source tracking (MST) marker genes has grown in recent years due to the need to attribute point and non-point fecal contamination to specific sources. Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) is a modeling approach used to estimate health risks from exposure to feces-contaminated water and associated pathogens. A combination of these approaches [quantitative MST (qMST) and QMRA] can provide additional pathogen-related information for prioritizing and addressing health risks, compared to reliance on conventional fecal indicator bacteria (FIB). To inform expansion of this approach, a review of published qMST-QMRA studies was conducted to summarize the state of the science and to identify research needs. The reviewed studies primarily aimed to identify what levels of MST marker genes in hypothetical recreational waterbodies would exceed the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) risk benchmarks for primary contact recreators. The QMRA models calculated relationships between MST marker gene(s) and reference pathogens based on published data in the literature. The development of a robust, accurate relationship was identified as an urgent research gap for qMST-QMRA. This metric requires additional knowledge to quantify the relationship between MST marker genes and the degree of variability in decay of pathogens as a dynamic function of environmental conditions and combinations of fecal sources at multiple spatial and temporal scales. Improved characterization of host shedding rates of host-associated microorganisms (i.e., MST marker genes), as well as fate and transport of these microorganisms and their nucleic acids, would facilitate expansion of this approach to other exposure pathways. Incorporation of information regarding the recovery efficiency, and host-specificity of MST marker genes into QMRA model parameters, and the sensitivity analysis, would greatly improve risk management and site-specific water monitoring criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, 1479 Gortner Ave, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Javier Gallard
- Department of Integrative Biology, SCA 110, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Baolei Wu
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710055, PR China
| | - Valerie J Harwood
- Department of Integrative Biology, SCA 110, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Michael J Sadowsky
- BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, 1479 Gortner Ave, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA; Department of Soil, Water & Climate and Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, 1991 Upper Buford Ave, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Kerry A Hamilton
- School for Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, 660 S College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; The Biodesign Institute Center for Environmental Health Engineering, Arizona State University, 1001 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, QLD 4102, Australia.
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Nappier SP, Ichida A, Jaglo K, Haugland R, Jones KR. Advancements in mitigating interference in quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for microbial water quality monitoring. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 671:732-740. [PMID: 30939326 PMCID: PMC6555561 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.03.242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA)1 2012 Recreational Water Quality Criteria included an Enterococcus spp. quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method as a supplemental indicator-method. In 2012, performance of qPCR for beach monitoring remained limited, specifically with addressing interference. A systematic literature search of peer-reviewed publications was conducted to identify where Enterococcus spp. and E. coli qPCR methods have been applied in ambient waters. In the present study, we evaluated interference rates, contributing factors resulting in increased interference in these methods, and method improvements that reduced interference. Information on qPCR methods of interest and interference controls were reported in 16 papers for Enterococcus spp. and 13 papers for E. coli. Of the Enterococcus spp. qPCR methods assessed in this effort, the lowest frequencies of interference were reported in samples using Method 1609. Low frequencies of sample interference were also reported EPA's modified E. coli qPCR method, which incorporates the same reagents and interference controls as Method 1609. The literature indicates that more work is needed to demonstrate the utility of E. coli qPCR for widespread beach monitoring purposes, whereas more broad use of Method 1609 for Enterococcus spp. is appropriate when the required and suggested controls are employed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon P Nappier
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, Office of Science and Technology, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20460, USA.
| | | | | | - Rich Haugland
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Cincinnati, USA
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