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Lewis JA, Frost VJ, Heard MJ. Examining the potential impacts of a coastal renourishment project on the presence and abundance of Escherichia coli. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304061. [PMID: 38787843 PMCID: PMC11125542 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Erosion poses a significant threat to oceanic beaches worldwide. To combat this threat, management agencies often utilize renourishment, which supplements eroded beaches with offsite sand. This process can alter the physical characteristics of the beach and can influence the presence and abundance of microbial communities. In this study, we examined how an oceanic beach renourishment project may have impacted the presence and abundance of Escherichia coli (E. coli), a common bacteria species, and sand grain size, a sediment characteristic that can influence bacterial persistence. Using an observational field approach, we quantified the presence and abundance of E. coli in sand (from sub-tidal, intertidal, and dune zones on the beach) and water samples at study sites in both renourished and non-renourished sections of Folly Beach, South Carolina, USA in 2014 and 2015. In addition, we also measured how renourishment may have impacted sand grain size by quantifying the relative frequency of grain sizes (from sub-tidal, intertidal, and dune zones on the beach) at both renourished and non-renourished sites. Using this approach, we found that E. coli was present in sand samples in all zones of the beach and at each of our study sites in both years of sampling but never in water samples. Additionally, we found that in comparison to non-renourished sections, renourished sites had significantly higher abundances of E. coli and coarser sand grains in the intertidal zone, which is where renourished sand is typically placed. However, these differences were only present in 2014 and were not detected when we resampled the study sites in 2015. Collectively, our findings show that E. coli can be commonly found in this sandy beach microbial community. In addition, our results suggest that renourishment has the potential to alter both the physical structure of the beach and the microbial community but that these impacts may be short-lived.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan A. Lewis
- Department of Biology, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, South Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Victoria J. Frost
- Department of Biology, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Matthew J. Heard
- Department of Biology, Belmont University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
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Kalvaitienė G, Bučas M, Vaičiūtė D, Balčiūnas A, Gyraitė G, Kataržytė M. Impact of beach wrack on microorganisms associated with faecal pollution at the Baltic Sea Sandy beaches. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 918:170442. [PMID: 38278231 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
We investigated whether higher quantities of faecal indicator bacteria (FIB) are in the areas with red algae-dominated wrack compared to areas without it and if the birds are the primary source of faecal pollution on sandy beaches of the Baltic Sea. Water, sand and wrack samples were collected during the recreational season, and abundances of FIB, HF183 (human faecal pollution) and GFD (bird faecal pollution) markers, as well as the presence of Salmonella and Campylobacter, were assessed. Significantly higher levels of Enterococcus spp. were found in the wrack accumulation areas in water and sand than in the areas without wrack when there was a faecal pollution event, which could be explained by entrapment and changed physico-chemical water conditions. Both faecal pollution markers were identified, however, with no apparent pattern. Campylobacter bacteria were identified in the wrack-affected water, sand, and beach wrack. While this research provides valuable insights into beach wrack serving as a reservoir for FIB, further investigations, including multi-day samplings, are necessary to gain a deeper understanding of the long-term dynamics of microbiota within red algae-dominated wrack.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Kalvaitienė
- Klaipėda University, Marine Research Institute, University Avenue 17, 92295 Klaipėda, Lithuania.
| | - Martynas Bučas
- Klaipėda University, Marine Research Institute, University Avenue 17, 92295 Klaipėda, Lithuania.
| | - Diana Vaičiūtė
- Klaipėda University, Marine Research Institute, University Avenue 17, 92295 Klaipėda, Lithuania.
| | - Arūnas Balčiūnas
- Klaipėda University, Marine Research Institute, University Avenue 17, 92295 Klaipėda, Lithuania.
| | - Greta Gyraitė
- Klaipėda University, Marine Research Institute, University Avenue 17, 92295 Klaipėda, Lithuania.
| | - Marija Kataržytė
- Klaipėda University, Marine Research Institute, University Avenue 17, 92295 Klaipėda, Lithuania.
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Abdool-Ghany AA, Pollier CGL, Oehlert AM, Swart PK, Blare T, Moore K, Solo-Gabriele HM. Assessing quality and beneficial uses of Sargassum compost. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 171:545-556. [PMID: 37806162 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Sargassum spp. (specifically Sargassum fluitans and S. natans), one of the dominant forms of marine macroalgae (seaweed) found on the beaches of Florida, is washing up on the shores throughout the Caribbean in record quantities. Currently, a common management option is to haul and dispose of beached Sargassum in local landfills, potentially wasting a valuable renewable resource. The objective of this study was to determine whether composting represents a feasible alternative to managing Sargassum inundations through measurements and comparisons to eleven guidelines. Specifically, we assessed the characteristics of the compost [physical-chemical parameters (temperature, moisture content, pH, and conductivity), nutrient ratios (C:N), elemental composition, bacteria levels, and ability to sustain plant growth] in both small- and large scale experiments. Results show that although nutrient concentration ratios were not within the standards outlined by the U.S. Composting Council (USCC), the Sargassum compost was able to sustain the growth of radishes (Raphanus sativus L., var. Champion). Trace metal concentrations in the compost product were within five regulatory guidelines evaluated, except for arsenic (As) (6.64-26.5 mg/kg), which exceeded one of the five (the Florida Soil Cleanup Target Level for residential use). Bacteria levels were consistent with regulatory guidelines for compost produced in large-scale outdoor experiments but not for the small-scale set conducted in enclosed tumblers. Overall results support that Sargassum compost can be beneficially used for fill and some farming applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afeefa A Abdool-Ghany
- Department of Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Clément G L Pollier
- Department of Marine Geosciences, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science, University of Miami, Key Biscayne, FL, USA
| | - Amanda M Oehlert
- Department of Marine Geosciences, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science, University of Miami, Key Biscayne, FL, USA
| | - Peter K Swart
- Department of Marine Geosciences, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science, University of Miami, Key Biscayne, FL, USA
| | - Trent Blare
- Department of Food and Resource Economics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kimberly Moore
- University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, 3205 College Avenue, Davie, FL, USA
| | - Helena M Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA.
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Rothenberg SE, Furrer JM, Ingram LA, Ashford-Carroll TS, Foster SA, Hystad P, Hynes DM, Navab-Daneshmand T, Branscum AJ, Kruearat P. Sanitary sewage overflows, boil water advisories, and emergency room and urgent care visits for gastrointestinal illness: a case-crossover study in South Carolina, USA, 2013-2017. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 33:102-110. [PMID: 36376586 PMCID: PMC9851942 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00498-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sanitary sewage overflows (SSOs) release raw sewage, which may contaminate the drinking water supply. Boil water advisories (BWAs) are issued during low or negative pressure events, alerting customers to potential contamination in the drinking water distribution system. OBJECTIVE We evaluated the associations between SSOs and BWAs and diagnoses of gastrointestinal (GI) illness in Columbia, South Carolina, and neighboring communities, 2013-2017. METHODS A symmetric bi-directional case-crossover study design was used to assess the role of SSOs and BWAs on Emergency Room and Urgent Care visits with a primary diagnosis of GI illness. Cases were considered exposed if an SSO or BWA occurred 0-4 days, 5-9 days, or 10-14 days prior to the diagnosis, within the same residential zip code. Effect modification was explored via stratification on participant-level factors (e.g., sex, race, age) and season (January-March versus April-December). RESULTS There were 830 SSOs, 423 BWAs, and 25,969 cases of GI illness. Highest numbers of SSOs, BWAs and GI cases were observed in a zip code where >80% of residents identified as Black or African-American. SSOs were associated with a 13% increase in the odds of a diagnosis for GI illness during the 0-4 day hazard period, compared to control periods (Odds Ratio: 1.13, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.09, 1.18), while no associations were observed during the other hazard periods. BWAs were not associated with increased or decreased odds of GI illness during all three hazard periods. However, in stratified analyses BWAs issued between January-March were associated with higher odds of GI illness, compared to advisories issued between April-December, in all three hazard periods. SIGNIFICANCE SSOs (all months) and BWAs (January-March) were associated with increased odds of a diagnosis of GI illness. Future research should examine sewage contamination of the drinking water distribution system, and mechanisms of sewage intrusion from SSOs. IMPACT Sewage contains pathogens, which cause gastrointestinal (GI) illness. In Columbia, South Carolina, USA, between 2013-2017, there were 830 sanitary sewage overflows (SSOs). There were also 423 boil water advisories, which were issued during negative pressure events. Using case-crossover design, SSOs (all months) and boil water advisories (January-March) were associated with increased odds of Emergency Room and Urgent Care diagnoses of GI illness, potentially due to contamination of the drinking water distribution system. Lastly, we identified a community where >80% of residents identified as Black or African-American, which experienced a disproportionate burden of sewage exposure, compared to the rest of Columbia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Rothenberg
- Oregon State University, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.
| | - Jessica M Furrer
- Benedict College, Department of Computer Science, Physics, and Engineering, Columbia, SC, 29204, USA
| | - Lucy A Ingram
- University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | | | - Stephanie A Foster
- Oregon State University, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Perry Hystad
- Oregon State University, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Denise M Hynes
- Oregon State University, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
- Oregon State University, Center for Quantitative Life Sciences, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Portland Health Care System, Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | | | - Adam J Branscum
- Oregon State University, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Pemika Kruearat
- Oregon State University, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
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Abdool-Ghany AA, Sahwell PJ, Klaus J, Gidley ML, Sinigalliano CD, Solo-Gabriele HM. Fecal indicator bacteria levels at a marine beach before, during, and after the COVID-19 shutdown period and associations with decomposing seaweed and human presence. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 851:158349. [PMID: 36041612 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Studies are limited that evaluate seaweed as a source of bacteria to beach waters. The objective of the current study was to evaluate whether seaweed, along with humans and other animals, could be the cause of beach advisories due to elevated levels of enterococci. The monitoring period occurred a year prior to and through the COVID-19 beach shutdown period, which provided a unique opportunity to evaluate bacteria levels during prolonged periods without recreational activity. Samples of water, sediment, and seaweed were measured for enterococci by culture and qPCR, in addition to microbial source tracking by qPCR of fecal bacteria markers from humans, dogs, and birds. During periods of elevated enterococci levels in water, these analyses were supplemented by chemical source tracking of human-associated excretion markers (caffeine, sucralose, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen). Results show that enterococci with elevated levels of human fecal markers persist in the seaweed and sediment and are the likely contributor to elevated levels of bacteria to the nearshore waters. During the shutdown period the elevated levels of enterococci in the sediment were isolated to the seaweed stranding areas. During periods when the beaches were open, enterococci were distributed more uniformly in sediment across the supratidal and intertidal zones. It is hypothesized from this study that human foot traffic may be responsible for the spread of enterococci throughout these areas. Overall, this study found high levels of enterococci in decomposing seaweed supporting the hypothesis that decomposing seaweed provides an additional substrate for enterococci to grow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afeefa A Abdool-Ghany
- Department of Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Peter J Sahwell
- Department of Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - James Klaus
- Department of Marine Geosciences, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Miami, Key Biscayne, FL, USA
| | - Maribeth L Gidley
- University of Miami, Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS), Miami, FL, USA; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML), Miami, FL, USA
| | - Christopher D Sinigalliano
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML), Miami, FL, USA
| | - Helena M Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA.
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Abstract
Fecal microorganisms can enter water bodies in diverse ways, including runoff, sewage discharge, and direct fecal deposition. Once in water, the microorganisms experience conditions that are very different from intestinal habitats. The transition from host to aquatic environment may lead to rapid inactivation, some degree of persistence, or growth. Microorganisms may remain planktonic, be deposited in sediment, wash up on beaches, or attach to aquatic vegetation. Each of these habitats offers a panoply of different stressors or advantages, including UV light exposure, temperature fluctuations, salinity, nutrient availability, and biotic interactions with the indigenous microbiota (e.g., predation and/or competition). The host sources of fecal microorganisms are likewise numerous, including wildlife, pets, livestock, and humans. Most of these microorganisms are unlikely to affect human health, but certain taxa can cause waterborne disease. Others signal increased probability of pathogen presence, e.g., the fecal indicator bacteria Escherichia coli and enterococci and bacteriophages, or act as fecal source identifiers (microbial source tracking markers). The effects of environmental factors on decay are frequently inconsistent across microbial species, fecal sources, and measurement strategies (e.g., culture versus molecular). Therefore, broad generalizations about the fate of fecal microorganisms in aquatic environments are problematic, compromising efforts to predict microbial decay and health risk from contamination events. This review summarizes the recent literature on decay of fecal microorganisms in aquatic environments, recognizes defensible generalizations, and identifies knowledge gaps that may provide particularly fruitful avenues for obtaining a better understanding of the fates of these organisms in aquatic environments.
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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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Osei FB, Stein A. Diarrhea Morbidities in Small Areas: Accounting for Non-Stationarity in Sociodemographic Impacts using Bayesian Spatially Varying Coefficient Modelling. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9908. [PMID: 28855557 PMCID: PMC5577375 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-10017-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Model-based estimation of diarrhea risk and understanding the dependency on sociodemographic factors is important for prioritizing interventions. It is unsuitable to calibrate regression model with a single set of coefficients, especially for large spatial domains. For this purpose, we developed a Bayesian hierarchical varying coefficient model to account for non-stationarity in the covariates. We used the integrated nested Laplace approximation for parameter estimation. Diarrhea morbidities in Ghana motivated our empirical study. Results indicated improvement regarding model fit and epidemiological benefits. The findings highlighted substantial spatial, temporal, and spatio-temporal heterogeneities in both diarrhea risk and the coefficients of the sociodemographic factors. Diarrhea risk in peri-urban and urban districts were 13.2% and 10.8% higher than rural districts, respectively. The varying coefficient model indicated further details, as the coefficients varied across districts. A unit increase in the proportion of inhabitants with unsafe liquid waste disposal was found to increase diarrhea risk by 11.5%, with higher percentages within the south-central parts through to the south-western parts. Districts with safe and unsafe drinking water sources unexpectedly had a similar risk, as were districts with safe and unsafe toilets. The findings show that site-specific interventions need to consider the varying effects of sociodemographic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- F B Osei
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, Ghana.
- Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands.
| | - A Stein
- Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands.
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Zimmer-Faust AG, Thulsiraj V, Marambio-Jones C, Cao Y, Griffith JF, Holden PA, Jay JA. Effect of freshwater sediment characteristics on the persistence of fecal indicator bacteria and genetic markers within a Southern California watershed. WATER RESEARCH 2017; 119:1-11. [PMID: 28433878 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2017.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the aging of culturable FIB and DNA representing genetic markers for Enterococcus spp. (ENT1A), general Bacteroides (GB3), and human-associated Bacteroides (HF183) in freshwater sediments was evaluated. Freshwater sediment was collected from four different sites within the upper and lower reach of the Topanga Creek Watershed and two additional comparator sites within the Santa Monica Bay, for a total of six sites. Untreated (ambient) and oven-dried (reduced microbiota) sediment was inoculated with 5% sewage and artificial freshwater. Microcosms were held for a 21-day period and sampled on day 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 12, and 21. There were substantial differences in decay among the sediments tested, and decay rates were related to sediment characteristics. In the ambient sediments, smaller particle size and higher levels of organic matter and nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) were associated with increased persistence of the GB3 marker and culturable Escherichia coli (cEC) and enterococci (cENT). The HF183 marker exhibited decay rates of -0.50 to -0.96 day-1, which was 2-5 times faster in certain ambient sediments than decay of culturable FIB and the ENT1A and GB3 markers. The ENT1A and GB3 markers decayed at rates of between -0.07 and -0.28 and -0.10 to -0.44 day-1, and cEC and cENT decayed at rates of between -0.22 and -0.81 and -0.03 and -0.40 day-1, respectively. In the oven-dried sediments, increased persistence of all indicators and potential for limited growth of culturable FIB and the GB3 and ENT1A markers was observed. A simplified two-box model using the HF183 marker and cENT decay rates generated from the microcosm experiments was applied to two reaches within the Topanga Canyon watershed in order to provide context for the variability in decay rates observed. The model predicted lower ambient concentrations of enterococci in sediment in the upper (90 MPN g-1) versus lower Topanga watershed (530 MPN g-1) and low ambient levels of the HF183 marker (below the LLOQ) in sediments in both lower and upper watersheds. It is important to consider the variability in the persistence of genetic markers and FIB when evaluating indicators of fecal contamination in sediments, even within one watershed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amity G Zimmer-Faust
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Vanessa Thulsiraj
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Catalina Marambio-Jones
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Yiping Cao
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, 3535 Harbor Blvd Ste 110, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, United States
| | - John F Griffith
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, 3535 Harbor Blvd Ste 110, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, United States
| | - Patricia A Holden
- Earth Research Institute and Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, United States
| | - Jennifer A Jay
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States.
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10
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Mika KB, Chavarria KA, Imamura G, Tang C, Torres R, Jay JA. Sources and persistence of fecal indicator bacteria and Bacteroidales in sand as measured by culture-based and culture-independent methods: A case study at Santa Monica Pier, California. WATER, AIR, AND SOIL POLLUTION 2017; 228:124. [PMID: 30853729 PMCID: PMC6404519 DOI: 10.1007/s11270-017-3291-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated causes of persistent fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) in beach sand under the pier in Santa Monica, CA. FIB levels were up to 1,000 times higher in sand underneath the pier than that collected from adjacent to the pier, with the highest concentrations under the pier in spring and fall. Escherichia coli (EC) and enterococci (ENT) under the pier were significantly positively correlated with moisture (ρ = 0.61, p < 0.001, n = 59; ρ = 0.43, p < 0.001, n = 59, respectively), and ENT levels measured by qPCR (qENT) were much higher than those measured by membrane filtration (cENT). Microcosm experiments tested the ability of EC, qENT, cENT, and general Bacteroidales (GenBac) to persist under in-situ moisture conditions (10% and 0.1%). Decay rates of qENT, cENT, and GenBac were not significantly different from zero at either moisture level, while decay rates for EC were relatively rapid during the microcosm at 10% moisture (k = 0.7 days-1). Gull/pelican marker was detected at eight of 12 sites and no human-associated markers (TaqHF183 and HumM2) were detected at any site during a one-day site survey. Results from this study indicate that the high levels of FIB observed likely stem from environmental sources combined with high persistence of FIB under the pier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn B Mika
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Karina A Chavarria
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Greg Imamura
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Chay Tang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Robert Torres
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Jennifer A. Jay
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
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11
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Abreu R, Figueira C, Romão D, Brandão J, Freitas MC, Andrade C, Calado G, Ferreira C, Campos A, Prada S. Sediment characteristics and microbiological contamination of beach sand - A case-study in the archipelago of Madeira. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 573:627-638. [PMID: 27585431 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.08.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Revised: 08/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Beach sand can harbour pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms, as well as faecal indicator bacteria that influence directly the bathing water quality. Pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms often raise concern of exposure during beach related recreational activities. In this work, three different types of sandy beaches (natural basaltic, natural calcareous and artificial calcareous) of the Archipelago of Madeira (Portugal) were sampled for bacterial and fungal contaminants and grain size distribution, during four years (2010-2013). Following an extreme weather event in 2010, the faecal indicator bacteria levels spiked, returning to base levels shortly thereafter. The same phenomenon occurred with fungi, where potentially pathogenic fungi were the dominant group. Yeast-like fungi and dermatophytes were, however, mainly associated to months of higher usage by recreational users. Statistical analysis showed higher contamination of sediment in artificial beaches compared to natural beaches and granulometry and chemical composition of sand did not influence in the microbial loads. Instead, bather density and the influence of coastal protection structures needed to maintain the volume of artificial beach sand regarding the removal potential of wave induced currents are obvious influencing factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Abreu
- Faculdade de Ciências Exatas e da Engenharia da Universidade da Madeira, Campus Universitário da Penteada, 9000-390 Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
| | - Celso Figueira
- Faculdade de Ciências Exatas e da Engenharia da Universidade da Madeira, Campus Universitário da Penteada, 9000-390 Funchal, Madeira, Portugal.
| | - Daniela Romão
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João Brandão
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - M Conceição Freitas
- Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Instituto Dom Luis, Bloco C6, 3° piso, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - César Andrade
- Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Instituto Dom Luis, Bloco C6, 3° piso, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Graça Calado
- Laboratório de Saúde Pública, IASaúde, Rua das Pretas n° 1, 9004-515 Funchal, Portugal
| | - Carmen Ferreira
- Laboratório Regional de Veterinária e Segurança Alimentar, Caminho das Quebradas de Baixo n° 79, 9000-254 Funchal, Portugal
| | - Ana Campos
- Laboratório Regional de Veterinária e Segurança Alimentar, Caminho das Quebradas de Baixo n° 79, 9000-254 Funchal, Portugal
| | - Susana Prada
- Faculdade de Ciências Exatas e da Engenharia da Universidade da Madeira, Campus Universitário da Penteada, 9000-390 Funchal, Madeira, Portugal; Centro de Vulcanologia e Avaliação de Riscos Geológicos, Universidade dos Açores, 9501-801 Ponta Delgada, Açores, Portugal
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12
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Staley ZR, Robinson C, Edge TA. Comparison of the occurrence and survival of fecal indicator bacteria in recreational sand between urban beach, playground and sandbox settings in Toronto, Ontario. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 541:520-527. [PMID: 26432162 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.09.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Revised: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
While beach sands are increasingly being studied as a reservoir of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), less is known about the occurrence of FIB in other recreational sands (i.e., sandboxes and playgrounds). In this study, different culture-based FIB enumeration techniques were compared and microbial source tracking assays were conducted on recreational sand samples from beaches, playgrounds and sandboxes around Toronto, ON. FIB were detected in every sand sample (n=104) with concentrations not changing significantly over the five month sampling period. Concentrations of FIB and a gull-specific DNA marker were significantly higher in foreshore beach sands, and indicated these were a more significant reservoir of FIB contamination than sandbox or playground sands. Human- and dog-specific contamination markers were not detected. All culture-based FIB enumeration techniques were consistent in identifying the elevated FIB concentrations associated with foreshore beach sands. However, significant differences between differential agar media, IDEXX and Aquagenx Compartment Bag Test were observed, with DC media and Enterolert being the most sensitive methods to detect Escherichia coli and enterococci, respectively. To better understand the elevated occurrence of E. coli in foreshore sands, microcosm survival experiments were conducted at two different temperatures (15 °C and 28 °C) using non-sterile saturated foreshore beach sands collected from two urban freshwater beaches with different sand type (fine grain and sand-cobble). Microcosms were inoculated with a mixture of eight sand-derived E. coli strains and sampled over a 28-day period. E. coli levels were found to decline in all microcosms, although survival was significantly greater in the finer sand and at the cooler temperature (15 °C). These results indicate that FIB can be widespread in any type of recreational sand and, while E. coli can survive for many weeks, it is most likely to accumulate in cooler fine-grain sand as occurs below the foreshore sand surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachery R Staley
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Western University, London, ON, Canada; Environment Canada, Canada Centre for Inland Waters, Burlington, ON, Canada.
| | - Clare Robinson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Thomas A Edge
- Environment Canada, Canada Centre for Inland Waters, Burlington, ON, Canada
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13
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Lamparelli CC, Pogreba-Brown K, Verhougstraete M, Sato MIZ, Bruni ADC, Wade TJ, Eisenberg JNS. Are fecal indicator bacteria appropriate measures of recreational water risks in the tropics: A cohort study of beach goers in Brazil? WATER RESEARCH 2015; 87:59-68. [PMID: 26378732 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2015.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Revised: 08/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Regulating recreational water exposure to pathogens within the tropics is a major public health and economic concern. Although numerous epidemiological studies estimating the risk to recreational marine water exposure have been conducted since the 1950s, few studies have been done in the tropics. Furthermore, many have suggested that the use of fecal indicator bacteria for monitoring recreational water quality in temperate regions is not appropriate in the tropics. We analyzed a large cohort study of five beaches in Sao Paulo, Brazil, conducted during consecutive weekends in the summer of 1999 that estimated risk to water, sand, and food exposures. Enterococci and Escherichia coli concentrations were measured each day of the study. Elevated risks were estimated for both swimming (OR = 1.36 95% CI: 1.05-1.58) and sand contact (OR = 1.29 95% CI 1.05-1.58). A 1 log increase in enterococci concentration was associated with an 11% increase in risk (OR = 1.11 95% CI: 1.04-1.19). For E. coli a 1-log increase in concentration was associated with 19% increase in risk (OR = 1.19 95% CI: 1.14-1.28). Most countries with beaches in the tropics are lower or middle income countries (LMIC) and rely on tourism as a major source of income. We present data that suggests fecal indicator bacteria such as enterococci are an appropriate indicator of risk in tropical urban settings where contamination is coming from predominantly human sources. Additional studies in tropical settings could help inform and refine guidelines for safe use of recreational waters.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristen Pogreba-Brown
- The University of Arizona, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, USA.
| | - Marc Verhougstraete
- The University of Arizona, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Department of Community, Environment and Policy, USA.
| | - Maria Inês Zanoli Sato
- Environmental Analysis Department, Environmental Company of Sao Paulo State (CETESB), Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Antonio de Castro Bruni
- Vehicle Emission Analysis Sector, Environmental Company of Sao Paulo State (CETESB), Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Timothy J Wade
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Joseph N S Eisenberg
- University of Michigan, School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, USA.
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14
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Public Health Risks of Multiple-Drug-Resistant Enterococcus spp. in Southeast Asia. Appl Environ Microbiol 2015; 81:6090-7. [PMID: 26150452 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01741-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Enterococci rank as one of the leading causes of nosocomial infections, such as urinary tract infections, surgical wound infections, and endocarditis, in humans. These infections can be hard to treat because of the rising incidence of antibiotic resistance. Enterococci inhabiting nonhuman reservoirs appear to play a critical role in the acquisition and dissemination of antibiotic resistance determinants. The spread of antibiotic resistance has become a major concern in both human and veterinary medicine, especially in Southeast Asia, where many developing countries have poor legislation and regulations to control the supply and excessive use of antimicrobials. This review addresses the occurrence of antibiotic-resistant enterococci in Association of Southeast Asian Nations countries and proposes infection control measures that should be applied to limit the spread of multiple-drug-resistant enterococci.
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15
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Halliday E, Ralston DK, Gast RJ. Contribution of sand-associated enterococci to dry weather water quality. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:451-8. [PMID: 25479559 PMCID: PMC4304835 DOI: 10.1021/es504908h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Revised: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 12/05/2014] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Culturable enterococci and a suite of environmental variables were collected during a predominantly dry summer at a beach impacted by nonpoint source pollution. These data were used to evaluate sands as a source of enterococci to nearshore waters, and to assess the relationship between environmental factors and dry-weather enterococci abundance. Best-fit multiple linear regressions used environmental variables to explain more than half of the observed variation in enterococci in water and dry sands. Notably, during dry weather the abundance of enterococci in dry sands at the mean high-tide line was significantly positively related to sand moisture content (ranging from <1-4%), and the daily mean ENT in water could be predicted by a linear regression with turbidity alone. Temperature was also positively correlated with ENT abundance in this study, which may indicate an important role of seasonal warming in temperate regions. Inundation by spring tides was the primary rewetting mechanism that sustained culturable enterococci populations in high-tide sands. Tidal forcing modulated the abundance of enterococci in the water, as both turbidity and enterococci were elevated during ebb and flood tides. The probability of samples violating the single-sample maximum was significantly greater when collected during periods with increased tidal range: spring ebb and flood tides. Tidal forcing also affected groundwater mixing zones, mobilizing enterococci from sand to water. These data show that routine monitoring programs using discrete enterococci measurements may be biased by tides and other environmental factors, providing a flawed basis for beach closure decisions.
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16
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Heaney CD, Exum NG, Dufour AP, Brenner KP, Haugland RA, Chern E, Schwab KJ, Love DC, Serre ML, Noble R, Wade TJ. Water quality, weather and environmental factors associated with fecal indicator organism density in beach sand at two recreational marine beaches. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 497-498:440-447. [PMID: 25150738 PMCID: PMC4523396 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.07.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2014] [Revised: 07/23/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies showing an association between fecal indicator organisms (FIOs) in sand and gastrointestinal (GI) illness among beachgoers with sand contact have important public health implications because of the large numbers of people who recreate at beaches and engage in sand contact activities. Yet, factors that influence fecal pollution in beach sand remain unclear. During the 2007 National Epidemiological and Environmental Assessment of Recreational (NEEAR) Water Study, sand samples were collected at three locations (60 m apart) on weekend days (Sat, Sun) and holidays between June and September at two marine beaches - Fairhope Beach, AL and Goddard Beach, RI - with nearby publicly-owned treatment works (POTWs) outfalls. F(+) coliphage, enterococci, Bacteroidales, fecal Bacteroides spp., and Clostridium spp. were measured in sand using culture and qPCR-based calibrator-cell equivalent methods. Water samples were also collected on the same days, times and transects as the 144 sand samples and were assayed using the same FIO measurements. Weather and environmental data were collected at the time of sample collection. Mean FIO concentrations in sand varied over time, but not space. Enterococci CFU and CCE densities in sand were not correlated, although other FIOs in sand were. The strongest correlation between FIO density in sand and water was fecal Bacteroides CCE, followed by enterococci CFU, Clostridium spp. CCE, and Bacteroidales CCE. Overall, the factors associated with FIO concentrations in sand were related to the sand-water interface (i.e., sand-wetting) and included daily average densities of FIOs in water, rainfall, and wave height. Targeted monitoring that focuses on daily trends of sand FIO variability, combined with information about specific water quality, weather, and environmental factors may inform beach monitoring and management decisions to reduce microbial burdens in beach sand. The views expressed in this paper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Heaney
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205-2179, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205-2179, USA.
| | - Natalie G Exum
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205-2179, USA
| | - Alfred P Dufour
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH 45268-1593, USA
| | - Kristen P Brenner
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH 45268-1593, USA
| | - Richard A Haugland
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH 45268-1593, USA
| | - Eunice Chern
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH 45268-1593, USA
| | - Kellogg J Schwab
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205-2179, USA
| | - David C Love
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205-2179, USA
| | - Marc L Serre
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, CB# 7431, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7431, USA
| | - Rachel Noble
- Institute of Marine Sciences, CB# 3301, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Morehead City, NC 28557-3301, USA
| | - Timothy J Wade
- Epidemiology Branch, Environmental Public Health Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
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17
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Whitman R, Harwood VJ, Edge TA, Nevers M, Byappanahalli M, Vijayavel K, Brandão J, Sadowsky MJ, Alm EW, Crowe A, Ferguson D, Ge Z, Halliday E, Kinzelman J, Kleinheinz G, Przybyla-Kelly K, Staley C, Staley Z, Solo-Gabriele HM. Microbes in Beach Sands: Integrating Environment, Ecology and Public Health. RE/VIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND BIO/TECHNOLOGY 2014; 13:329-368. [PMID: 25383070 PMCID: PMC4219924 DOI: 10.1007/s11157-014-9340-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Beach sand is a habitat that supports many microbes, including viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa (micropsammon). The apparently inhospitable conditions of beach sand environments belie the thriving communities found there. Physical factors, such as water availability and protection from insolation; biological factors, such as competition, predation, and biofilm formation; and nutrient availability all contribute to the characteristics of the micropsammon. Sand microbial communities include autochthonous species/phylotypes indigenous to the environment. Allochthonous microbes, including fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) and waterborne pathogens, are deposited via waves, runoff, air, or animals. The fate of these microbes ranges from death, to transient persistence and/or replication, to establishment of thriving populations (naturalization) and integration in the autochthonous community. Transport of the micropsammon within the habitat occurs both horizontally across the beach, and vertically from the sand surface and ground water table, as well as at various scales including interstitial flow within sand pores, sediment transport for particle-associated microbes, and the large-scale processes of wave action and terrestrial runoff. The concept of beach sand as a microbial habitat and reservoir of FIB and pathogens has begun to influence our thinking about human health effects associated with sand exposure and recreational water use. A variety of pathogens have been reported from beach sands, and recent epidemiology studies have found some evidence of health risks associated with sand exposure. Persistent or replicating populations of FIB and enteric pathogens have consequences for watershed/beach management strategies and regulatory standards for safe beaches. This review summarizes our understanding of the community structure, ecology, fate, transport, and public health implications of microbes in beach sand. It concludes with recommendations for future work in this vastly under-studied area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Whitman
- Great Lakes Science Center, United States Geological Survey, 1100 N. Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304, USA
| | - Valerie J. Harwood
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, SCA 110, 4202 E. Fowler Ave. Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Thomas A. Edge
- Canada Centre for Inland Waters, Environment Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario, Canada L7R 4A6
| | - Meredith Nevers
- Great Lakes Science Center, United States Geological Survey, 1100 N. Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304, USA
| | - Muruleedhara Byappanahalli
- Great Lakes Science Center, United States Geological Survey, 1100 N. Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304, USA
| | - Kannappan Vijayavel
- Environmental Health Division, Ottawa County Health Department, 12251 James Street, Suite 200, Holland, MI, 49424, USA
- Remediation and Redevelopment Division, Department of Environmental Quality, State of Michigan, 525 W. Allegan St., Lansing, MI 48909. USA
| | - João Brandão
- Reference Unit for Systemic Infections and Zoonosis, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Av. Padre Cruz 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Michael J. Sadowsky
- Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minnesota 55108, USA
| | - Elizabeth Wheeler Alm
- Department of Biology & Institute for Great Lakes Research, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859
| | - Allan Crowe
- Canada Centre for Inland Waters, Environment Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario, Canada L7R 4A6
| | - Donna Ferguson
- Environmental Health Sciences Department, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, California 90024, USA
| | - Zhongfu Ge
- Great Lakes Science Center, United States Geological Survey, 1100 N. Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304, USA
| | | | - Julie Kinzelman
- Department of Public Health, City of Racine, 730 Washington Avenue, Room 109, Racine, WI 53403, USA
| | - Greg Kleinheinz
- Environmental Research and Innovation Centre, University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh, 800 Algoma Boulevard, Oshkosh, WI 54901, USA
| | - Kasia Przybyla-Kelly
- Great Lakes Science Center, United States Geological Survey, 1100 N. Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304, USA
| | - Christopher Staley
- Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minnesota 55108, USA
| | - Zachery Staley
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St., London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Helena M. Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, 1251 Memorial Drive, McArthur Building Room 252, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA and, Oceans and Human Health Center, University of Miami Rosenstiel, School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149, USA
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18
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Eichmiller JJ, Borchert AJ, Sadowsky MJ, Hicks RE. Decay of genetic markers for fecal bacterial indicators and pathogens in sand from Lake Superior. WATER RESEARCH 2014; 59:99-111. [PMID: 24793108 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2014.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2013] [Revised: 03/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Beach sands impact water quality and pathogen loads, however, the comparative decay of the fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) Enterococcus spp. and Escherichia coli, and pathogens in freshwater sand have not been examined. In this study, freshwater sand microcosms were inoculated with sewage and pure cultures of bacterial pathogens to compare relative decay rates. The abundance of culturable Enterococcus spp. and E. coli, genetic markers for Enterococcus spp. (Entero1), total Bacteroides (AllBac), and human-specific Bacteroides (HF183), and genetic markers for the pathogens Campylobacter jejuni, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium, and Shigella flexneri were monitored over the course of two weeks using conventional culture methods and quantitative PCR (qPCR). The effect of moisture on the persistence of culturable FIB and all genetic markers was also determined. In addition, propidium monoazide (PMA) treatment was used to examine differences in the persistence of total genetic markers and those from live cells. Decay rates were statistically compared using Tukey's test. Moisture had a significant (p ≤ 0.05) effect on the decay rates of culturable indicator bacteria, total AllBac markers, and genetic markers for FIB, Salmonella, and MRSA from live cells. At 14% sand moisture, the decay rate of total markers was slower than that of live cells for all qPCR assays, but at 28% moisture, there was no difference in the decay rates of total and live markers for any assay. AllBac and MRSA markers increased in sand at 28% moisture, probably indicating cellular growth. Overall, culturable FIB and HF183 had decay rates that were most comparable to the bacterial pathogen markers examined in this study, whereas Entero1 and AllBac rarely exhibited decay rates similar to the bacterial pathogens in this study. The choice of FIB for assessment of fecal contamination in freshwater sand should take into account the pathogen of concern and sand moisture conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica J Eichmiller
- Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, United States; Department of Biology, University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, MN 55812, United States
| | - Andrew J Borchert
- Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, United States
| | - Michael J Sadowsky
- Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, United States; BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, United States
| | - Randall E Hicks
- Department of Biology, University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, MN 55812, United States.
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19
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Halliday E, McLellan SL, Amaral-Zettler LA, Sogin ML, Gast RJ. Comparison of bacterial communities in sands and water at beaches with bacterial water quality violations. PLoS One 2014; 9:e90815. [PMID: 24599478 PMCID: PMC3944938 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Recreational water quality, as measured by culturable fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), may be influenced by persistent populations of these bacteria in local sands or wrack, in addition to varied fecal inputs from human and/or animal sources. In this study, pyrosequencing was used to generate short sequence tags of the 16S hypervariable region ribosomal DNA from shallow water samples and from sand samples collected at the high tide line and at the intertidal water line at sites with and without FIB exceedance events. These data were used to examine the sand and water bacterial communities to assess the similarity between samples, and to determine the impact of water quality exceedance events on the community composition. Sequences belonging to a group of bacteria previously identified as alternative fecal indicators were also analyzed in relationship to water quality violation events. We found that sand and water samples hosted distinctly different overall bacterial communities, and there was greater similarity in the community composition between coastal water samples from two distant sites. The dissimilarity between high tide and intertidal sand bacterial communities, although more similar to each other than to water, corresponded to greater tidal range between the samples. Within the group of alternative fecal indicators greater similarity was observed within sand and water from the same site, likely reflecting the anthropogenic contribution at each beach. This study supports the growing evidence that community-based molecular tools can be leveraged to identify the sources and potential impact of fecal pollution in the environment, and furthermore suggests that a more diverse bacterial community in beach sand and water may reflect a less contaminated site and better water quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Halliday
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sandra L. McLellan
- School of Freshwater Sciences, Great Lakes Water Institute, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Linda A. Amaral-Zettler
- Josephine Bay Paul Center, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Geosciences, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Mitchell L. Sogin
- Josephine Bay Paul Center, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Rebecca J. Gast
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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20
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Russell TL, Sassoubre LM, Zhou C, French-Owen D, Hassaballah A, Boehm AB. Impacts of beach wrack removal via grooming on surf zone water quality. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2014; 48:2203-2211. [PMID: 24437501 DOI: 10.1021/es405536q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) are used to assess the microbial water quality of recreational waters. Increasingly, nonfecal sources of FIB have been implicated as causes of poor microbial water quality in the coastal environment. These sources are challenging to quantify and difficult to remediate. The present study investigates one nonfecal FIB source, beach wrack (decaying aquatic plants), and its impacts on water quality along the Central California coast. The prevalence of FIB on wrack was studied using a multibeach survey, collecting wrack throughout Central California. The impacts of beach grooming, to remove wrack, were investigated at Cowell Beach in Santa Cruz, California using a long-term survey (two summers, one with and one without grooming) and a 48 h survey during the first ever intensive grooming event. FIB were prevalent on wrack but highly variable spatially and temporally along the nine beaches sampled in Central California. Beach grooming was generally associated with either no change or a slight increase in coastal FIB concentrations and increases in surf zone turbidity and silicate, phosphate, and dissolved inorganic nitrogen concentrations. The findings suggest that beach grooming for wrack removal is not justified as a microbial pollution remediation strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd L Russell
- Environmental and Water Studies, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford, California 94305, United States
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Sabino R, Rodrigues R, Costa I, Carneiro C, Cunha M, Duarte A, Faria N, Ferreira FC, Gargaté MJ, Júlio C, Martins ML, Nevers MB, Oleastro M, Solo-Gabriele H, Veríssimo C, Viegas C, Whitman RL, Brandão J. Routine screening of harmful microorganisms in beach sands: implications to public health. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 472:1062-1069. [PMID: 24355396 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.11.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2013] [Revised: 10/29/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Beaches worldwide provide recreational opportunities to hundreds of millions of people and serve as important components of coastal economies. Beach water is often monitored for microbiological quality to detect the presence of indicators of human sewage contamination so as to prevent public health outbreaks associated with water contact. However, growing evidence suggests that beach sand can harbor microbes harmful to human health, often in concentrations greater than the beach water. Currently, there are no standards for monitoring, sampling, analyzing, or managing beach sand quality. In addition to indicator microbes, growing evidence has identified pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and fungi in a variety of beach sands worldwide. The public health threat associated with these populations through direct and indirect contact is unknown because so little research has been conducted relating to health outcomes associated with sand quality. In this manuscript, we present the consensus findings of a workshop of experts convened in Lisbon, Portugal to discuss the current state of knowledge on beach sand microbiological quality and to develop suggestions for standardizing the evaluation of sand at coastal beaches. The expert group at the "Microareias 2012" workshop recommends that 1) beach sand should be screened for a variety of pathogens harmful to human health, and sand monitoring should then be initiated alongside regular water monitoring; 2) sampling and analysis protocols should be standardized to allow proper comparisons among beach locations; and 3) further studies are needed to estimate human health risk with exposure to contaminated beach sand. Much of the manuscript is focused on research specific to Portugal, but similar results have been found elsewhere, and the findings have worldwide implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Sabino
- Reference Unit for Systemic Infections and Zoonosis, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Portugal
| | - R Rodrigues
- Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Portugal
| | - I Costa
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - C Carneiro
- REQUIMTE/Centro de Química Fina e Biotecnologia, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - M Cunha
- Portuguese Environment Agency, Environment Reference Laboratory, Portugal
| | - A Duarte
- Faculty of Pharmacy, iMed.UL-Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Lisboa, Portugal
| | - N Faria
- Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Portugal
| | - F C Ferreira
- Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Portugal
| | - M J Gargaté
- Reference Unit for Systemic Infections and Zoonosis, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Portugal
| | - C Júlio
- Reference Unit for Gastro-intestinal Infections, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Portugal
| | - M L Martins
- Unit of Medical Microbiology, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical-Centro de Recursos Microbiológicos (CREM), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Portugal
| | - M B Nevers
- United States Geological Survey, Great Lakes Science Center, Porter, IN, USA
| | - M Oleastro
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - H Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - C Veríssimo
- Reference Unit for Systemic Infections and Zoonosis, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Portugal
| | - C Viegas
- Lisbon School of Health Technology, Polytechnic Institute of Lisboa, Portugal
| | - R L Whitman
- United States Geological Survey, Great Lakes Science Center, Porter, IN, USA
| | - J Brandão
- Reference Unit for Systemic Infections and Zoonosis, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Portugal.
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22
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Hernandez RJ, Hernandez Y, Jimenez NH, Piggot AM, Klaus JS, Feng Z, Reniers A, Solo-Gabriele HM. Effects of full-scale beach renovation on fecal indicator levels in shoreline sand and water. WATER RESEARCH 2014; 48:579-91. [PMID: 24183401 PMCID: PMC3915934 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2013.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2013] [Revised: 10/04/2013] [Accepted: 10/05/2013] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Recolonization of enterococci, at a non-point source beach known to contain high background levels of bacteria, was studied after a full-scale beach renovation project. The renovation involved importation of new exogenous sand, in addition to infrastructure improvements. The study's objectives were to document changes in sand and water quality and to evaluate the relative contribution of different renovation activities towards these changes. These objectives were addressed: by measuring enterococci levels in the sand and fecal indicator bacteria levels (enterococci and fecal coliform) in the water, by documenting sediment characteristics (mineralogy and biofilm levels), and by estimating changes in observable enterococci loads. Analysis of enterococci levels on surface sand and within sediment depth cores were significantly higher prior to beach renovation (6.3-72 CFU/g for each sampling day) when compared to levels during and after beach renovation (0.8-12 CFU/g) (P < 0.01). During the renovation process, sand enterococci levels were frequently below detection limits (<0.1 CFU/g). For water, exceedances in the regulatory thresholds that would trigger a beach advisory decreased by 40% for enterococci and by 90% for fecal coliform. Factors that did not change significantly between pre- and post- renovation included the enterococci loads from animals (approx. 3 × 10(11) CFU per month). Factors that were observed to change between pre- and post- renovation activities included: the composition of the beach sand (64% versus 98% quartz, and a significant decrease in biofilm levels) and loads from direct stormwater inputs (reduction of 3 × 10(11) CFU per month). Overall, this study supports that beach renovation activities contributed to improved sand and water quality resulting in a 50% decrease of observable enterococci loads due to upgrades to the stormwater infrastructure. Of interest was that the change in the sand mineralogy also coincided with changes in biofilm levels. More work is needed to evaluate the relationships between beach sand mineralogy, biofilm characteristics, and the retention of fecal indicator bacteria in sand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael J. Hernandez
- Center for Oceans and Human Health, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami FL
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
| | - Yasiel Hernandez
- Center for Oceans and Human Health, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami FL
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
| | - Nasly H. Jimenez
- Center for Oceans and Human Health, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami FL
| | - Alan M. Piggot
- Center for Oceans and Human Health, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami FL
- Division of Marine Geology and Geophysics, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL
| | - James S. Klaus
- Center for Oceans and Human Health, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami FL
- Division of Marine Geology and Geophysics, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
| | - Zhixuan Feng
- Center for Oceans and Human Health, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami FL
- Division of Applied Marine Physics, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL
| | - Ad Reniers
- Center for Oceans and Human Health, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami FL
- Division of Applied Marine Physics, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL
| | - Helena M. Solo-Gabriele
- Center for Oceans and Human Health, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami FL
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
- Corresponding Author: Helena Solo-Gabriele, Ph.D., University of Miami, Department of Civil, Arch. And Environmental Engineering, P.O. Box 248294, Coral Gables, FL 33124-0630 Phone: 305-284-2908, Fax: 305-284-2885,
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23
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Piggot AM, Klaus JS, Johnson S, Phillips MC, Solo-Gabriele HM. Relationship between enterococcal levels and sediment biofilms at recreational beaches in South Florida. Appl Environ Microbiol 2012; 78:5973-82. [PMID: 22706061 PMCID: PMC3416616 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00603-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2012] [Accepted: 05/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Enterococci, recommended at the U.S. federal level for monitoring water quality at marine recreational beaches, have been found to reside and grow within beach sands. However, the environmental and ecological factors affecting enterococcal persistence remain poorly understood, making it difficult to determine levels of fecal pollution and assess human health risks. Here we document the presence of enterococci associated with beach sediment biofilms at eight south Florida recreational beaches. Enterococcal levels were highest in supratidal sands, where they displayed a nonlinear, unimodal relationship with extracellular polymeric secretions (EPS), the primary component of biofilms. Enterococcal levels peaked at intermediate levels of EPS, suggesting that biofilms may promote the survival of enterococci but also inhibit enterococci as the biofilm develops within beach sands. Analysis of bacterial community profiles determined by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphisms showed the bacterial communities of supratidal sediments to be significantly different from intertidal and subtidal communities; however, no differences were observed in bacterial community compositions associated with different EPS concentrations. Our results suggest that supratidal sands are a microbiologically unique environment favorable for the incorporation and persistence of enterococci within beach sediment biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan M. Piggot
- Division of Marine Geology and Geophysics, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Oceans and Human Health Center, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - James S. Klaus
- Division of Marine Geology and Geophysics, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
- Oceans and Human Health Center, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Sara Johnson
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
- Oceans and Human Health Center, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Matthew C. Phillips
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
- Oceans and Human Health Center, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Helena M. Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
- Oceans and Human Health Center, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
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24
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Pickering AJ, Julian TR, Marks SJ, Mattioli MC, Boehm AB, Schwab KJ, Davis J. Fecal contamination and diarrheal pathogens on surfaces and in soils among Tanzanian households with and without improved sanitation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2012; 46:5736-43. [PMID: 22545817 DOI: 10.1021/es300022c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about the extent or pattern of environmental fecal contamination among households using low-cost, on-site sanitation facilities, or what role environmental contamination plays in the transmission of diarrheal disease. A microbial survey of fecal contamination and selected diarrheal pathogens in soil (n = 200), surface (n = 120), and produce samples (n = 24) was conducted in peri-urban Bagamoyo, Tanzania, among 20 households using private pit latrines. All samples were analyzed for E. coli and enterococci. A subset was analyzed for enterovirus, rotavirus, norovirus GI, norovirus GII, diarrheagenic E. coli, and general and human-specific Bacteroidales fecal markers using molecular methods. Soil collected from the house floor had significantly higher concentrations of E. coli and enterococci than soil collected from the latrine floor. There was no significant difference in fecal indicator bacteria levels between households using pit latrines with a concrete slab (improved sanitation) versus those without a slab. These findings imply that the presence of a concrete slab does not affect the level of fecal contamination in the household environment in this setting. Human Bacteroidales, pathogenic E. coli, enterovirus, and rotavirus genes were detected in soil samples, suggesting that soil should be given more attention as a transmission pathway of diarrheal illness in low-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy J Pickering
- Environment and Water Studies, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States.
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25
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Shibata T, Solo-Gabriele HM. Quantitative microbial risk assessment of human illness from exposure to marine beach sand. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2012; 46:2799-805. [PMID: 22296573 PMCID: PMC9785598 DOI: 10.1021/es203638x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Currently no U.S. federal guideline is available for assessing risk of illness from sand at recreational sites. The objectives of this study were to compute a reference level guideline for pathogens in beach sand and to compare these reference levels with measurements from a beach impacted by nonpoint sources of contamination. Reference levels were computed using quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) coupled with Monte Carlo simulations. In order to reach an equivalent level of risk of illness as set by the U.S. EPA for marine water exposure (1.9 × 10(-2)), levels would need to be at least about 10 oocysts/g (about 1 oocyst/g for a pica child) for Cryptosporidium, about 5 MPN/g (about 1 MPN/g for pica) for enterovirus, and less than 10(6) CFU/g for S. aureus. Pathogen levels measured in sand at a nonpoint source recreational beach were lower than the reference levels. More research is needed in evaluating risk from yeast and helminth exposures as well as in identifying acceptable levels of risk for skin infections associated with sand exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoyuki Shibata
- Institute for the Study of the Environment, Sustainability, & Energy and School of Nursing & Health Studies, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, United States.
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26
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Bailey MM, Cooper WJ, Grant SB. In situ disinfection of sewage contaminated shallow groundwater: a feasibility study. WATER RESEARCH 2011; 45:5641-5653. [PMID: 21906774 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2011.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2011] [Revised: 08/09/2011] [Accepted: 08/14/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Sewage-contaminated shallow groundwater is a potential cause of beach closures and water quality impairment in marine coastal communities. In this study we set out to evaluate the feasibility of several strategies for disinfecting sewage-contaminated shallow groundwater before it reaches the coastline. The disinfection rates of Escherichia coli (EC) and enterococci bacteria (ENT) were measured in mixtures of raw sewage and brackish shallow groundwater collected from a coastal community in southern California. Different disinfection strategies were explored, ranging from benign (aeration alone, and aeration with addition of brine) to aggressive (chemical disinfectants peracetic acid (PAA) or peroxymonosulfate (Oxone)). Aeration alone and aeration with brine did not significantly reduce the concentration of EC and ENT after 6 h of exposure, while 4-5 mg L(-1) of PAA or Oxone achieved >3 log reduction after 15 min of exposure. Oxone disinfection was more rapid at higher salinities, most likely due to the formation of secondary oxidants (e.g., bromine and chlorine) that make this disinfectant inappropriate for marine applications. Using a Lagrangian modeling framework, we identify several factors that could influence the performance of in-situ disinfection with PAA, including the potential for bacterial regrowth, and the non-linear dependence of disinfection rate upon the residence time of water in the shallow groundwater. The data and analysis presented in this paper provide a framework for evaluating the feasibility of in-situ disinfection of shallow groundwater, and elucidate several topics that warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan M Bailey
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Material Sciences, University of California, Henry Samueli School of Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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27
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Imamura GJ, Thompson RS, Boehm AB, Jay JA. Wrack promotes the persistence of fecal indicator bacteria in marine sands and seawater. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2011; 77:40-9. [PMID: 21385189 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6941.2011.01082.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Algae on freshwater beaches can serve as reservoirs for fecal indicator bacteria (FIB). Wrack (especially kelp) at marine beaches might sustain FIB as well. This study examines the relationship between beach wrack, FIB, and surrounding water and sediment at marine beaches along the California coast. Surveys of southern and central California beaches were conducted to observe environmental wrack-associated FIB concentrations. FIB concentrations normalized to dry weight were the highest in stranded dry wrack, followed by stranded wet and suspended 'surf' wrack. Laboratory microcosms were conducted to examine the effect of wrack on FIB persistence in seawater and sediment. Indigenous enterococci and Escherichia coli incubated in a seawater microcosm containing wrack showed increased persistence relative to those incubated in a microcosm without wrack. FIB concentrations in microcosms containing wrack-covered sand were significantly higher than those in uncovered sand after several days. These findings implicate beach wrack as an important FIB reservoir. The presence of wrack may increase water and sediment FIB levels, altering the relationship between FIB levels and actual health risk while possibly leading to beach closures. Further work will need to investigate the possibility of FIB growth on wrack and the potential for pathogen presence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory J Imamura
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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28
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Halliday E, Gast RJ. Bacteria in beach sands: an emerging challenge in protecting coastal water quality and bather health. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2011; 45:370-9. [PMID: 21162561 PMCID: PMC3109870 DOI: 10.1021/es102747s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
To protect bather health at recreational beaches, fecal indicator bacterial standards are used to monitor water quality, and waters exceeding the standards are subsequently closed to bathers. However beachgoers are also in contact with beach sands, the sanitary quality of which is not included within beach monitoring programs. In fact, sands and sediments provide habitat where fecal bacterial populations may persist, and in some cases grow, in the coastal zone. Specific pathogens are less well studied in beach sands and sediments, but there is a body of evidence that they too may persist in these environments. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge regarding the abundance and distribution of fecal indicator bacteria and pathogens in beach sands of diverse climatological regions, and at beaches subjected to varied levels of anthropogenic impact. In all regions fecal indicator bacteria are nearly ubiquitous in beach sands, and similar relationships emerge among fecal indicator abundance in dry sand, submerged sands, and water. Taken together, these studies contextualize a potential public health issue and identify research questions that must be addressed in order to support future policy decisions.
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Grant SB, Sanders BF. Beach boundary layer: a framework for addressing recreational water quality impairment at enclosed beaches. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2010; 44:8804-13. [PMID: 20949912 DOI: 10.1021/es101732m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Nearshore waters in bays, harbors, and estuaries are frequently contaminated with human pathogens and fecal indicator bacteria. Tracking down and mitigating this contamination is complicated by the many point and nonpoint sources of fecal pollution that can degrade water quality along the shore. From a survey of the published literature, we propose a conceptual and mathematical framework, the "beach boundary layer model", for understanding and quantifying the relative impact of beach-side and bay-side sources of fecal pollution on nearshore water quality. In the model, bacterial concentration in ankle depth water C(ankle) [bacteria L(-3)] depends on the flux m'' [bacteria L(-2) T(-1)] of fecal bacteria from beach-side sources (bather shedding, bird and dog feces, tidal washing of sediments, decaying vegetation, runoff from small drains, and shallow groundwater discharge), a cross-shore mass transfer velocity k [L T(-1)] that accounts for the physics of nearshore transport and mixing, and a background concentration C(bay) [bacteria L(-3)] attributable to bay-side sources of pollution that impact water quality over large regions (sewage outfalls, creeks and rivers): C(ankle) = m''/k + C(bay). We demonstrate the utility of the model for identifying risk factors and pollution sources likely to impact shoreline water quality, and evaluate the model's underlying assumptions using computational fluid dynamic simulations of flow, turbulence, and mass transport in a trapezoidal channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley B Grant
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Henry Samueli School of Engineering, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States.
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