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Yoneda I, Nishiyama M, Watanabe T. Comparative experiment to select water quality parameters for modelling the survival of Escherichia coli in lakes. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 357:124423. [PMID: 38909774 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124423] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Numerical health risk assessment models have been developed to describe faecal contamination of water using Escherichia coli as an indicator bacterium. Although many previously established numerical models for E. coli in aquatic environments have only considered the effects of one or two water quality parameters such as temperature and sunlight, it is difficult to simulate E. coli survival with only one or two parameters because the aquatic environment is a complex system. This study conducted a series of comparative experiments to select water quality parameters that should be preferentially considered in a numerical model for E. coli survival in lakes. The parameters considered were temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), total dissolved solids (TDS), suspended solids (SS), coexisting microbes, and light intensity. In the laboratory experiments, the survival of E. coli was observed by controlling two of these seven parameters, and the effects of these parameters on the rate of E. coli population change were statistically compared. Consequently, light intensity affected the survival of E. coli most significantly, followed by the presence of coexisting microbes, temperature, pH, and TDS. However, DO and SS had smaller effects on survival than other parameters. High-impact interactions on E. coli survival were observed between temperature and TDS and temperature and coexisting microbes. These results suggest that existing numerical models for simulating E. coli survival in lakes should be modified to consider the independent and interactive effects of multiple parameters such as sunlight, coexisting microbes, temperature, pH, and TDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ichiro Yoneda
- Department of Regional Environment Creation, United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Iwate University, 18-8 Ueda 3-Chome, Morioka, 020-8850, Japan.
| | - Masateru Nishiyama
- Department of Food, Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Yamagata University, 1-23 Wakaba-Machi, Tsuruoka, 997-0037, Japan
| | - Toru Watanabe
- Department of Food, Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Yamagata University, 1-23 Wakaba-Machi, Tsuruoka, 997-0037, Japan
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Yoneda I, Nishiyama M, Watanabe T. Significant Factors for Modelling Survival of Escherichia coli in Lake Sediments. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1192. [PMID: 38930574 PMCID: PMC11206117 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Currently available numerical models that describe the fecal contamination of aquatic environments using Escherichia coli as an indicator bacterium did not consider its survival in sediments. We conducted a series of comparative experiments to reveal the independent and interactive effects of sediment factors, including temperature, pH, water-extractable total dissolved solids (TDSs), coexisting microbes, and sampling sites, in lake environments on E. coli survival. In experiments, E. coli survival was observed by controlling any two factors at a time. Consequently, the decrease in pH and presence of coexisting microbes enhanced E. coli die-off, whereas the addition of water-extractable TDSs promoted its growth. To select factors to be considered for modelling E. coli survival in sediments, the independent effects of each factor and the interaction effect of the two factors were statistically compared based on their effect sizes (η2). As a result, pH (η2 = 59.5-89.0%) affected E. coli survival most significantly, followed by coexisting microbes (1.7-48.4%). Among the interactions affecting E. coli survival, including pH or coexisting microbes-which had larger independent effects-relatively larger statistically significant interactions were observed between pH and coexisting microbes (31.1%), coexisting microbes and water-extractable TDSs (85.4%), and coexisting microbes and temperature (26.4%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ichiro Yoneda
- Department of Regional Environment Creation, United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Iwate University, 18-8 Ueda 3-Chome, Morioka 020-8850, Japan;
| | - Masateru Nishiyama
- Department of Food, Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Yamagata University, 1-23 Wakaba-Machi, Tsuruoka 997-8555, Japan;
| | - Toru Watanabe
- Department of Food, Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Yamagata University, 1-23 Wakaba-Machi, Tsuruoka 997-8555, Japan;
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Tang MLY, Lau SCK. Effects of chlorination on the survival of sewage bacteria in seawater microcosms. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2024; 16:e13216. [PMID: 37990630 PMCID: PMC10866060 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.13216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Chlorination is a commonly used disinfection method in sewage treatment process. However, resistant bacteria may survive chlorination and enter the receiving aquatic environment upon effluent discharge. There has been limited research on the effects of chlorination on bacterial survival in seawater. To address this knowledge gap, microcosm experiments were conducted to simulate the discharge of chlorinated effluents into coastal seawater. The results revealed that bacterial communities in seawater-based effluents survived better in seawater than those in freshwater-based effluents. High chlorine dosages could significantly reduce the viable bacterial populations and their chance of regrowth in seawater. Additionally, faecal indicator bacteria (FIB) that entered the viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state under chlorination tended to persist in the VBNC state without resuscitation during seawater incubation. Because of the prevalence of VBNC indicator bacteria, qPCR quantification of FIB was more effective than conventional culture-based methods in tracing viable pathogenic chlorine-resistant bacteria, although the correlation strength varied depending on the type of effluent. This study sheds light on how chlorine dosages and the intrinsic properties of effluents affect bacterial survival in seawater and highlights the potential and limitations of using FIB in monitoring the health risks associated with the discharge of chlorinated effluents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Lok Yi Tang
- Department of Ocean ScienceHong Kong University of Science and TechnologyHong KongChina
| | - Stanley Chun Kwan Lau
- Department of Ocean ScienceHong Kong University of Science and TechnologyHong KongChina
- Center for Ocean Research in Hong Kong and MacauHong Kong University of Science and TechnologyHong KongChina
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Korajkic A, McMinn BR, Harwood VJ. The Effect of Protozoa Indigenous to Lakewater and Wastewater on Decay of Fecal Indicator Bacteria and Coliphage. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12030378. [PMID: 36986300 PMCID: PMC10053992 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12030378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Fecal indicator bacteria (FIB: Escherichia coli and enterococci) are used to assess recreational water quality. Viral indicators (i.e., somatic and F+ coliphage), could improve the prediction of viral pathogens in recreational waters, however, the impact of environmental factors, including the effect of predatory protozoa source, on their survival in water is poorly understood. We investigated the effect of lakewater or wastewater protozoa, on the decay (decreasing concentrations over time) of culturable FIB and coliphages under sunlight and shaded conditions. FIB decay was generally greater than the coliphages and was more rapid when indicators were exposed to lake vs. wastewater protozoa. F+ coliphage decay was the least affected by experimental variables. Somatic coliphage decayed fastest in the presence of wastewater protozoa and sunlight, though their decay under shaded conditions was-10-fold less than F+ after 14 days. The protozoa source consistently contributed significantly to the decay of FIB, and somatic, though not the F+ coliphage. Sunlight generally accelerated decay, and shade reduced somatic coliphage decay to the lowest level among all the indicators. Differential responses of FIB, somatic, and F+ coliphages to environmental factors support the need for studies that address the relationship between the decay of coliphages and viral pathogens under environmentally relevant conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asja Korajkic
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, 26W Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-513-569-7306
| | - Brian R. McMinn
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, 26W Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | - Valerie J. Harwood
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, 4202 E Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
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Zimmer-Faust AG, Griffith JF, Steele JA, Santos B, Cao Y, Asato L, Chiem T, Choi S, Diaz A, Guzman J, Laak D, Padilla M, Quach-Cu J, Ruiz V, Woo M, Weisberg SB. Relationship between coliphage and Enterococcus at southern California beaches and implications for beach water quality management. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 230:119383. [PMID: 36630853 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.119383] [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: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Coliphage have been suggested as an alternative to fecal indicator bacteria for assessing recreational beach water quality, but it is unclear how frequently and at what types of beaches coliphage produces a different management outcome. Here we conducted side-by-side sampling of male-specific and somatic coliphage by the new EPA dead-end hollow fiber ultrafiltration (D-HFUF-SAL) method and Enterococcus at southern California beaches over two years. When samples were combined for all beach sites, somatic and male-specific coliphage both correlated with Enterococcus. When examined categorically, Enterococcus would have resulted in approximately two times the number of health advisories as somatic coliphage and four times that of male-specific coliphage,using recently proposed thresholds of 60 PFU/100 mL for somatic and 30 PFU/100 mL for male-specific coliphage. Overall, only 12% of total exceedances would have been for coliphage alone. Somatic coliphage exceedances that occurred in the absence of an Enterococcus exceedance were limited to a single site during south swell events, when this beach is known to be affected by nearby minimally treated sewage. Thus, somatic coliphage provided additional valuable health protection information, but may be more appropriate as a supplement to FIB measurements rather than as replacement because: (a) EPA-approved PCR methods for Enterococcus allow a more rapid response, (b) coliphage is more challenging owing to its greater sampling volume and laboratory time requirements, and (c) Enterococcus' long data history has yielded predictive management models that would need to be recreated for coliphage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amity G Zimmer-Faust
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority, 3535 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, CA 92626, United States.
| | - John F Griffith
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority, 3535 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, CA 92626, United States
| | - Joshua A Steele
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority, 3535 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, CA 92626, United States
| | - Bryan Santos
- City of San Diego, Environmental Monitoring and Technical Services, United States
| | - Yiping Cao
- Orange County Sanitation District, United States
| | - Laralyn Asato
- City of San Diego, Environmental Monitoring and Technical Services, United States
| | - Tania Chiem
- Orange County Public Health Laboratory, United States
| | - Samuel Choi
- Orange County Sanitation District, United States
| | - Arturo Diaz
- Orange County Sanitation District, United States
| | - Joe Guzman
- Orange County Public Health Laboratory, United States
| | - David Laak
- Ventura County Public Works Agency, United States
| | | | | | - Victor Ruiz
- Los Angeles City Sanitation Department, United States
| | - Mary Woo
- California State University Channel Islands, Ventura, CA, United States
| | - Stephen B Weisberg
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority, 3535 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, CA 92626, United States
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Davis MT, Canning AD, Midwinter AC, Death RG. Nitrate enrichment does not affect enteropathogenic Escherichia coli in aquatic microcosms but may affect other strains present in aquatic habitats. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13914. [PMID: 36187747 PMCID: PMC9524367 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Eutrophication of the planet's aquatic systems is increasing at an unprecedented rate. In freshwater systems, nitrate-one of the nutrients responsible for eutrophication-is linked to biodiversity losses and ecosystem degradation. One of the main sources of freshwater nitrate pollution in New Zealand is agriculture. New Zealand's pastoral farming system relies heavily on the application of chemical fertilisers. These fertilisers in combination with animal urine, also high in nitrogen, result in high rates of nitrogen leaching into adjacent aquatic systems. In addition to nitrogen, livestock waste commonly carries human and animal enteropathogenic bacteria, many of which can survive in freshwater environments. Two strains of enteropathogenic bacteria found in New Zealand cattle, are K99 and Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC). To better understand the effects of ambient nitrate concentrations in the water column on environmental enteropathogenic bacteria survival, a microcosm experiment with three nitrate-nitrogen concentrations (0, 1, and 3 mg NO3-N /L), two enteropathogenic bacterial strains (STEC O26-human, and K99-animal), and two water types (sterile and containing natural microbiota) was run. Both STEC O26 and K99 reached 500 CFU/10 ml in both water types at all three nitrate concentrations within 24 hours and remained at those levels for the full 91 days of the experiment. Although enteropathogenic strains showed no response to water column nitrate concentrations, the survival of background Escherichia coli, imported as part of the in-stream microbiota did, surviving longer in 1 and 3 mg NO3-N/Lconcentrations (P < 0.001). While further work is needed to fully understand how nitrate enrichment and in-stream microbiota may affect the viability of human and animal pathogens in freshwater systems, it is clear that these two New Zealand strains of STEC O26 and K99 can persist in river water for extended periods alongside some natural microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith T. Davis
- School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, Manawatu, New Zealand,Molecular Epidemiology and Veterinary Public Health Laboratory—Hopkirk Research Institute, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, Manawatu, New Zealand
| | - Adam D. Canning
- Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER), James Cook University of North Queensland, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Anne C. Midwinter
- Molecular Epidemiology and Veterinary Public Health Laboratory—Hopkirk Research Institute, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, Manawatu, New Zealand
| | - Russell G. Death
- School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, Manawatu, New Zealand
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Rocha ADDL, Ferrari RG, Pereira WE, de Lima LA, Givisiez PEN, Moreno-Switt AI, Toro M, Delgado-Suárez EJ, Meng J, de Oliveira CJB. Revisiting the Biological Behavior of Salmonella enterica in Hydric Resources: A Meta-Analysis Study Addressing the Critical Role of Environmental Water on Food Safety and Public Health. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:802625. [PMID: 35722289 PMCID: PMC9201643 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.802625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing number of studies reporting the presence of Salmonella in environmental water sources suggests that it is beyond incidental findings originated from sparse fecal contamination events. However, there is no consensus on the occurrence of Salmonella as its relative serovar representation across non-recycled water sources. We conducted a meta-analysis of proportions by fitting a random-effects model using the restricted maximum-likelihood estimator to obtain the weighted average proportion and between-study variance associated with the occurrence of Salmonella in water sources. Moreover, meta-regression and non-parametric supervised machine learning method were performed to predict the effect of moderators on the frequency of Salmonella in non-recycled water sources. Three sequential steps (identification of information sources, screening and eligibility) were performed to obtain a preliminary selection from identified abstracts and article titles. Questions related to the frequency of Salmonella in aquatic environments, as well as putative differences in the relative frequencies of the reported Salmonella serovars and the role of potential variable moderators (sample source, country, and sample volume) were formulated according to the population, intervention, comparison, and outcome method (PICO). The results were reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyzes statement (PRISMA). A total of 26 eligible papers reporting 148 different Salmonella serovars were retrieved. According to our model, the Salmonella frequency in non-recycled water sources was 0.19 [CI: 0.14; 0.25]. The source of water was identified as the most import variable affecting the frequency of Salmonella, estimated as 0.31 and 0.17% for surface and groundwater, respectively. There was a higher frequency of Salmonella in countries with lower human development index (HDI). Small volume samples of surface water resulted in lower detectable Salmonella frequencies both in high and low HDI regions. Relative frequencies of the 148 serovars were significantly affected only by HDI and volume. Considering that serovars representation can also be affected by water sample volume, efforts toward the standardization of water samplings for monitoring purposes should be considered. Further approaches such as metagenomics could provide more comprehensive insights about the microbial ecology of fresh water and its importance for the quality and safety of agricultural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Douglas de Lima Rocha
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Laboratório de Avaliação de Produtos de Origem Animal (LAPOA), Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB), Areia, Brazil
| | - Rafaela Gomes Ferrari
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Laboratório de Avaliação de Produtos de Origem Animal (LAPOA), Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB), Areia, Brazil
| | - Walter Esfrain Pereira
- Departamento de Ciências Fundamentais e Sociais, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB), Areia, Brazil
| | - Laiorayne Araújo de Lima
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Laboratório de Avaliação de Produtos de Origem Animal (LAPOA), Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB), Areia, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Emília Naves Givisiez
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Laboratório de Avaliação de Produtos de Origem Animal (LAPOA), Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB), Areia, Brazil
| | - Andrea Isabel Moreno-Switt
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestla, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Magaly Toro
- Laboratorio de Microbiologia y Probioticos, Instituto de Nutricion y Tecnologia de los Alimentos, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Jianghong Meng
- Joint Institute for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (JIFSAN), University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Celso José Bruno de Oliveira
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Laboratório de Avaliação de Produtos de Origem Animal (LAPOA), Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB), Areia, Brazil
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Mahaney AP, Franklin RB. Persistence of wastewater-associated antibiotic resistant bacteria in river microcosms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 819:153099. [PMID: 35038511 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) associated with wastewater is a significant environmental concern, but little is known about the persistence and proliferation of these organisms in receiving water bodies after discharge. To address this knowledge gap, we performed a series of microcosm experiments in which river water was amended with either untreated or treated wastewater, and the abundance of viable ciprofloxacin-, Bactrim-, and erythromycin-resistant bacteria was monitored for 72 h. Both types of wastewater amendments significantly increased the initial abundance of ARB compared to microcosms containing only river water (all p < 0.03). The increase was greatest with untreated wastewater, but that effect decreased steadily over time. In contrast, microcosms amended with treated wastewater saw a smaller initial increase and more complex temporal dynamics. Following a brief lag, ARB abundance bloomed for all three of the antibiotics that we considered. This suggests that ARB that survive wastewater treatment are particularly hardy and may proliferate in riverine conditions after a short recovery period. To determine how interactions with the native river microbial community impacted the persistence of wastewater-associated ARB, an additional set of microcosms was prepared using filter-sterilized river water. Peak abundance in these microcosms was significantly higher by 1-2 orders of magnitude compared to microcosms containing an intact river microbial community (all p < 0.05), which suggests that biotic interactions play a significant role in regulating the persistence and proliferation of ARB. The data presented in this paper are among the first available that specifically consider persistence of viable ARB and represent an important step toward understanding AR-related human health risks downstream from wastewater discharge points and following sewer overflow events. Additional studies that consider longer time scales and the interplay of biotic and abiotic variables are essential for modeling public health risks associated with wastewater inputs of ARB to rivers and other aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoife P Mahaney
- Department of Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1000 W Cary Street, Richmond, Virginia 23284, USA
| | - Rima B Franklin
- Department of Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1000 W Cary Street, Richmond, Virginia 23284, USA.
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Zooplankton as a Transitional Host for Escherichia coli in Freshwater. Appl Environ Microbiol 2022; 88:e0252221. [PMID: 35416683 PMCID: PMC9088391 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02522-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This study shows that Escherichia coli can be temporarily enriched in zooplankton under natural conditions and that these bacteria can belong to different phylogroups and sequence types (STs), including environmental, clinical, and animal isolates. We isolated 10 E. coli strains and sequenced the genomes of two of them. Phylogenetically, the two isolates were closer to strains isolated from poultry meat than to freshwater E. coli, albeit their genomes were smaller than those of the poultry isolates. After isolation and fluorescent protein tagging of strains ED1 and ED157, we show that Daphnia sp. can take up these strains and release them alive again, thus becoming a temporary host for E. coli. In a chemostat experiment, we show that this association does not prolong bacterial long-term survival, but at low abundances it also does not significantly reduce bacterial numbers. We demonstrate that E. coli does not belong to the core microbiota of Daphnia, suffers from competition by the natural Daphnia microbiota, but can profit from its carapax to survive in water. All in all, this study suggests that the association of E. coli with Daphnia is only temporary, but the cells are viable therein, and this might allow encounters with other bacteria for genetic exchange and potential genomic adaptation to the freshwater environment. IMPORTANCE The contamination of freshwater with feces-derived bacteria is a major concern regarding drinking water acquisition and recreational activities. Ecological interactions promoting their persistence are still very scarcely studied. This study, which analyses the survival of E. coli in the presence of zooplankton, is thus of ecological and water safety relevance.
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Abstract
Surface water contamination by pathogen bacteria remains a threat to public health in the rural areas of developing countries. Fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) like Escherichia coli (E. coli) are widely used to assess water contamination, but their behavior in tropical ecosystems is poorly documented. Our study focused on headwater wetlands which are likely to play a key role in stream water purification of fecal pollutants. Our main objectives were to: (i) evaluate decay rates (k) of the total, particle-attached and free-living E. coli; (ii) quantify the relative importance of solar radiation exposition and suspended particles deposition on k; and (iii) investigate E. coli survival in the deposited sediment. We installed and monitored 12 mesocosms, 4500 mL each, across the main headwater wetland of the Houay Pano catchment, northern Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), for 8 days. The four treatments with triplicates were: sediment deposition-light (DL); sediment deposition-dark (DD); sediment resuspension-light (RL); and sediment resuspension-dark (RD). Particle-attached bacteria predominated in all mesocosms (97 ± 6%). Decay rates ranged from 1.43 ± 0.15 to 1.17 ± 0.13 day−1 for DL and DD treatments, and from 0.50 ± 0.15 to −0.14 ± 0.37 day−1 for RL and RD treatments. Deposition processes accounted for an average of 92% of E. coli stock reduction, while solar radiation accounted for around 2% over the experiment duration. The sampling of E. coli by temporary resuspension of the deposited sediment showed k values close to zero, suggesting potential survival or even growth of bacteria in the sediment. The present findings may help parameterizing hydrological and water quality models in a tropical context.
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Pathogen and Surrogate Survival in Relation to Fecal Indicator Bacteria in Freshwater Mesocosms. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:e0055821. [PMID: 34047635 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00558-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The microbial quality of agricultural water for fresh produce production is determined by the presence of the fecal indicator bacterium (FIB) Escherichia coli, despite poor correlations with pathogen presence. Additional FIB, such as enterococci, have been utilized for assessing water quality. The study objective was to determine the survival times (first time to detect zero or censored) of FIB (E. coli and enterococci), surrogates (Listeria innocua, Listeria seeligeri, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, and PRD1), and pathogens (four strains each of pathogenic E. coli and Listeria monocytogenes and five Salmonella serovars) simultaneously inoculated in freshwater mesocosms exposed to diel and seasonal variations. Six separate mesocosm experiments were conducted for ≤28 days each season, with samples (sediment/water) collected each day for the first 7 days and weekly thereafter. Microorganisms survived significantly longer in sediment than in water (hazard ratio [HR] for water/sediment is 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.79 to 2.71). Also, FIB E. coli survived significantly longer than FIB enterococcus (HR for enterococci/E. coli is 12.9 [95% CI, 8.18 to 20.37]) after adjusting for the sediment/water and lake/river effects. Differences in the area under the curve (calculated from log CFU or PFU over time) were used to assess pathogen and surrogate survival in relation to FIB. Despite sample type (sediment/water) and seasonal influences, survival rates of pathogenic Salmonella serovars were similar to those of FIB E. coli, and survival rates of L. monocytogenes and pathogenic E. coli were similar to those of FIB enterococci. Further investigation of microbial survival in water and sediment is needed to determine which surrogates are best suited to assess pathogen survival in agricultural water used in irrigation water for fresh produce. IMPORTANCE Contamination of fresh produce via agricultural water is well established. This research demonstrates that survival of fecal indicator bacteria, pathogenic microorganisms, and other bacterial and viral surrogates in freshwater differs by sample type (sediment/water) and season. Our work highlights potential risks associated with pathogen accumulation and survival in sediment and the possibility for resuspension and contamination of agricultural water used in fresh produce production. Specifically, a greater microbial persistence in sediments than in water over time was observed, along with differences in survival among microorganisms in relation to the fecal indicator bacteria E. coli and enterococci. Previous studies compared data among microbial groups in different environments. Conversely, fecal indicator bacteria, surrogates, and pathogenic microorganisms were assessed within the same water and sediment mesocosms in the present study during four seasons, better representing the agricultural aquatic environment. These data should be considered when agricultural microbial water quality criteria in fresh produce operations are being determined.
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Morales M, Sentchilo V, Hadadi N, van der Meer JR. Genome-wide gene expression changes of Pseudomonas veronii 1YdBTEX2 during bioaugmentation in polluted soils. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOME 2021; 16:8. [PMID: 33926576 PMCID: PMC8082905 DOI: 10.1186/s40793-021-00378-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bioaugmentation aims to use the capacities of specific bacterial strains inoculated into sites to enhance pollutant biodegradation. Bioaugmentation results have been mixed, which has been attributed to poor inoculant growth and survival in the field, and, consequently, moderate catalytic performance. However, our understanding of biodegradation activity mostly comes from experiments conducted under laboratory conditions, and the processes occurring during adaptation and invasion of inoculants into complex environmental microbiomes remain poorly known. The main aim of this work was thus to study the specific and different cellular reactions of an inoculant for bioaugmentation during adaptation, growth and survival in natural clean and contaminated non-sterile soils, in order to better understand factors limiting bioaugmentation. RESULTS As inoculant we focused on the monoaromatic compound-degrading bacterium Pseudomonas veronii 1YdBTEX2. The strain proliferated in all but one soil types in presence and in absence of exogenously added toluene. RNAseq and differential genome-wide gene expression analysis illustrated both a range of common soil responses such as increased nutrient scavenging and recycling, expression of defense mechanisms, as well as environment-specific reactions, notably osmoprotection and metal homeostasis. The core metabolism of P. veronii remained remarkably constant during exponential growth irrespective of the environment, with slight changes in cofactor regeneration pathways, possibly needed for balancing defense reactions. CONCLUSIONS P. veronii displayed a versatile global program, enabling it to adapt to a variety of soil environments in the presence and even in absence of its target pollutant toluene. Our results thus challenge the widely perceived dogma of poor survival and growth of exogenous inoculants in complex microbial ecosystems such as soil and provide a further basis to developing successful bioaugmentation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian Morales
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Vladimir Sentchilo
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Noushin Hadadi
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jan Roelof van der Meer
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Chen H, Liu C, Li Y, Teng Y. Integrating Metagenomic and Bayesian Analyses to Evaluate the Performance and Confidence of CrAssphage as an Indicator for Tracking Human Sewage Contamination in China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:4992-5000. [PMID: 33715349 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c00071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Recently, crAssphage has been proposed as a human-specific marker for tracking fecal contamination. However, its performance has always been validated in a limited number of host samples, which may obscure our understanding of its utility. Furthermore, few studies have quantified confidence of fecal contamination when using crAssphage. Here, we evaluate the performance and confidence of crAssphage by analyzing a large panel of metagenomic data sets combined with Bayesian analyses. Results demonstrate that crAssphage exhibits superior performance with high host sensitivity and specificity, indicating its suitability for tracking human fecal sources. With the marker, a high confidence (>90%) can be obtained and particularly, multiple samples with positive results provide a near certainty of confidence. The application of crAssphage in the sediments of three Chinese urban rivers shows a high confidence of >97% of human fecal contamination, suggesting the serious challenge of sewage pollution in these environments. Additionally, significant correlation is observed between crAssphage and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), expanding the utilization of crAssphage for pollution management of ARGs. This study highlights the benefit of using metagenomic-based analysis for evaluating the performance and confidence of microbial source tracking markers in the coming era of big data with increasing resources in available metagenomic data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Chen
- Engineering Research Center of Groundwater Pollution Control and Remediation, Ministry of Education; College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, No. 19, Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
| | - Chang Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Groundwater Pollution Control and Remediation, Ministry of Education; College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, No. 19, Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
| | - Yuezhao Li
- Engineering Research Center of Groundwater Pollution Control and Remediation, Ministry of Education; College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, No. 19, Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
| | - Yanguo Teng
- Engineering Research Center of Groundwater Pollution Control and Remediation, Ministry of Education; College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, No. 19, Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
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14
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Gu L, Wu JY, Hua ZL. Benthic prokaryotic microbial community assembly and biogeochemical potentials in E. coli - Stressed aquatic ecosystems during plant decomposition. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 275:116643. [PMID: 33581629 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Benthic microbes play a crucial role in maintaining the biogeochemical balance of aquatic ecosystems especially the material cycling during plant decomposition. However, those systems in agricultural area are always threatened by agricultural run-off containing a mass of typical pathogenic invader- Escherichia coli. It is therefore vital to clarify the turnover, assembly, and geochemical functions of the E. coli invaded benthic prokaryotic microbial community during plant decomposition. During the decaying process, the key filtering factors of benthic community assembly were NH4+-N (P < 0.001), NO2--N (P < 0.01), and Organic-N (P < 0.05). The E. coli colonized significantly in sediments (P < 0.001) and drove the turnover of the bacterial community (P = 0.001), which enhanced archaeal dominance in the benthic microbial network. E. coli also triggered niche structural variations. The biomass (%) of benthic nutrient cycling genera including Dechloromonas, Pseudomonas, Bacteroides, Candidatus_Methanofastidiosum, and Desulfomicrobium (P < 0.05) was altered by E. coli stress. The structural equation model illustrated that E. coli critically affected the benthic microbial geochemical functions in multiple pathways (P < 0.05). Our results provide new insights into benthic prokaryotic microbial community assembly and nutrient cycling and management under pollution stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Gu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China; Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Development, Hohai University, Jiangsu, 210098, China.
| | - Jian-Yi Wu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China; Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Development, Hohai University, Jiangsu, 210098, China.
| | - Zu-Lin Hua
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China; Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Development, Hohai University, Jiangsu, 210098, China.
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15
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Zimmer-Faust AG, Steele JA, Griffith JF, Schiff K. The challenges of microbial source tracking at urban beaches for Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 160:111546. [PMID: 32898736 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Urban beaches are frequently impacted from multiple sources of fecal contamination. This along with high beach usage underscores the importance of appropriate management that protects swimmer health. The USEPA has enabled the use of QMRA as a tool for quantifying swimmer health risk and setting site-specific water quality objectives. This study illustrates the challenges associated with human and non-human source identification and how these challenges influence the decision of whether QMRA at typical urban beaches for water quality management is appropriate. In this study, a similar and correlated spatial relationship with elevated Enterococcus and avian-specific markers was observed, suggesting shorebirds as a primary source of FIB. However, human-associated markers were also detected frequently but at low concentrations. Ultimately, a QMRA was not conducted because pathogen loading from potential human sources could not be confidently quantified, having consequences for health risk in receiving waters where recreational contact occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amity G Zimmer-Faust
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, 3535 Harbor Blvd, Suite 110, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, United States of America.
| | - Joshua A Steele
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, 3535 Harbor Blvd, Suite 110, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, United States of America
| | - John F Griffith
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, 3535 Harbor Blvd, Suite 110, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, United States of America
| | - Ken Schiff
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, 3535 Harbor Blvd, Suite 110, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, United States of America
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16
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Devane ML, Moriarty E, Weaver L, Cookson A, Gilpin B. Fecal indicator bacteria from environmental sources; strategies for identification to improve water quality monitoring. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 185:116204. [PMID: 32745743 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In tropical to temperate environments, fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), such as enterococci and Escherichia coli, can persist and potentially multiply, far removed from their natural reservoir of the animal gut. FIB isolated from environmental reservoirs such as stream sediments, beach sand and vegetation have been termed "naturalized" FIB. In addition, recent research suggests that the intestines of poikilothermic animals such as fish may be colonized by enterococci and E. coli, and therefore, these animals may contribute to FIB concentrations in the aquatic environment. Naturalized FIB that are derived from fecal inputs into the environment, and subsequently adapted to maintain their population within the non-host environment are termed "naturalized enteric FIB". In contrast, an additional theory suggests that some "naturalized" FIB diverged from enteric FIB many millions of years ago and are now normal inhabitants of the environment where they are referred to as "naturalized non-enteric FIB". In the case of the Escherichia genus, the naturalized non-enteric members are identified as E. coli during routine water quality monitoring. An over-estimation of the health risk could result when these naturalized, non-enteric FIB, (that is, not derived from avian or mammalian fecal contamination), contribute to water quality monitoring results. It has been postulated that these environmental FIB belonging to the genera Escherichia and Enterococcus can be differentiated from enteric FIB by genetic methods because they lack some of the genes required for colonization of the host intestine, and have acquired genes that aid survival in the environment. Advances in molecular tools such as next generation sequencing will aid the identification of genes peculiar or "enriched" in particular habitats to discriminate between enteric and environmental FIB. In this appraisal, we have reviewed the research studying "naturalized" FIB, and discussed the techniques for their differentiation from enteric FIB. This differentiation includes the important distinction between enteric FIB derived from fresh and non-recent fecal inputs, and those truly non-enteric environmental microbes, which are currently identified as FIB during routine water quality monitoring. The inclusion of tools for the identification of naturalized FIB (enteric or environmental) would be a valuable resource for future studies assessing water quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan L Devane
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd., 27 Creyke Rd, Ilam, Christchurch, New Zealand.
| | - Elaine Moriarty
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd., 27 Creyke Rd, Ilam, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Louise Weaver
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd., 27 Creyke Rd, Ilam, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Adrian Cookson
- AgResearch Ltd., Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand; mEpiLab, School of Veterinary Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Brent Gilpin
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd., 27 Creyke Rd, Ilam, Christchurch, New Zealand
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17
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Díaz-Torres O, Lugo-Melchor OY, de Anda J, Gradilla-Hernández MS, Amézquita-López BA, Meza-Rodríguez D. Prevalence, Distribution, and Diversity of Salmonella Strains Isolated From a Subtropical Lake. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:521146. [PMID: 33042046 PMCID: PMC7518123 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.521146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the prevalence, serovar distribution, antimicrobial resistance, and pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) typing of Salmonella enterica isolated from Lake Zapotlán, Jalisco, Mexico. Additionally, the association of the presence of Salmonella with physicochemical and environmental parameters was analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis and principal component analysis (PCA). Salmonella spp. were identified in 19 of 63 (30.15%) samples. The prevalence of Salmonella was positively correlated with air temperature, electrical conductivity, pH, and dissolved oxygen and negatively correlated with relative humidity, water temperature, turbidity, and precipitation. The predominant serotype identified was Agona (68.48%), followed by Weltevreden (5.26%), Typhimurium (5.26%), and serogroup B (21.05%). Overall, the highest detected antimicrobial resistance was toward colistin (73.68%), followed by sulfamethoxazole (63.15%), tetracycline (57.89%), nalidixic acid (52.63%), and trimethoprim (52.63%). All Salmonella strains were genetically diverse, with a total of 11 XbaI and four BlnI profiles on PFGE. The use of these two enzymes allowed differentiate strains of Salmonella of the same serotype. The results obtained in this study contribute to a better understanding of the Salmonella spp. ecology in an endorheic subtropical lake and provide information for decision makers to propose and implement effective strategies to control point and non-point sources of pathogen contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osiris Díaz-Torres
- Unidad de Servicios Analíticos y Metrológicos, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Ofelia Yadira Lugo-Melchor
- Unidad de Servicios Analíticos y Metrológicos, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - José de Anda
- Departamento de Tecnología Ambiental, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | | | - Bianca A Amézquita-López
- Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Culiacán Rosales, Mexico
| | - Demetrio Meza-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Universidad de Guadalajara, Autlán de Navarro, Mexico
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18
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Gu L, Wu JY, Hua ZL, Chu KJ. The response of nitrogen cycling and bacterial communities to E. coli invasion in aquatic environments with submerged vegetation. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 261:110204. [PMID: 32148275 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The effects of exogenous Escherichia coli on nitrogen cycling (N-cycling) in freshwater remains unclear. Thus, seven ecosystems, six with submerged plants-Potamogeton crispus (PC) and Myriophyllum aquaticum (MA)-and one with no plants were set up. Habitats were assessed before and after E. coli addition (107 colony-forming units/mL). E. coli colonization of freshwater ecosystems had significant effects on bacterial community structure in plant surface biofilms and surface sediments (ANOVA, P < 0.05). It reduced the relative abundance of nitrosification bacteria (-70.94 ± 26.17%) and nitrifiers (-47.86 ± 23.68%) in biofilms which lead to significant reduction of ammoxidation in water (P < 0.05). The N-cycling intensity from PC systems was affected more strongly by E. coli than were MA systems. Furthermore, the coupling coefficient of exogenous E. coli to indigenous N-cycling bacteria in sediments (6.061, average connectivity degree) was significantly weaker than that in biofilms (9.852). Additionally, at the genus level, E. coli were most-closely associated with N-cycling bacteria such as Prosthecobacter, Hydrogenophaga, and Bacillus in sediments and biofilms according to co-occurrence bacterial network (Spearman). E. coli directly changed their abundance, so that the variability of species composition of N-cycling bacterial taxa was triggered, as well. Overall, exogenous E. coli repressed ammoxidation, but promoted ammonification and denitrification. Our results provided new insights into how pathogens influence the nitrogen cycle in freshwater ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Gu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; National Engineering Research Center of Water Resources Efficient Utilization and Engineering Safety, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Jian-Yi Wu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; National Engineering Research Center of Water Resources Efficient Utilization and Engineering Safety, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China.
| | - Zu-Lin Hua
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; National Engineering Research Center of Water Resources Efficient Utilization and Engineering Safety, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China.
| | - Ke-Jian Chu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
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19
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Siddiqee MH, Henry R, Deletic A, Bulach DM, Coleman RA, McCarthy DT. Salmonella from a Microtidal Estuary Are Capable of Invading Human Intestinal Cell Lines. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2020; 79:259-270. [PMID: 31384980 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-019-01419-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Faecal contamination poses health risks for the recreational users of urban estuaries. However, our understanding of the potential pathogenicity of faecal microbes in these environments is limited. To this end, a study was conducted to understand the spatial and seasonal distribution of Salmonella in water and sediments of the Yarra River estuary, Melbourne, Australia. Among 210 samples in total, culturable Salmonella were recovered from 27%, 17%, and 19% of water, bank, and bed sediment samples, respectively. The combined detection increased from 15% in winter to 32% in summer (p < 0.05) indicating seasonal variation as potential part of public health risk assessments. Further, pathogenic potential of the Salmonella isolates was characterised via the quantification of attachment and invasion capacity using human epithelial colorectal cell line Caco-2 on a subset of isolates (n = 62). While all of these isolates could attach and invade Caco-2 cells, 52% and 13% of these showed greater attachment and invasiveness, respectively, than the corresponding mean values for S. Typhimurium ATCC14028 control. Isolates from winter were on average more invasive (seven out of eight isolates with the highest invasiveness recovered from the colder sampling period) than the isolates from summer, and Salmonella collected during summer showed lower invasion (p < 0.05) compared with the control. Similar low invasion compared with the same control was observed for isolates recovered from bank sediment (p < 0.05). While the higher prevalence in summer may imply higher risks during these peak recreational periods, it is essential that this information is used in combination with quantitative microbial risk assessments to fully understand the health risks posed by Salmonella in microtidal estuaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahbubul H Siddiqee
- Environmental and Public Health Microbiology Laboratory (EPHM LAB), Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Molecular and Environmental Microbiology Laboratory (MEM LAB), Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rebekah Henry
- Environmental and Public Health Microbiology Laboratory (EPHM LAB), Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ana Deletic
- Environmental and Public Health Microbiology Laboratory (EPHM LAB), Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Dieter M Bulach
- The Doherty Institute and Melbourne Bioinformatics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Rhys A Coleman
- Melbourne Water Corporation, Docklands, VIC, 3008, Australia
| | - David T McCarthy
- Environmental and Public Health Microbiology Laboratory (EPHM LAB), Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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20
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McMinn BR, Rhodes ER, Huff EM, Korajkic A. Decay of infectious adenovirus and coliphages in freshwater habitats is differentially affected by ambient sunlight and the presence of indigenous protozoa communities. Virol J 2020; 17:1. [PMID: 31906972 PMCID: PMC6945520 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-019-1274-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sanitary quality of recreational waters worldwide is assessed using fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), such as Escherichia coli and enterococci. However, fate and transport characteristics of FIB in aquatic habitats can differ from those of viral pathogens which have been identified as main etiologic agents of recreational waterborne illness. Coliphages (bacteriophages infecting E. coli) are an attractive alternative to FIB because of their many morphological and structural similarities to viral pathogens. METHODS In this in situ field study, we used a submersible aquatic mesocosm to compare decay characteristics of somatic and F+ coliphages to those of infectious human adenovirus 2 in a freshwater lake. In addition, we also evaluated the effect of ambient sunlight (and associated UV irradiation) and indigenous protozoan communities on decay of somatic and F+ coliphage, as well as infectious adenovirus. RESULTS Our results show that decay of coliphages and adenovirus was similar (p = 0.0794), indicating that both of these bacteriophage groups are adequate surrogates for decay of human adenoviruses. Overall, after 8 days the greatest log10 reductions were observed when viruses were exposed to a combination of biotic and abiotic factors (2.92 ± 0.39, 4.48 ± 0.38, 3.40 ± 0.19 for somatic coliphages, F+ coliphages and adenovirus, respectively). Both, indigenous protozoa and ambient sunlight, were important contributors to decay of all three viruses, although the magnitude of that effect differed over time and across viral targets. CONCLUSIONS While all viruses studied decayed significantly faster (p < 0.0001) when exposed to ambient sunlight, somatic coliphages were particularly susceptible to sunlight irradiation suggesting a potentially different mechanism of UV damage compared to F+ coliphages and adenoviruses. Presence of indigenous protozoan communities was also a significant contributor (p value range: 0.0016 to < 0.0001) to decay of coliphages and adenovirus suggesting that this rarely studied biotic factor is an important driver of viral reductions in freshwater aquatic habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian R McMinn
- United States Environmental Protections Agency, Cincinnati, OH, 45268, USA
| | - Eric R Rhodes
- United States Environmental Protections Agency, Cincinnati, OH, 45268, USA
| | - Emma M Huff
- United States Environmental Protections Agency, Cincinnati, OH, 45268, USA
| | - Asja Korajkic
- United States Environmental Protections Agency, Cincinnati, OH, 45268, USA.
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21
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Young S, Rohr JR, Harwood VJ. Vancomycin resistance plasmids affect persistence of Enterococcus faecium in water. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 166:115069. [PMID: 31536887 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.115069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) cause 20,000 infections annually in the United States, most of which are nosocomial. Recent findings of VRE in sewage-contaminated surface waters demonstrate an alternate route of human exposure, and a possible setting for horizontal gene exchange facilitated by plasmids and other mobile genetic elements. Maintenance of antibiotic resistance genes and proteins may, however, present a fitness cost in the absence of selective pressure, particularly in habitats such as environmental waters that are not optimal for gut-associated bacteria. Nutrient levels, which are transiently elevated following sewage spills, may also affect survival. We tested the hypotheses that nutrients and/or plasmids conferring vancomycin resistance affect Enterococcus faecium survival in river water by measuring decay of strains that differed only by their plasmid, under natural and augmented nutrient conditions. In natural river water, decay rate (log10 reduction) correlated directly with plasmid size; however, plasmid presence and size had no effect on decay rate when nutrients levels were augmented. Under natural nutrient levels, the vancomycin-resistant strain with the largest plasmid (200 kb) decayed significantly more rapidly than the plasmid-less, susceptible parent strain, in contrast to similar decay rates among strains under augmented nutrient conditions. This work is among the first to show that plasmids conferring antibiotic resistance affect fitness of Enterococcus species in secondary habitats such as surface water. The nutrient-dependent nature of the fitness cost suggests that conveyance of VRE to environmental waters in nutrient-rich sewage may prolong survival of these pathogens, providing greater opportunity for host infection and/or horizontal gene transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Young
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA; Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jason R Rohr
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Valerie J Harwood
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
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22
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Eckert EM, Quero GM, Di Cesare A, Manfredini G, Mapelli F, Borin S, Fontaneto D, Luna GM, Corno G. Antibiotic disturbance affects aquatic microbial community composition and food web interactions but not community resilience. Mol Ecol 2019; 28:1170-1182. [PMID: 30697889 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Notwithstanding the fundamental role that environmental microbes play for ecosystem functioning, data on how microbes react to disturbances are still scarce, and most factors that confer stability to microbial communities are unknown. In this context, antibiotic discharge into the environment is considered a worldwide threat for ecosystems with potential risks to human health. We therefore tested resilience of microbial communities challenged by the presence of an antibiotic. In a continuous culture experiment, we compared the abundance, composition and diversity of microbial communities undisturbed or disturbed by the constant addiction of tetracycline in low (10 µg/L) or intermediate (100 µg/L) concentration (press disturbance). Further, the bacterial communities in the three treatments had to face the sudden pulse disturbance of adding an allochthonous bacterium (Escherichia coli). Tetracycline, even at low concentrations, affected microbial communities by changing their phylogenetic composition and causing cell aggregation. This, however, did not coincide with a reduced microbial diversity, but was mainly caused by a shift in dominance of specific bacterial families. Moreover, the less disturbed community (10 µg/L tetracycline) was sometimes more similar to the control and sometimes more similar to heavily disturbed community (100 µg/L tetracycline). All in all, we could not see a pattern where the communities disturbed with antibiotics were less resilient to a second disturbance introducing E. coli, but they seemed to be able to buffer the input of the allochthonous strain in a similar manner as the control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester M Eckert
- Microbial Ecology Group, National Research Council - Water Research Institute (CNR-IRSA), Verbania, Italy
| | - Grazia M Quero
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (SZN), Napoli, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Cesare
- Microbial Ecology Group, National Research Council - Water Research Institute (CNR-IRSA), Verbania, Italy.,Department of Environmental and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Giuliana Manfredini
- Microbial Ecology Group, National Research Council - Water Research Institute (CNR-IRSA), Verbania, Italy
| | - Francesca Mapelli
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | - Sara Borin
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | - Diego Fontaneto
- Microbial Ecology Group, National Research Council - Water Research Institute (CNR-IRSA), Verbania, Italy
| | - Gian Marco Luna
- National Research Council, Istituto per le Risorse Biologiche e le Biotecnologie Marine (CNR-IRBIM), Ancona, Italy
| | - Gianluca Corno
- Microbial Ecology Group, National Research Council - Water Research Institute (CNR-IRSA), Verbania, Italy
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Hu A, Wang H, Cao M, Rashid A, Li M, Yu CP. Environmental Filtering Drives the Assembly of Habitat Generalists and Specialists in the Coastal Sand Microbial Communities of Southern China. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7120598. [PMID: 31766562 PMCID: PMC6955893 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7120598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Coastal sands harbor diverse microbial assemblages that play a critical role in the biogeochemical cycling of beach ecosystems. However, little is known about the relative importance of the different ecological processes underlying the assembly of communities of sand microbiota. Here, we employed 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing to investigate the sand microbiota of two coastal beaches, in southern China. The results showed that sand microbial assemblages at intertidal and supratidal zones exhibited contrasting compositions that can be attributed to environmental filtering by electric conductivity. A consistent pattern of habitat generalists and specialists of sand microbiota was observed among different beach zones. Null and neutral model analyses indicated that the environmental filtering was mainly responsible for supratidal microbial communities, while the neutral processes could partially influence the assembly of intertidal communities. Moreover, environmental filtering was found to shape the habitat specialists, while random dispersal played a major role in shaping generalists. The neutral model analysis revealed that the habitat generalists exceeding the neutral prediction harbored a relatively higher proportion of microbial taxa than the specialist counterparts. An opposite pattern was observed for taxa falling below the neutral prediction. Collectively, these findings offer a novel insight into the assembly mechanisms of coastal sand microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anyi Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; (H.W.); (M.C.); (A.R.); (C.-P.Y.)
- Correspondence: (A.H.); (M.L.); Tel.: +86-592-6190582 (A.H.); +86-596-2591356 (M.L.)
| | - Hongjie Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; (H.W.); (M.C.); (A.R.); (C.-P.Y.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Meixian Cao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; (H.W.); (M.C.); (A.R.); (C.-P.Y.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Azhar Rashid
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; (H.W.); (M.C.); (A.R.); (C.-P.Y.)
- Nuclear Institute for Food and Agriculture, Tarnab, Peshawar 446, Pakistan
| | - Mingfeng Li
- School of Biological Science and Biotechnology, Minnan Normal University, Zhangzhou 363000, China
- Correspondence: (A.H.); (M.L.); Tel.: +86-592-6190582 (A.H.); +86-596-2591356 (M.L.)
| | - Chang-Ping Yu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; (H.W.); (M.C.); (A.R.); (C.-P.Y.)
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
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24
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Burnet JB, Sylvestre É, Jalbert J, Imbeault S, Servais P, Prévost M, Dorner S. Tracking the contribution of multiple raw and treated wastewater discharges at an urban drinking water supply using near real-time monitoring of β-d-glucuronidase activity. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 164:114869. [PMID: 31377523 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.114869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Past waterborne outbreaks have demonstrated that informed vulnerability assessment of drinking water supplies is paramount for the provision of safe drinking water. Although current monitoring frameworks are not designed to account for short-term peak concentrations of fecal microorganisms in source waters, the recent development of online microbial monitoring technologies is expected to fill this knowledge gap. In this study, online near real-time monitoring of β-d-glucuronidase (GLUC) activity was conducted for 1.5 years at an urban drinking water intake impacted by multiple point sources of fecal pollution. Parallel routine and event-based monitoring of E. coli and online measurement of physico-chemistry were performed at the intake and their dynamics compared over time. GLUC activity fluctuations ranged from seasonal to hourly time scales. All peak contamination episodes occurred between late fall and early spring following intense rainfall and/or snowmelt. In the absence of rainfall, recurrent daily fluctuations in GLUC activity and culturable E. coli were observed at the intake, a pattern otherwise ignored by regulatory monitoring. Cross-correlation analysis of time series retrieved from the drinking water intake and an upstream Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) demonstrated a hydraulic connection between the two sites. Sewage by-passes from the same WRRF were the main drivers of intermittent GLUC activity and E. coli peaks at the drinking water intake following intense precipitation and/or snowmelt. Near real-time monitoring of fecal pollution through GLUC activity enabled a thorough characterization of the frequency, duration and amplitude of peak contamination periods at the urban drinking water intake while providing crucial information for the identification of the dominant upstream fecal pollution sources. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first characterization of a hydraulic connection between a WRRF and a downstream drinking water intake across hourly to seasonal timescales using high frequency microbial monitoring data. Ultimately, this should help improve source water protection through catchment mitigation actions, especially in a context of de facto wastewater reuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Baptiste Burnet
- Department of Civil, Geological, and Mining Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, H3C 3A7, Canada; NSERC Industrial Chair on Drinking Water, Department of Civil, Geological, and Mining Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, H3C 3A7, Canada.
| | - Émile Sylvestre
- Department of Civil, Geological, and Mining Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, H3C 3A7, Canada; NSERC Industrial Chair on Drinking Water, Department of Civil, Geological, and Mining Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, H3C 3A7, Canada
| | - Jonathan Jalbert
- Département de mathématiques et de génie industriel, Polytechnique Montréal, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3A7, Canada
| | - Sandra Imbeault
- Service de la Gestion de l'Eau, Ville de Laval, Quebec, H7L 2R3, Canada
| | - Pierre Servais
- Écologie des Systèmes Aquatiques, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Campus de la Plaine, Belgium
| | - Michèle Prévost
- NSERC Industrial Chair on Drinking Water, Department of Civil, Geological, and Mining Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, H3C 3A7, Canada
| | - Sarah Dorner
- Department of Civil, Geological, and Mining Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, H3C 3A7, Canada
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25
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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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26
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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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Ballesté E, Pascual-Benito M, Martín-Díaz J, Blanch AR, Lucena F, Muniesa M, Jofre J, García-Aljaro C. Dynamics of crAssphage as a human source tracking marker in potentially faecally polluted environments. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 155:233-244. [PMID: 30851594 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.02.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that crAssphage is abundant in human faecal samples worldwide. It has thus been postulated as a potential microbial source tracking (MST) marker to detect human faecal pollution in water. However, an effective implementation of crAssphage in water management strategies will depend on an understanding of its environmental dynamics. In this work, the abundance and temporal distribution of crAssphage was analysed in the effluent of wastewater treatment plants using different sewage treatments, and in two rivers (water and sediments) that differ in pollution impact and flow regime. Additionally, the influence of environmental conditions (temperature and rainfall) on the removal of the marker was studied along a river section, and natural inactivation was assessed by a mesocosms approach. Molecular and culture-based tools were used to compare crAssphage abundance and dynamics with those of bacteria and bacteriophages currently applied as global indicators (E. coli, somatic coliphages, Bacteroides GA17 bacteriophages, and the human-associated MST markers HF183 and HMBif). CrAssphage concentrations in sewage effluent and river samples were similar to those of HF183 and HMBif and higher than other general and/or culture-based indicators (by 2-3 orders of magnitude). Measurement of crAssphage abundance revealed no temporal variability in the effluent, although rainfall events affected the dynamics, possibly through the mobilisation of sediments, where the marker was detected in high concentrations, and an increase in diffuse and point pollution. Another factor affecting crAssphage inactivation was temperature. Its persistence was longer compared with other bacterial markers analysed by qPCR but lower than culturable markers. The results of this study support the use of crAssphage as a human source tracking marker of faecal pollution in water, since it has similar abundances to other molecular human MST markers, yet with a longer persistence in the environment. Nevertheless, its use in combination with infectious bacteriophages is probably advisable.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Ballesté
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Microbiology Section, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 643, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - M Pascual-Benito
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Microbiology Section, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 643, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Martín-Díaz
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Microbiology Section, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 643, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A R Blanch
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Microbiology Section, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 643, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - F Lucena
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Microbiology Section, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 643, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Muniesa
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Microbiology Section, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 643, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Jofre
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Microbiology Section, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 643, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - C García-Aljaro
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Microbiology Section, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 643, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
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28
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Korajkic A, McMinn BR, Harwood VJ. Relationships between Microbial Indicators and Pathogens in Recreational Water Settings. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:E2842. [PMID: 30551597 PMCID: PMC6313479 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15122842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Fecal pollution of recreational waters can cause scenic blight and pose a threat to public health, resulting in beach advisories and closures. Fecal indicator bacteria (total and fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli, and enterococci), and alternative indicators of fecal pollution (Clostridium perfringens and bacteriophages) are routinely used in the assessment of sanitary quality of recreational waters. However, fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), and alternative indicators are found in the gastrointestinal tract of humans, and many other animals and therefore are considered general indicators of fecal pollution. As such, there is room for improvement in terms of their use for informing risk assessment and remediation strategies. Microbial source tracking (MST) genetic markers are closely associated with animal hosts and are used to identify fecal pollution sources. In this review, we examine 73 papers generated over 40 years that reported the relationship between at least one indicator and one pathogen group or species. Nearly half of the reports did not include statistical analysis, while the remainder were almost equally split between those that observed statistically significant relationships and those that did not. Statistical significance was reported less frequently in marine and brackish waters compared to freshwater, and the number of statistically significant relationships was considerably higher in freshwater (p < 0.0001). Overall, significant relationships were more commonly reported between FIB and pathogenic bacteria or protozoa, compared to pathogenic viruses (p: 0.0022⁻0.0005), and this was more pronounced in freshwater compared to marine. Statistically significant relationships were typically noted following wet weather events and at sites known to be impacted by recent fecal pollution. Among the studies that reported frequency of detection, FIB were detected most consistently, followed by alternative indicators. MST markers and the three pathogen groups were detected least frequently. This trend was mirrored by reported concentrations for each group of organisms (FIB > alternative indicators > MST markers > pathogens). Thus, while FIB, alternative indicators, and MST markers continue to be suitable indicators of fecal pollution, their relationship with waterborne pathogens, particularly viruses, is tenuous at best and influenced by many different factors such as frequency of detection, variable shedding rates, differential fate and transport characteristics, as well as a broad range of site-specific factors such as the potential for the presence of a complex mixture of multiple sources of fecal contamination and pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asja Korajkic
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA.
| | - Brian R McMinn
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA.
| | - Valerie J Harwood
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Ave, SCA 110, Tampa, FL 33620, USA.
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29
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Siddiqee MH, Henry R, Coulthard R, Schang C, Williamson R, Coleman R, Rooney G, Deletic A, McCarthy D. Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium and Escherichia coli Survival in Estuarine Bank Sediments. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:E2597. [PMID: 30469325 PMCID: PMC6266694 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15112597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Estuarine bank sediments have the potential to support the survival and growth of fecal indicator organisms, including Escherichia coli. However, survival of fecal pathogens in estuarine sediments is not well researched and therefore remains a significant knowledge gap regarding public health risks in estuaries. In this study, simultaneous survival of Escherichia coli and a fecal pathogen, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, was studied for 21 days in estuarine bank sediment microcosms. Observed growth patterns for both organisms were comparable under four simulated scenarios; for continuous-desiccation, extended-desiccation, periodic-inundation, and continuous-inundation systems, logarithmic decay coefficients were 1.54/day, 1.51/day, 0.14/day, and 0.20/day, respectively, for E. coli, and 1.72/day, 1.64/day, 0.21/day, and 0.24/day for S. Typhimurium. Re-wetting of continuous-desiccated systems resulted in potential re-growth, suggesting survival under moisture-limited conditions. Key findings from this study include: (i) Bank sediments can potentially support human pathogens (S. Typhimurium), (ii) inundation levels influence the survival of fecal bacteria in estuarine bank sediments, and (iii) comparable survival rates of S. Typhimurium and E. coli implies the latter could be a reliable fecal indicator in urban estuaries. The results from this study will help select suitable monitoring and management strategies for safer recreational activities in urban estuaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahbubul H Siddiqee
- Environmental and Public Health Microbiology Laboratory (EPHM LAB), Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC-3168, Australia.
- Molecular and Environmental Microbiology Laboratory (MEM LAB), Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, BRAC University, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh.
| | - Rebekah Henry
- Environmental and Public Health Microbiology Laboratory (EPHM LAB), Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC-3168, Australia.
| | - Rebecca Coulthard
- Environmental and Public Health Microbiology Laboratory (EPHM LAB), Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC-3168, Australia.
| | - Christelle Schang
- Environmental and Public Health Microbiology Laboratory (EPHM LAB), Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC-3168, Australia.
| | - Richard Williamson
- Environmental and Public Health Microbiology Laboratory (EPHM LAB), Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC-3168, Australia.
| | - Rhys Coleman
- Melbourne Water Corporation, Docklands, VIC-3008, Australia.
| | - Graham Rooney
- Melbourne Water Corporation, Docklands, VIC-3008, Australia.
| | - Ana Deletic
- Environmental and Public Health Microbiology Laboratory (EPHM LAB), Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC-3168, Australia.
| | - David McCarthy
- Environmental and Public Health Microbiology Laboratory (EPHM LAB), Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC-3168, Australia.
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30
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Boehm AB, Graham KE, Jennings WC. Can We Swim Yet? Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Risk Assessment of Aging Sewage in Surface Waters. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:9634-9645. [PMID: 30080397 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b01948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the risk of gastrointestinal illness associated with swimming in surface waters with aged sewage contamination. First, a systematic review compiled 333 first order decay rate constants ( k) for human norovirus and its surrogates feline calicivirus and murine norovirus, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium, and human-associated indicators in surface water. A meta-analysis investigated effects of sunlight, temperature, and water matrix on k. There was a relatively large number of k for bacterial pathogens and some human-associated indicators ( n > 40), fewer for protozoans ( n = 14-22), and few for human norovirus and its Caliciviridae surrogates ( n = 2-4). Average k ranked: Campylobacter > human-associated markers > Salmonella> E. coli O157:H7 > norovirus and its surrogates > Giardia > Cryptosporidium. Compiled k values were used in a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) to simulate gastrointestinal illness risk associated with swimming in water with aged sewage contamination. The QMRA used human-associated fecal indicator HF183 as an index for the amount of sewage present and thereby provided insight into how risk relates to HF183 concentrations in surface water. Because exposure to norovirus contributed the majority of risk, and HF183 k is greater than norovirus k, the risk associated with exposure to a fixed HF183 concentration increases with the age of contamination. Swimmer exposure to sewage after it has aged ∼3 days results in median risks less than 30/1000. A risk-based water quality threshold for HF183 in surface waters that takes into account uncertainty in contamination age is derived to be 4100 copies/100 mL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandria B Boehm
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering , Stanford University , Stanford , California 94305 , United States
| | - Katherine E Graham
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering , Stanford University , Stanford , California 94305 , United States
| | - Wiley C Jennings
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering , Stanford University , Stanford , California 94305 , United States
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31
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Huang F, Pan L, Song M, Tian C, Gao S. Microbiota assemblages of water, sediment, and intestine and their associations with environmental factors and shrimp physiological health. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2018; 102:8585-8598. [PMID: 30039332 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-018-9229-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2018] [Revised: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Microorganisms play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, water quality maintenance, and farmed animal health. Increasing evidences have revealed a close association between unstable microbial environments and disease occurrences in aquaculture. Thereupon, we used high-throughput sequencing technology to comprehensively compare the bacterial communities of water, sediment, and intestine in mariculture ponds at the middle and late stages of Litopenaeus vannamei farming and analyzed whether changes of their microbiota assemblages were associated with environmental factors and shrimp physiological health. Results showed that bacterial community structures were significantly distinct among water, sediment, and intestine; meanwhile, the relative abundances of intestinal dominant taxa were significantly changed between different rearing stages. Compared with intestine and water, shrimp intestine and sediment had a similar profile of the dominant bacterial genera by cluster analysis, and the observed species, diversity indexes, and shared OTUs of bacterial communities in intestine and sediment were simultaneously increased after shrimp were farmed for 90 days. These results reflected a closer relationship between microbiotas in sediment and intestine, which was further proved by nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis. However, bacterial communities in water, sediment, and intestine responded differently to environmental variables by redundancy and correlation analysis. More importantly, shrimp physiological parameters were closely associated with bacterial variations in the gut and/or ambient, especially the gut microbiota owning significantly high levels of predicted functional pathways involved in disease emergence. These findings may greatly add to our understanding of the microbiota characteristics of the shrimp pond ecosystem and the complex interactions among shrimp, ambient microflora, and environmental variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Luqing Pan
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao, Shandong, China. .,Fisheries College, Ocean University of China, Yushan Road 5, Qingdao, 266003, China.
| | - Mengsi Song
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Changcheng Tian
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Shuo Gao
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao, Shandong, China
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Oladeinde A, Lipp E, Chen CY, Muirhead R, Glenn T, Cook K, Molina M. Transcriptome Changes of Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, and Escherichia coli O157:H7 Laboratory Strains in Response to Photo-Degraded DOM. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:882. [PMID: 29867797 PMCID: PMC5953345 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigated gene expression changes in three bacterial strains (Escherichia coli C3000, Escherichia coli O157:H7 B6914, and Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212), commonly used as indicators of water quality and as control strains in clinical, food, and water microbiology laboratories. Bacterial transcriptome responses from pure cultures were monitored in microcosms containing water amended with manure-derived dissolved organic matter (DOM), previously exposed to simulated sunlight for 12 h. We used RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase (qRT-PCR) to compare differentially expressed temporal transcripts between bacteria incubated in microcosms containing sunlight irradiated and non-irradiated DOM, for up to 24 h. In addition, we used whole genome sequencing simultaneously with RNA-seq to identify single nucleotide variants (SNV) acquired in bacterial populations during incubation. These results indicate that E. coli and E. faecalis have different mechanisms for removal of reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced from irradiated DOM. They are also able to produce micromolar concentrations of H2O2 from non-irradiated DOM, that should be detrimental to other bacteria present in the environment. Notably, this study provides an assessment of the role of two conjugative plasmids carried by the E. faecalis and highlights the differences in the overall survival dynamics of environmentally-relevant bacteria in the presence of naturally-produced ROS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelumola Oladeinde
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, Student Volunteer, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Athens, GA, United States.,Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Erin Lipp
- Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Chia-Ying Chen
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, National Research Council Associate, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Athens, GA, United States
| | | | - Travis Glenn
- Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Kimberly Cook
- Bacterial Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance Research Unit, U.S. National Poultry Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Marirosa Molina
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Athens, GA, United States
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Liu H, Whitehouse CA, Li B. Presence and Persistence of Salmonella in Water: The Impact on Microbial Quality of Water and Food Safety. Front Public Health 2018; 6:159. [PMID: 29900166 PMCID: PMC5989457 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2018.00159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Salmonella ranks high among the pathogens causing foodborne disease outbreaks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Salmonella contributed to about 53.4% of all foodborne disease outbreaks from 2006 to 2017, and approximately 32.7% of these foodborne Salmonella outbreaks were associated with consumption of produce. Trace-back investigations have suggested that irrigation water may be a source of Salmonella contamination of produce and a vehicle for transmission. Presence and persistence of Salmonella have been reported in surface waters such as rivers, lakes, and ponds, while ground water in general offers better microbial quality for irrigation. To date, culture methods are still the gold standard for detection, isolation and identification of Salmonella in foods and water. In addition to culture, other methods for the detection of Salmonella in water include most probable number, immunoassay, and PCR. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued the Produce Safety Rule (PSR) in January 2013 based on the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), which calls for more efforts toward enhancing and improving approaches for the prevention of foodborne outbreaks. In the PSR, agricultural water is defined as water used for in a way that is intended to, or likely to, contact covered produce, such as spray, wash, or irrigation. In summary, Salmonella is frequently present in surface water, an important source of water for irrigation. An increasing evidence indicates irrigation water as a source (or a vehicle) for transmission of Salmonella. This pathogen can survive in aquatic environments by a number of mechanisms, including entry into the viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state and/or residing within free-living protozoa. As such, assurance of microbial quality of irrigation water is critical to curtail the produce-related foodborne outbreaks and thus enhance the food safety. In this review, we will discuss the presence and persistence of Salmonella in water and the mechanisms Salmonella uses to persist in the aquatic environment, particularly irrigation water, to better understand the impact on the microbial quality of water and food safety due to the presence of Salmonella in the water environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanli Liu
- Branch of Microbiology, Arkansas Laboratory, Office of Regulatory Affairs, United States Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR, United States
| | - Chris A. Whitehouse
- Division of Molecular Biology, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, United States Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, MD, United States
| | - Baoguang Li
- Division of Molecular Biology, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, United States Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, MD, United States
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Seck EH, Dufour JC, Raoult D, Lagier JC. Halophilic & halotolerant prokaryotes in humans. Future Microbiol 2018; 13:799-812. [PMID: 29726267 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2017-0237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Halophilic prokaryotes are described as microorganisms living in hypersaline environments. Here, we list the halotolerant and halophilic bacteria which have been isolated in humans. Of the 52 halophilic prokaryotes, 32 (61.54%) were moderately halophilic, 17 (32.69%) were slightly halophilic and three (5.76%) were extremely halophilic prokaryotes. At the phylum level, 29 (54.72%) belong to Firmicutes, 15 (28.84%) to Proteobacteria, four (7.69%) to Actinobacteria, three (5.78%) to Euryarchaeota and one (1.92%) belongs to Bacteroidetes. Halophilic prokaryotes are rarely pathogenic: of these 52 halophilic prokaryotes only two (3.92%) species were classified in Risk Group 2 (Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus) and one (1.96%), species in Risk Group 3 (Bacillus anthracis).
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Affiliation(s)
- El Hadji Seck
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, MEPHI, IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Charles Dufour
- SESSTIM (UMR912), Sciences Economiques et Sociales de la Santé et Traitement de l'Information Médicale, Aix Marseille University, INSERM, IRD, Marseille, France.,Service Biostatistique et Technologies de l'Information et de la Communication (BIOSTIC), Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, MEPHI, IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France.,Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jean-Christophe Lagier
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, MEPHI, IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
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35
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Eckert EM, Di Cesare A, Kettner MT, Arias-Andres M, Fontaneto D, Grossart HP, Corno G. Microplastics increase impact of treated wastewater on freshwater microbial community. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 234:495-502. [PMID: 29216487 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.11.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a major global concern with several million microplastic particles entering every day freshwater ecosystems via wastewater discharge. Microplastic particles stimulate biofilm formation (plastisphere) throughout the water column and have the potential to affect microbial community structure if they accumulate in pelagic waters, especially enhancing the proliferation of biohazardous bacteria. To test this scenario, we simulated the inflow of treated wastewater into a temperate lake using a continuous culture system with a gradient of concentration of microplastic particles. We followed the effect of microplastics on the microbial community structure and on the occurrence of integrase 1 (int1), a marker associated with mobile genetic elements known as a proxy for anthropogenic effects on the spread of antimicrobial resistance genes. The abundance of int1 increased in the plastisphere with increasing microplastic particle concentration, but not in the water surrounding the microplastic particles. Likewise, the microbial community on microplastic was more similar to the original wastewater community with increasing microplastic concentrations. Our results show that microplastic particles indeed promote persistence of typical indicators of microbial anthropogenic pollution in natural waters, and substantiate that their removal from treated wastewater should be prioritised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester M Eckert
- Microbial Ecology Group (MEG), National Research Council - Institute of Ecosystem Study (CNR-ISE), Largo Tonolli, 50, 28922 Verbania, Italy.
| | - Andrea Di Cesare
- Microbial Ecology Group (MEG), National Research Council - Institute of Ecosystem Study (CNR-ISE), Largo Tonolli, 50, 28922 Verbania, Italy; Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, Corso Europa 26, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Marie Therese Kettner
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Dept. Experimental Limnology, Alte Fischerhuette 2, D-16775 Stechlin, Germany; Potsdam University, Inst. of Biochemistry and Biology, Maulbeerallee 2, D-14469 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Maria Arias-Andres
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Dept. Experimental Limnology, Alte Fischerhuette 2, D-16775 Stechlin, Germany; Potsdam University, Inst. of Biochemistry and Biology, Maulbeerallee 2, D-14469 Potsdam, Germany; Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances (IRET), Universidad Nacional, Campus Omar Dengo, P.O. Box 86-3000, Heredia, Costa Rica
| | - Diego Fontaneto
- Microbial Ecology Group (MEG), National Research Council - Institute of Ecosystem Study (CNR-ISE), Largo Tonolli, 50, 28922 Verbania, Italy
| | - Hans-Peter Grossart
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Dept. Experimental Limnology, Alte Fischerhuette 2, D-16775 Stechlin, Germany; Potsdam University, Inst. of Biochemistry and Biology, Maulbeerallee 2, D-14469 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Gianluca Corno
- Microbial Ecology Group (MEG), National Research Council - Institute of Ecosystem Study (CNR-ISE), Largo Tonolli, 50, 28922 Verbania, Italy
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Gregory LF, Karthikeyan R, Aitkenhead-Peterson JA, Gentry TJ, Wagner KL, Harmel RD. Nutrient loading impacts on culturable E. coli and other heterotrophic bacteria fate in simulated stream mesocosms. WATER RESEARCH 2017; 126:442-449. [PMID: 28992591 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2017.09.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Understanding fecal indicator bacteria persistence in aquatic environments is important when making management decisions to improve instream water quality. Routinely, bacteria fate and transport models that rely on published kinetic decay constants are used to inform such decision making but may not adequately represent instream conditions. The objective of this work was to evaluate bacterial responses to applied nutrient amendments and provide additional information regarding bacterial response to applied changes that can be incorporated into future modeling efforts. Re-created stream mesocosms were established in laboratory-based, repurposed algae raceways filled with water and sediment from a small, 3rd order Southeast Texas stream. Mesocosm treatments consisted of low (10x) or high (50x) nutrient doses above ambient water concentrations operated at low (0.032 m/s) or high (0.141 m/s) flow rates. Escherichia coli and heterotrophic bacterial concentrations were quantified in water and sediment over 22 days. No significant differences in kinetic constants were observed among E. coli in water or sediment, and only E. coli in sediment showed any growth response. Heterotrophic plate counts revealed a pronounced growth response in water and sediment within 24 h of nutrient addition but did not differ significantly from control mesocosms. Significant kinetic constant differences between E. coli and heterotrophic bacteria in water were identified (p < 0.01) but did not differ significantly in sediment (p > 0.48). Results indicate that nutrient addition does affect microbial numbers instream, but competition from heterotrophic bacteria may prevent an E. coli growth response.
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Affiliation(s)
- L F Gregory
- Texas Water Resources Institute, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, 2260 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-2260, USA.
| | - R Karthikeyan
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Texas A&M University, 2117 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-2117, USA
| | - J A Aitkenhead-Peterson
- Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Texas A&M University, 2474 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-2474, USA
| | - T J Gentry
- Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Texas A&M University, 2474 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-2474, USA
| | - K L Wagner
- Oklahoma Water Resources Center, Oklahoma State University, 139 Ag Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - R D Harmel
- Center for Agricultural Resources Research, ARS-USDA, 2150 Centre Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80526-8119, USA
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37
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Hutchison ML, Harrison D, Heath JF, Monaghan JM. Fate of Escherichia coli O145 present naturally in bovine slurry applied to vegetables before harvest, after washing and simulated wholesale and retail distribution. J Appl Microbiol 2017; 123:1597-1606. [PMID: 28948664 DOI: 10.1111/jam.13593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Revised: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To determine the fate of Escherichia coli on vegetables that were processed through commercial wash treatments and stored under simulated retail conditions at 4°C or wholesale at fluctuating ambient temperatures (0-25°C, dependent on season). METHODS AND RESULTS Bovine slurry that was naturally contaminated with E. coli O145 was applied without dilution or diluted 1:10 using borehole water to growing potatoes, leeks or carrots. Manure was applied 1 week prior to harvest to simulate a near-harvest contamination event by manure deposition or an application of contaminated water to simulate a flooding event or irrigation from a contaminated water source. At harvest, crops were contaminated at up to 2 log cfu g-1 . Washing transferred E. coli into the water of a flotation tank used for potato washing and did not completely remove all traces of contamination from the crop. Manure-contaminated potatoes were observed to contain 0·72 cfu E. coli O145 g-1 after processing and retail storage. Manure-contaminated leeks harboured 0·73-1·55 cfu E. coli O145 g-1 after washing and storage. There was no cross-contamination when leeks were spray washed. Washing in an abrasive drum resulted in less than perfect decontamination for manure-contaminated carrots. There were five post-distribution isolations from carrots irrigated with contaminated water 24 h prior to harvest. CONCLUSIONS Standard commercial washing and distribution conditions may be insufficient to reliably control human pathogenic E. coli on fresh produce. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT Previous speculation that the cause of a UK foodborne disease outbreak was soil from imperfectly cleaned vegetables is plausible.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Hutchison
- Hutchison Scientific Ltd, Dundee, UK.,School of Veterinary Sciences, Food Microbiology, University of Bristol, Langford, UK
| | - D Harrison
- School of Veterinary Sciences, Food Microbiology, University of Bristol, Langford, UK
| | - J F Heath
- Department of Crop and Environment Science, Fresh Produce Research Centre, Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire, UK
| | - J M Monaghan
- Department of Crop and Environment Science, Fresh Produce Research Centre, Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire, UK
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Somorin Y, Bouchard G, Gallagher J, Abram F, Brennan F, O’Byrne C. Roles for RpoS in survival of Escherichia coli during protozoan predation and in reduced moisture conditions highlight its importance in soil environments. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2017; 364:4159366. [DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnx198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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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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40
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Banihashemi A, Van Dyke MI, Huck PM. Application of long amplicon propidium monoazide-PCR to assess the effects of temperature and background microbiota on pathogens in river water. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2017; 15:418-428. [PMID: 28598346 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2017.161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The decay rates of enteric waterborne pathogens were evaluated following the introduction of Yersinia enterocolitica, Salmonella enterica, Campylobacter jejuni and Arcobacter butzleri into river water at different temperatures (5, 15 and 25°C) for a period of 28 days. To improve the accuracy of the results a molecular viability assay, long amplicon propidium monoazide-polymerase chain reaction (PMA-PCR), was used to quantify the viable cell concentration and results from PCR with and without PMA were compared. As well, the effect of background microbiota was assessed for Y. enterocolitica and S. enterica by inoculating cells into sterile and non-sterile river water. Cell persistence was improved by up to 4 log for Y. enterocolitica and 4.5 log for S. enterica in sterile river water compared to natural river water, showing that the autochthonous biological activity in river water can accelerate the die-off of introduced bacteria. Results also showed that low temperature significantly improved the persistence of all four target bacteria in non-sterile river water. There was a more rapid decline in cell concentration in samples with PMA pretreatment; therefore using PMA-PCR analysis can provide more reliable data on viable/active enteric bacteria in aquatic microcosms and allows for improved assessment of pathogens in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avid Banihashemi
- NSERC Chair in Water Treatment, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, Canada N2L 3G1 E-mail:
| | - Michele I Van Dyke
- NSERC Chair in Water Treatment, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, Canada N2L 3G1 E-mail:
| | - Peter M Huck
- NSERC Chair in Water Treatment, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, Canada N2L 3G1 E-mail:
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41
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Burnet JB, Faraj T, Cauchie HM, Joaquim-Justo C, Servais P, Prévost M, Dorner SM. How does the cladoceran Daphnia pulex affect the fate of Escherichia coli in water? PLoS One 2017; 12:e0171705. [PMID: 28178322 PMCID: PMC5298254 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The faecal indicator Escherichia coli plays a central role in water quality assessment and monitoring. It is therefore essential to understand its fate under various environmental constraints such as predation by bacterivorous zooplankton. Whereas most studies have examined how protozooplankton communities (heterotrophic nanoflagellates and ciliates) affect the fate of E. coli in water, the capacity of metazooplankton to control the faecal indicator remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated how the common filter-feeding cladoceran, Daphnia pulex, affects the fate of E. coli under different experimental conditions. Daphnia ingested E. coli and increased its loss rates in water, but the latter rates decreased from 1.65 d-1 to 0.62 d-1 after a 1,000-fold reduction in E. coli initial concentrations, due to lower probability of encounter between Daphnia and E. coli. The combined use of culture and PMA qPCR (viability-qPCR) demonstrated that exposure to Daphnia did not result into the formation of viable but non-culturable E. coli cells. In lake water, a significant part of E. coli population loss was associated with matrix-related factors, most likely due to predation by other bacterivorous biota and/or bacterial competition. However, when exposing E. coli to a D. pulex gradient (from 0 to 65 ind.L-1), we observed an increasing impact of Daphnia on E. coli loss rates, which reached 0.47 d-1 in presence of 65 ind.L-1. Our results suggest that the filter-feeder can exert a non-negligible predation pressure on E. coli, especially during seasonal Daphnia population peaks. Similar trials using other Daphnia species as well as stressed E. coli cells will increase our knowledge on the capacity of this widespread zooplankter to control E. coli in freshwater resources. Based on our results, we strongly advocate the use of natural matrices to study these biotic interactions in order to avoid overestimation of Daphnia impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Baptiste Burnet
- Canada Research Chair in Source Water Protection, Department of Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Tarek Faraj
- Canada Research Chair in Source Water Protection, Department of Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Henry-Michel Cauchie
- Environmental Research and Innovation, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Célia Joaquim-Justo
- Laboratoire d’Écologie Animale et d’Écotoxicologie, Institut de Chimie, Université de Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Pierre Servais
- Écologie des Systèmes Aquatiques, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Campus de la Plaine, CP 221, Boulevard du Triomphe, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Michèle Prévost
- NSERC Industrial Chair on Drinking Water, Department of Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sarah M. Dorner
- Canada Research Chair in Source Water Protection, Department of Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Wanjugi P, Sivaganesan M, Korajkic A, Kelty CA, McMinn B, Ulrich R, Harwood VJ, Shanks OC. Differential decomposition of bacterial and viral fecal indicators in common human pollution types. WATER RESEARCH 2016; 105:591-601. [PMID: 27693971 PMCID: PMC7440646 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2016.09.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the decomposition of microorganisms associated with different human fecal pollution types is necessary for proper implementation of many water quality management practices, as well as predicting associated public health risks. Here, the decomposition of select cultivated and molecular indicators of fecal pollution originating from fresh human feces, septage, and primary effluent sewage in a subtropical marine environment was assessed over a six day period with an emphasis on the influence of ambient sunlight and indigenous microbiota. Ambient water mixed with each fecal pollution type was placed in dialysis bags and incubated in situ in a submersible aquatic mesocosm. Genetic and cultivated fecal indicators including fecal indicator bacteria (enterococci, E. coli, and Bacteroidales), coliphage (somatic and F+), Bacteroides fragilis phage (GB-124), and human-associated genetic indicators (HF183/BacR287 and HumM2) were measured in each sample. Simple linear regression assessing treatment trends in each pollution type over time showed significant decay (p ≤ 0.05) in most treatments for feces and sewage (27/28 and 32/40, respectively), compared to septage (6/26). A two-way analysis of variance of log10 reduction values for sewage and feces experiments indicated that treatments differentially impact survival of cultivated bacteria, cultivated phage, and genetic indicators. Findings suggest that sunlight is critical for phage decay, and indigenous microbiota play a lesser role. For bacterial cultivated and genetic indicators, the influence of indigenous microbiota varied by pollution type. This study offers new insights on the decomposition of common human fecal pollution types in a subtropical marine environment with important implications for water quality management applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Wanjugi
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | - Mano Sivaganesan
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | - Asja Korajkic
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | - Catherine A Kelty
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | - Brian McMinn
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | | | - Valerie J Harwood
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Orin C Shanks
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA.
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43
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Wanjugi P, Fox GA, Harwood VJ. The Interplay Between Predation, Competition, and Nutrient Levels Influences the Survival of Escherichia coli in Aquatic Environments. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2016; 72:526-537. [PMID: 27484343 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-016-0825-6] [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: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Nutrient levels, competition from autochthonous microorganisms, and protozoan predation may all influence survival of fecal microorganisms as they transition from the gastrointestinal tract to aquatic habitats. Although Escherichia coli is an important indicator of waterborne pathogens, the effects of environmental stressors on its survival in aquatic environments remain poorly understood. We manipulated organic nutrient, predation, and competition levels in outdoor microcosms containing natural river water, sediments, and microbial populations to determine their relative contribution to E. coli survival. The activities of predator (protozoa) and competitor (indigenous bacteria) populations were inhibited by adding cycloheximide or kanamycin. We developed a statistical model of E. coli density over time that fits with the data under all experimental conditions. Predation and competition had significant negative effects on E. coli survival, while higher nutrient levels increased survival. Among the main effects, predation accounted for the greatest variation (40 %) compared with nutrients (25 %) or competition (15 %). The highest nutrient level mitigated the effect of predation on E. coli survival. Thus, elevated organic nutrients may disproportionately enhance the survival of E. coli, and potentially that of other enteric bacteria, in aquatic habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Wanjugi
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Avenue, SCA 110, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA
| | - G A Fox
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Avenue, SCA 110, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA
| | - V J Harwood
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Avenue, SCA 110, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA.
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Indole production provides limited benefit to Escherichia coli during co-culture with Enterococcus faecalis. Arch Microbiol 2016; 199:145-153. [PMID: 27638396 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-016-1289-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Revised: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Escherichia coli lives in the gastrointestinal tract and elsewhere, where it coexists within a mixed population. Indole production enables E. coli to grow with other gram-negative bacteria as indole inhibits N-acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) quorum regulation. We investigated whether E. coli indole production enhanced competition with gram-positive Enterococcus faecalis, wherein quorum signaling is mediated by small peptides. During planktonic co-culture with E. faecalis, the fitness and population density of E. coli tnaA mutants (unable to produce indole) equaled or surpassed that of E. coli wt. During biofilm growth, the fitness of both populations of E. coli stabilized around 100 %, whereas the fitness of E. faecalis declined over time to 85-90 %, suggesting that biofilm and planktonic populations have different competition strategies. Media supplementation with indole removed the competitive advantage of E. coli tnaA in planktonic populations but enhanced it in biofilm populations. E. coli wt and tnaA showed similar growth in Luria-Bertani (LB) broth. However, E. coli growth was inhibited in the presence of filter-sterilized spent LB from E. faecalis, with inhibition being enhanced by indole. Similarly, there was also an inhibition of E. faecalis growth by proteinaceous components (likely bacteriocins) from spent culture media from both E. coli strains. We conclude that E. coli indole production is not a universal competition strategy, but rather works against gram-negative, AHL-producing bacteria.
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Curtis K, Michael Trapp J. Examining the Colonization and Survival of E. coli from Varying Host Sources in Drainage Basin Sediments and Stormwater. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2016; 71:183-197. [PMID: 27282707 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-016-0289-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
It is widely understood that stormwater drainage has a significant impact on the health of tidal creek systems via regular inputs of runoff from the surrounding watershed. Due to this hydrologic connection, contamination of the upstream drainage basin will have a direct effect on estuaries and tidal creeks that often act as receiving waters. This study focuses on the importance of drainage basin sediments as they enhance the persistence and transport of the fecal indicator bacteria E. coli within a watershed. Experiments presented use microcosm environments with drainage basin sediments and stormwater to investigate E. coli colonization of stagnant waters and to examine the importance of host sources to bacterial survival. A novel method for establishing microcosms using environmental sediments with in situ bacterial populations and sterile overlying waters is used to examine E. coli colonization of the water column in the absence of flow. Colonization of sterile sediment environments also is examined using two common host sources (human and avian). Each experiment uses sediments of varying grain size and organic content to examine the influence of physical characteristics on bacterial prevalence. Results suggest host source of bacteria may be more important to initial bacterial colonization while physical characteristics of drainage basin sediments better explains extended E. coli persistence. Findings also suggest an indirect control of water column bacterial concentration by sediment type and erodibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Curtis
- Hampton Roads Sanitation District, 1432 Air Rail Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA, 23455, USA.
| | - J Michael Trapp
- Michael Baker International, 5050 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad, CA, 92008, USA
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46
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Restructuring of the Aquatic Bacterial Community by Hydric Dynamics Associated with Superstorm Sandy. Appl Environ Microbiol 2016; 82:3525-3536. [PMID: 27060115 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00520-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Bacterial community composition and longitudinal fluctuations were monitored in a riverine system during and after Superstorm Sandy to better characterize inter- and intracommunity responses associated with the disturbance associated with a 100-year storm event. High-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was used to assess microbial community structure within water samples from Muddy Creek Run, a second-order stream in Huntingdon, PA, at 12 different time points during the storm event (29 October to 3 November 2012) and under seasonally matched baseline conditions. High-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was used to track changes in bacterial community structure and divergence during and after Superstorm Sandy. Bacterial community dynamics were correlated to measured physicochemical parameters and fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) concentrations. Bioinformatics analyses of 2.1 million 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed a significant increase in bacterial diversity in samples taken during peak discharge of the storm. Beta-diversity analyses revealed longitudinal shifts in the bacterial community structure. Successional changes were observed, in which Betaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria decreased in 16S rRNA gene relative abundance, while the relative abundance of members of the Firmicutes increased. Furthermore, 16S rRNA gene sequences matching pathogenic bacteria, including strains of Legionella, Campylobacter, Arcobacter, and Helicobacter, as well as bacteria of fecal origin (e.g., Bacteroides), exhibited an increase in abundance after peak discharge of the storm. This study revealed a significant restructuring of in-stream bacterial community structure associated with hydric dynamics of a storm event. IMPORTANCE In order to better understand the microbial risks associated with freshwater environments during a storm event, a more comprehensive understanding of the variations in aquatic bacterial diversity is warranted. This study investigated the bacterial communities during and after Superstorm Sandy to provide fine time point resolution of dynamic changes in bacterial composition. This study adds to the current literature by revealing the variation in bacterial community structure during the course of a storm. This study employed high-throughput DNA sequencing, which generated a deep analysis of inter- and intracommunity responses during a significant storm event. This study has highlighted the utility of applying high-throughput sequencing for water quality monitoring purposes, as this approach enabled a more comprehensive investigation of the bacterial community structure. Altogether, these data suggest a drastic restructuring of the stream bacterial community during a storm event and highlight the potential of high-throughput sequencing approaches for assessing the microbiological quality of our environment.
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Perini L, Quero GM, García ES, Luna GM. Distribution of Escherichia coli in a coastal lagoon (Venice, Italy): Temporal patterns, genetic diversity and the role of tidal forcing. WATER RESEARCH 2015; 87:155-165. [PMID: 26402879 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2015.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Revised: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Despite its worldwide importance as fecal indicator in aquatic systems, little is known about the diversity of Escherichia coli in the environment and the factors driving its spatial distribution. The city of Venice (Italy), lying at the forefront of a large European lagoon, is an ideal site to study the mechanisms driving the fate of fecal bacteria, due to the huge fluxes of tourists, the city's unique architecture (causing poor efficiency of sewages treatment), and the long branching network of canals crossing the city. We summarize the results of a multi-year investigation to study the temporal dynamics of E. coli around the city, describe the population structure (by assigning isolates to their phylogenetic group) and the genotypic diversity, and explore the role of environmental factors in determining its variability. E. coli abundance in water was highly variable, ranging from being undetectable up to 10(4) Colony Forming Units (CFU) per 100 ml. Abundance did not display significant relationships with the water physico-chemical variables. The analysis of the population structure showed the presence of all known phylogroups, including extra-intestinal and potentially pathogenic ones. The genotypic diversity was very high, as likely consequence of the heterogeneous input of fecal bacteria from the city, and showed site-specific patterns. Intensive sampling during the tidal fluctuations highlighted the prominent role of tides, rather than environmental variables, as source of spatial variation, with a more evident influence in water than sediments. These results, the first providing information on the genetic properties, spatial heterogeneity and influence of tides on E. coli populations around Venice, have implications to manage the fecal pollution, and the associated waterborne disease risks, in coastal cities lying in front of lagoons and semi-enclosed basins.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Perini
- Institute of Marine Sciences - National Research Council (ISMAR-CNR), Castello 2737f, Arsenale Tesa 104, 30122 Venezia, Italy
| | - G M Quero
- Institute of Marine Sciences - National Research Council (ISMAR-CNR), Castello 2737f, Arsenale Tesa 104, 30122 Venezia, Italy
| | - E Serrano García
- Institute of Marine Sciences - National Research Council (ISMAR-CNR), Castello 2737f, Arsenale Tesa 104, 30122 Venezia, Italy
| | - G M Luna
- Institute of Marine Sciences - National Research Council (ISMAR-CNR), Castello 2737f, Arsenale Tesa 104, 30122 Venezia, Italy.
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Staley ZR, Harwood VJ, Rohr JR. A synthesis of the effects of pesticides on microbial persistence in aquatic ecosystems. Crit Rev Toxicol 2015; 45:813-36. [PMID: 26565685 PMCID: PMC4750050 DOI: 10.3109/10408444.2015.1065471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Pesticides have a pervasive presence in aquatic ecosystems throughout the world. While pesticides are intended to control fungi, insects, and other pests, their mechanisms of action are often not specific enough to prevent unintended effects, such as on non-target microbial populations. Microorganisms, including algae and cyanobacteria, protozoa, aquatic fungi, and bacteria, form the basis of many food webs and are responsible for crucial aspects of biogeochemical cycling; therefore, the potential for pesticides to alter microbial community structures must be understood to preserve ecosystem services. This review examines studies that focused on direct population-level effects and indirect community-level effects of pesticides on microorganisms. Generally, insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides were found to have adverse direct effects on algal and fungal species. Insecticides and fungicides also had deleterious direct effects in the majority of studies examining protozoa species, although herbicides were found to have inconsistent direct effects on protozoans. Our synthesis revealed mixed or no direct effects on bacterial species among all pesticide categories, with results highly dependent on the target species, chemical, and concentration used in the study. Examination of community-level, indirect effects revealed that all pesticide categories had a tendency to reduce higher trophic levels, thereby diminishing top-down pressures and favoring lower trophic levels. Often, indirect effects exerted greater influence than direct effects. However, few studies have been conducted to specifically address community-level effects of pesticides on microorganisms, and further research is necessary to better understand and predict the net effects of pesticides on ecosystem health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachery R. Staley
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - Valerie J. Harwood
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - Jason R. Rohr
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
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LA35 Poultry Fecal Marker Persistence Is Correlated with That of Indicators and Pathogens in Environmental Waters. Appl Environ Microbiol 2015; 81:4616-25. [PMID: 25934617 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00444-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Disposal of fecally contaminated poultry litter by land application can deliver pathogens and fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) into receiving waters via runoff. While water quality is regulated by FIB enumeration, FIB testing provides inadequate information about contamination source and health risk. This microbial source tracking (MST) study compared the persistence of the Brevibacterium sp. strain LA35 16S rRNA gene (marker) for poultry litter with that of pathogens and FIB under outdoor, environmentally relevant conditions in freshwater, marine water, and sediments over 7 days. Salmonella enterica, Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli, Bacteroidales, and LA35 were enumerated by quantitative PCR (qPCR), and Enterococcus spp. and E. coli were quantified by culture and qPCR. Unlike the other bacteria, C. jejuni was not detectable after 48 h. Bacterial levels in the water column consistently declined over time and were highly correlated among species. Survival in sediments ranged from a slow decrease over time to growth, particularly in marine microcosms and for Bacteroidales. S. enterica also grew in marine sediments. Linear decay rates in water (k) ranged from -0.17 day(-1) for LA35 to -3.12 day(-1) for C. coli. LA35 levels correlated well with those of other bacteria in the water column but not in sediments. These observations suggest that, particularly in the water column, the fate of LA35 in aquatic environments is similar to that of FIB, C. coli, and Salmonella, supporting the hypothesis that the LA35 marker gene can be a useful tool for evaluating the impact of poultry litter on water quality and human health risk.
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Rochelle-Newall E, Nguyen TMH, Le TPQ, Sengtaheuanghoung O, Ribolzi O. A short review of fecal indicator bacteria in tropical aquatic ecosystems: knowledge gaps and future directions. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:308. [PMID: 25941519 PMCID: PMC4400915 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.00308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 03/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the high numbers of deaths and the debilitating nature of diseases caused by the use of unclean water it is imperative that we have an understanding of the factors that control the dispersion of water borne pathogens and their respective indicators. This is all the more important in developing countries where significant proportions of the population often have little or no access to clean drinking water supplies. Moreover, and notwithstanding the importance of these bacteria in terms of public health, at present little work exists on the persistence, transfer and proliferation of these pathogens and their respective indicator organisms, e.g., fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) such as Escherichia coli and fecal coliforms in humid tropical systems, such as are found in South East Asia or in the tropical regions of Africa. Both FIB and the waterborne pathogens they are supposed to indicate are particularly susceptible to shifts in water flow and quality and the predicted increases in rainfall and floods due to climate change will only exacerbate the problems of contamination. This will be furthermore compounded by the increasing urbanization and agricultural intensification that developing regions are experiencing. Therefore, recognizing and understanding the link between human activities, natural process and microbial functioning and their ultimate impacts on human health are prerequisites for reducing the risks to the exposed populations. Most of the existing work in tropical systems has been based on the application of temperate indicator organisms, models and mechanisms regardless of their applicability or appropriateness for tropical environments. Here, we present a short review on the factors that control FIB dynamics in temperate systems and discuss their applicability to tropical environments. We then highlight some of the knowledge gaps in order to stimulate future research in this field in the tropics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Rochelle-Newall
- iEES-Paris, UMR 7618 (IRD-UPMC-CNRS-INRA-Université Paris-Est, Université Paris 7), Centre IRD Bondy, France
| | - Thi Mai Huong Nguyen
- iEES-Paris, UMR 7618 (IRD-UPMC-CNRS-INRA-Université Paris-Est, Université Paris 7), Centre IRD Bondy, France ; Institute of Natural Products Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thi Phuong Quynh Le
- Institute of Natural Products Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Oloth Sengtaheuanghoung
- Agriculture Land Research Center, National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute Vientiane, Laos
| | - Olivier Ribolzi
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Géosciences Environnement Toulouse, UMR 5563, Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse, France
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