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McMinn BR, Korajkic A, Kelleher J, Diedrich A, Pemberton A, Willis JR, Sivaganesan M, Shireman B, Doyle A, Shanks OC. Quantitative fecal pollution assessment with bacterial, viral, and molecular methods in small stream tributaries. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175740. [PMID: 39181252 PMCID: PMC11462285 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Stream water quality can be impacted by a myriad of fecal pollution sources and waste management practices. Identifying origins of fecal contamination can be challenging, especially in high order streams where water samples are influenced by pollution from large drainage areas. Strategic monitoring of tributaries can be an effective strategy to identify conditions that influence local water quality. Water quality is assessed using fecal indicator bacteria (FIB); however, FIB cannot differentiate sources of fecal contamination nor indicate the presence of disease-causing viruses. Under different land use scenarios, three small stream catchments were investigated under 'wet' and 'dry' conditions (Scenario 1: heavy residential; Scenario 2: rural residential; and Scenario 3: undeveloped/agricultural). To identify fecal pollution trends, host-associated genetic targets HF183/BacR287 (human), Rum2Bac (ruminant), GFD (avian), and DG3 (canine) were analyzed along with FIB (Escherichia coli and enterococci), viral indicators (somatic and F+ coliphage), six general water quality parameters, and local rainfall. Levels of E. coli exceeded single sample maximum limits (235 CFU/100 mL) in 70.7 % of samples, enterococci (70 CFU/100 mL) in 100 % of samples, and somatic coliphage exceeded advisory thresholds (600 PFU/L) in 34.1 % of samples. The detection frequency for the human-associated genetic marker was highest in Scenario 3 (50 % of samples) followed by Scenario 2 (46 %), while the ruminant-associated marker was most prevalent in Scenario 1 (64 %). Due to the high proportion of qPCR-based measurements below the limit of quantification, a Bayesian data analysis approach was applied to investigate links between host-associated genetic marker occurrence with that of rainfall and fecal indicator levels. Multiple trends associated with small stream monitoring were revealed, emphasizing the role of rainfall, the utility of fecal source information to improve water quality management. And furthermore, water quality monitoring with bacterial or viral methodologies can alter the interpretation of fecal pollution sources in impaired waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian R McMinn
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Laboratory, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States.
| | - Asja Korajkic
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Laboratory, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
| | - Julie Kelleher
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Laboratory, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
| | - Adam Diedrich
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Laboratory, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
| | - Adin Pemberton
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Laboratory, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
| | - Jessica R Willis
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Laboratory, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
| | - Mano Sivaganesan
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Laboratory, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
| | - Brooke Shireman
- Sanitation District No. 1 of Northern Kentucky, 1045 Eaton Drive, Fort Wright, KY 41017, United States
| | - Andrew Doyle
- Sanitation District No. 1 of Northern Kentucky, 1045 Eaton Drive, Fort Wright, KY 41017, United States
| | - Orin C Shanks
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Laboratory, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
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Friedman SD, Cooper E, Blackwell A, Elliott MA, Weinstein M, Cara J, Wan Y. A multi-tiered approach to assess fecal pollution in an urban watershed: Bacterial and viral indicators and sediment microbial communities. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 945:174141. [PMID: 38901597 PMCID: PMC11247622 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Development of effective pollution mitigation strategies require an understanding of the pollution sources and factors influencing fecal pollution loading. Fecal contamination of Turkey Creek in Gulfport, Mississippi, one of the nation's most endangered creeks, was studied through a multi-tiered approach. Over a period of approximately two years, four stations across the watershed were analyzed for nutrients, enumeration of E. coli, male-specific coliphages and bioinformatic analysis of sediment microbial communities. The results demonstrated that two stations, one adjacent to a lift station and one just upstream from the wastewater-treatment plant, were the most impacted. The station adjacent to land containing a few livestock was the least impaired. While genotyping of male-specific coliphage viruses generally revealed a mixed viral signature (human and other animals), fecal contamination at the station near the wastewater treatment plant exhibited predominant impact by municipal sewage. Fecal indicator loadings were positively associated with antecedent rainfall for three of four stations. No associations were noted between fecal indicator loadings and any of the nutrients. Taxonomic signatures of creek sediment were unique to each sample station, but the sediment microbial community did overlap somewhat following major rain events. No presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) or enterococci were found in the sediment. At some of the stations it was evident that rainfall was not always the primary driver of fecal transport. Repeated monitoring and analysis of a variety of parameters presented in this study determined that point and non-point sources of fecal pollution varied spatially in association with treated and/or untreated sewage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie D Friedman
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Gulf Breeze, FL, USA.
| | - Emilie Cooper
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Gulf Breeze, FL, USA
| | - Aaron Blackwell
- Department of Civil Construction and Environmental Engineering, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Mark A Elliott
- Department of Civil Construction and Environmental Engineering, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | | | - Jared Cara
- Zymo Research Corporation, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Yongshan Wan
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Gulf Breeze, FL, USA
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Kelly LT, Sissons J, Thompson L, Pearman JK. Faecal source apportionment using molecular methods: A proof of concept using the FEAST algorithm. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 266:122365. [PMID: 39236502 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.122365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Faecal contamination of freshwater and marine environments represents a significant risk for public health, recreational activity and food safety, and tools for evaluating complex multi-source contamination remain largely in the development phase. We evaluated the efficacy of the Fast Expectation Maximization (FEAST) microbial source tracking (MST) algorithm to apportion sources of faecal contamination among four mammalian species of interest in coastal waters in New Zealand. Using 16S ribosomal DNA metabarcoding of faecal samples from cows, fur seals, and sheep, as well as human wastewater, we aimed to differentiate and quantify the contribution of these sources in mixed faecal samples. Multivariate analysis confirmed significant differences in the microbial communities associated with each mammalian source, with specific bacterial classes indicative of different sources. The FEAST algorithm was tested using mixed DNA and mixed faecal samples, and we found that the algorithm correctly assigned the dominant source from all samples, but underestimated the dominant source's proportional contribution. This underestimation suggests the need for further refinement and validation to ensure accurate source apportionment in environmental samples where the faecal signal is likely to be a minor component. Despite these limitations, the findings of our study, in combination with the evidence from others who have tested the FEAST algorithm in environmental settings, indicates that it represents an advance on existing tools for microbial source tracking and may become a useful addition to the toolbox for environmental management.
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Montas Bravo L, Chen Y, Zhang H, Abdool-Ghany AA, Lamm E, Quijada A, Reiner R, Ortega Castineiras C, Knowles A, Precht L, Solo-Gabriele H. Enterococci pathways to coastal waters and implications of sea level rise. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 254:121341. [PMID: 38422693 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121341] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Highly urban coastal communities in low lying areas and with high water tables are vulnerable to sea-level rise and to corresponding increases in coastal groundwater levels. Stormwater conveyance systems are under increased risk. Rising groundwater levels affect the hydraulics of the stormwater system thereby increasing contaminant transport, for example the fecal indicator bacteria enterococci, to coastal waters. This study offers a unique opportunity to evaluate the impacts of increased contaminant transport on marine coastal environments. Here we assessed historic and recent coastal water quality, stormwater sampling data, groundwater monitoring and tidal elevations near the coastline, in the context of altered hydraulics within the system. Two pathways of enterococci to marine waters were identified. Direct discharge of contaminated stormwater runoff via the stormwater outfalls and tidally driven contaminated groundwater discharge. As sea level continues to rise, we hypothesize that a diminished unsaturated zone coupled with altered hydraulic conditions at the coastal groundwater zone will facilitate the transport of enterococci from urban sediments to the study site (Park View Waterway in Miami Beach, FL USA). We recommend improvements to the stormwater conveyance system, and maintenance of the sanitary sewer system to mitigate these impacts and minimize transport of enterococci, and other stormwater pollutants to coastal waters. The results of this study can be useful to interpret high enterococci levels in low lying coastal areas where groundwater is influenced by rising sea water levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Montas Bravo
- Department of Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, University of Miami, 1251 Memorial Drive, McArthur Engineering Building, 1251 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States.
| | - Yutao Chen
- Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States
| | - Hekai Zhang
- Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States
| | - Afeefa A Abdool-Ghany
- Department of Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, University of Miami, 1251 Memorial Drive, McArthur Engineering Building, 1251 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States
| | - Erik Lamm
- Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States
| | - Ashley Quijada
- Department of Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, University of Miami, 1251 Memorial Drive, McArthur Engineering Building, 1251 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States
| | - Rivka Reiner
- Department of Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, University of Miami, 1251 Memorial Drive, McArthur Engineering Building, 1251 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States
| | - Cristina Ortega Castineiras
- City of Miami Beach, Department of Public Works, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States
| | - Amy Knowles
- City of Miami Beach, Environment and Sustainability Department, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States
| | - Lindsey Precht
- City of Miami Beach, Environment and Sustainability Department, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States
| | - Helena Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, University of Miami, 1251 Memorial Drive, McArthur Engineering Building, 1251 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States; Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States
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Rytkönen A, Meriläinen P, Valkama K, Hokajärvi AM, Ruponen J, Nummela J, Mattila H, Tulonen T, Kivistö R, Pitkänen T. Scenario-based assessment of fecal pathogen sources affecting bathing water quality: novel treatment options to reduce norovirus and Campylobacter infection risks. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1353798. [PMID: 38628869 PMCID: PMC11018956 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1353798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Wastewater discharge and runoff waters are significant sources of human and animal fecal microbes in surface waters. Human-derived fecal contamination of water is generally estimated to pose a greater risk to human health than animal fecal contamination, but animals may serve as reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens. In this study, quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) tools were used to evaluate the hygienic impact of sewage effluents and runoff water from municipalities and animal farms on surface and bathing waters. The human-specific microbial source tracking (MST) marker HF183 was used to evaluate the dilution of fecal pathogens originating from the sewage effluent discharge to the downstream watershed. As novel risk management options, the efficiency of UV-LED disinfection and wetland treatment as well as biochar filtration was tested on-site for the contamination sources. According to the dilution pattern of the MST marker HF183, microbes from wastewater were diluted (2.3-3.7 log10) in the receiving waters. The scenario-based QMRA revealed, that the health risks posed by exposure to human-specific norovirus GII and zoonotic Campylobacter jejuni during the bathing events were evaluated. The risk for gastroenteritis was found to be elevated during wastewater contamination events, where especially norovirus GII infection risk increased (1-15 cases per day among 50 bathers) compared with the business as usual (BAU) situation (1 case per day). The noted C. jejuni infection risk was associated with animal farm contamination (1 case per day, versus 0.2-0.6 cases during BAU). Tertiary treatment of wastewater with wetland treatment and UV-LED disinfection effectively reduced the waterborne gastroenteritis risks associated with bathing. Based on the experiences from this study, a QMRA-based approach for health risk evaluations at bathing sites can be useful and is recommended for bathing site risk assessments in the future. In case of low pathogen numbers at the exposure sites, the MST marker HF183 could be used as a pathogen dilution coefficient for the watershed under evaluation. The full-scale implementation of novel tertiary treatment options at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) as well as on-site runoff water treatment options should be considered for infection risk management at locations where scenario-based QMRA implies elevated infection risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annastiina Rytkönen
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Päivi Meriläinen
- Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kristiina Valkama
- Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anna-Maria Hokajärvi
- Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Josefiina Ruponen
- Lammi Biological Station, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Bio Research Unit, Häme University of Applied Sciences, Hämeenlinna, Finland
| | - Jarkko Nummela
- Bio Research Unit, Häme University of Applied Sciences, Hämeenlinna, Finland
| | - Harri Mattila
- Bio Research Unit, Häme University of Applied Sciences, Hämeenlinna, Finland
| | - Tiina Tulonen
- Lammi Biological Station, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Rauni Kivistö
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tarja Pitkänen
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
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Li E, Saleem F, Edge TA, Schellhorn HE. Assessment of crAssphage as a human fecal source tracking marker in the lower Great Lakes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168840. [PMID: 38036144 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168840] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
CrAssphage or crAss-like phage ranks as the most abundant phage in the human gut and is present in human feces-contaminated environments. Due to its high human specificity and sensitivity, crAssphage is a potentially robust source tracking indicator that can distinguish human fecal contamination from agricultural or wildlife sources. Its suitability in the Great Lakes area, one of the world's most important water systems, has not been well tested. In this study, we tested a qPCR-based quantification method using two crAssphage marker genes (ORF18-mod and CPQ_064) at Toronto recreational beaches along with their adjacent river mouths. Our results showed a 71.4 % (CPQ_064) and 100 % (ORF18-mod) human sensitivity for CPQ_064 and ORF18-mod, and a 100 % human specificity for both marker genes. CrAssphage was present in 57.7 % or 71.2 % of environmental water samples, with concentrations ranging from 1.45 to 5.14 log10 gene copies per 100 mL water. Though concentrations of the two marker genes were strongly correlated, ORF18-mod features a higher human sensitivity and higher positive detection rates in environmental samples. Quantifiable crAssphage was mostly present in samples collected in June and July 2021 associated with higher rainfall. In addition, rivers had more frequent crAssphage presence and higher concentrations than their associated beaches, indicating more frequent and greater human fecal contamination in the rivers. However, crAssphage was more correlated with E. coli and Enterococcus at the beaches than in the rivers, suggesting human fecal sources may be more predominant in driving the increases in E. coli and Enterococcus at the beaches when impacted by river plumes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enze Li
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Ontario L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Faizan Saleem
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Ontario L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Thomas A Edge
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Ontario L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Herb E Schellhorn
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Ontario L8S 4L8, Canada.
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Liu Z, Yuan J, Lin Y, Lin F, Liu B, Yin Q, He K, Zhao X, Lu H. Integrating fecal pollution markers and fluorescence analysis for water quality assessment of urban river. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 909:168492. [PMID: 37967636 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168492] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Human fecal contamination in urban rivers poses significant health risks, but their potential connections with other substances like dissolved organic matter (DOM) remain underexplored. In this study, five fecal pollution markers related to fecal Bacteroides or human fecal contamination (AllBac, HF183, BacH, Hum2, and Hum163) and DOM along an urban river were analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and three-dimensional excitation-emission (3D EEM) fluorescence spectrometry. All five markers were detected with average absolute abundance ranging from 2.51 to 6.28 lg gene copies/100 mL, showing a progressive increase along the river (R2 = 0.29-0.92, p < 0.05). Parallel factor analysis identified three dominant DOM components (humic acid-like, fulvic acid-like, and protein-like), with strong positive correlations between protein-like components and all fecal markers (R2 = 0.59-0.66, p < 0.001). Both fecal and DOM distributions consistently showed significant differences between upstream and downstream areas (p < 0.001), suggesting their complementary assessment. While DOM was more sensitive to environmental variables such as rainfall, rubber dam, and tidal dynamic, the combination of fecal pollution markers and 3D EEM analysis allowed a more comprehensive assessment of contamination levels, mitigating potential biases caused by the influence of multiple factors on a single method. Furthermore, due to the strong correlation between protein-like and fecal markers in the DOM, 3D EEM can be used as a pre-detection means for qPCR detection, reducing testing time and costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zejun Liu
- School of Civil Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China; Key Laboratory of Water Security Guarantee in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Marco Greater Bay Area of Ministry of Water Resources, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Jinlong Yuan
- School of Civil Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China; Key Laboratory of Water Security Guarantee in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Marco Greater Bay Area of Ministry of Water Resources, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Yingying Lin
- School of Civil Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Feng Lin
- School of Civil Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Bingjun Liu
- School of Civil Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Qidong Yin
- School of Civil Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China.
| | - Kai He
- School of Civil Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China; Key Laboratory of Water Security Guarantee in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Marco Greater Bay Area of Ministry of Water Resources, Zhuhai 519082, China.
| | - Xinfeng Zhao
- Zhuhai Ecological Environment Monitoring Station of Guangdong Province, Zhuhai 519070, China
| | - Haoxian Lu
- Marine Biological Resources Bank, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhuhai 519082, China
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Saleem F, Li E, Edge TA, Tran KL, Schellhorn HE. Identification of potential microbial risk factors associated with fecal indicator exceedances at recreational beaches. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOME 2024; 19:4. [PMID: 38225663 PMCID: PMC10790499 DOI: 10.1186/s40793-024-00547-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fecal bacterial densities are proxy indicators of beach water quality, and beach posting decisions are made based on Beach Action Value (BAV) exceedances for a beach. However, these traditional beach monitoring methods do not reflect the full extent of microbial water quality changes associated with BAV exceedances at recreational beaches (including harmful cyanobacteria). This proof of concept study evaluates the potential of metagenomics for comprehensively assessing bacterial community changes associated with BAV exceedances compared to non-exceedances for two urban beaches and their adjacent river water sources. RESULTS Compared to non-exceedance samples, BAV exceedance samples exhibited higher alpha diversity (diversity within the sample) that could be further differentiated into separate clusters (Beta-diversity). For Beach A, Cyanobacterial sequences (resolved as Microcystis and Pseudanabaena at genus level) were significantly more abundant in BAV non-exceedance samples. qPCR validation supported the Cyanobacterial abundance results from metagenomic analysis and also identified saxitoxin genes in 50% of the non-exceedance samples. Microcystis sp and saxitoxin gene sequences were more abundant on non-exceedance beach days (when fecal indicator data indicated the beach should be open for water recreational purposes). For BAV exceedance days, Fibrobacteres, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, and Clostridium sequences were significantly more abundant (and positively correlated with fecal indicator densities) for Beach A. For Beach B, Spirochaetes (resolved as Leptospira on genus level) Burkholderia and Vibrio sequences were significantly more abundant in BAV exceedance samples. Similar bacterial diversity and abundance trends were observed for river water sources compared to their associated beaches. Antibiotic Resistance Genes (ARGs) were also consistently detected at both beaches. However, we did not observe a significant difference or correlation in ARGs abundance between BAV exceedance and non-exceedance samples. CONCLUSION This study provides a more comprehensive analysis of bacterial community changes associated with BAV exceedances for recreational freshwater beaches. While there were increases in bacterial diversity and some taxa of potential human health concern associated with increased fecal indicator densities and BAV exceedances (e.g. Pseudomonas), metagenomics analyses also identified other taxa of potential human health concern (e.g. Microcystis) associated with lower fecal indicator densities and BAV non-exceedances days. This study can help develop more targeted beach monitoring strategies and beach-specific risk management approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faizan Saleem
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W., Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Enze Li
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W., Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Thomas A Edge
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W., Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Kevin L Tran
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W., Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Herb E Schellhorn
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W., Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada.
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Weller DL, Love TMT, Weller DE, Murphy CM, Strawn LK. Scale of analysis drives the observed ratio of spatial to non-spatial variance in microbial water quality: insights from two decades of citizen science data. J Appl Microbiol 2023; 134:lxad210. [PMID: 37709569 PMCID: PMC10561027 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxad210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
AIMS While fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) testing is used to monitor surface water for potential health hazards, observed variation in FIB levels may depend on the scale of analysis (SOA). Two decades of citizen science data, coupled with random effects models, were used to quantify the variance in FIB levels attributable to spatial versus temporal factors. METHODS AND RESULTS Separately, Bayesian models were used to quantify the ratio of spatial to non-spatial variance in FIB levels and identify associations between environmental factors and FIB levels. Separate analyses were performed for three SOA: waterway, watershed, and statewide. As SOA increased (from waterway to watershed to statewide models), variance attributable to spatial sources generally increased and variance attributable to temporal sources generally decreased. While relationships between FIB levels and environmental factors, such as flow conditions (base versus stormflow), were constant across SOA, the effect of land cover was highly dependent on SOA and consistently smaller than the effect of stormwater infrastructure (e.g. outfalls). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the importance of SOA when developing water quality monitoring programs or designing future studies to inform water management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L Weller
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA, 14642
- Department of Food Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA, 24061
| | - Tanzy M T Love
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA, 14642
| | - Donald E Weller
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, MD 21037, USA, 21037
| | - Claire M Murphy
- Department of Food Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA, 24061
| | - Laura K Strawn
- Department of Food Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA, 24061
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Abdool-Ghany AA, Sahwell PJ, Klaus J, Gidley ML, Sinigalliano CD, Solo-Gabriele HM. Fecal indicator bacteria levels at a marine beach before, during, and after the COVID-19 shutdown period and associations with decomposing seaweed and human presence. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 851:158349. [PMID: 36041612 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Studies are limited that evaluate seaweed as a source of bacteria to beach waters. The objective of the current study was to evaluate whether seaweed, along with humans and other animals, could be the cause of beach advisories due to elevated levels of enterococci. The monitoring period occurred a year prior to and through the COVID-19 beach shutdown period, which provided a unique opportunity to evaluate bacteria levels during prolonged periods without recreational activity. Samples of water, sediment, and seaweed were measured for enterococci by culture and qPCR, in addition to microbial source tracking by qPCR of fecal bacteria markers from humans, dogs, and birds. During periods of elevated enterococci levels in water, these analyses were supplemented by chemical source tracking of human-associated excretion markers (caffeine, sucralose, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen). Results show that enterococci with elevated levels of human fecal markers persist in the seaweed and sediment and are the likely contributor to elevated levels of bacteria to the nearshore waters. During the shutdown period the elevated levels of enterococci in the sediment were isolated to the seaweed stranding areas. During periods when the beaches were open, enterococci were distributed more uniformly in sediment across the supratidal and intertidal zones. It is hypothesized from this study that human foot traffic may be responsible for the spread of enterococci throughout these areas. Overall, this study found high levels of enterococci in decomposing seaweed supporting the hypothesis that decomposing seaweed provides an additional substrate for enterococci to grow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afeefa A Abdool-Ghany
- Department of Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Peter J Sahwell
- Department of Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - James Klaus
- Department of Marine Geosciences, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Miami, Key Biscayne, FL, USA
| | - Maribeth L Gidley
- University of Miami, Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS), Miami, FL, USA; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML), Miami, FL, USA
| | - Christopher D Sinigalliano
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML), Miami, FL, USA
| | - Helena M Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA.
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11
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Ishaq S, Sadiq R, Chhipi-Shrestha G, Farooq S, Hewage K. Developing an Integrated "Regression-QMRA method" to Predict Public Health Risks of Low Impact Developments (LIDs) for Improved Planning. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 70:633-649. [PMID: 35543727 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-022-01657-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide Low Impact Developments (LIDs) are used for sustainable stormwater management; however, both the stormwater and LIDs carry microbial pathogens. The widespread development of LIDs is likely to increase human exposure to pathogens and risk of infection, leading to unexpected disease outbreaks in urban communities. The risk of infection from exposure to LIDs has been assessed via Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) during the operation of these infrastructures; no effort is made to evaluate these risks during the planning phase of LID treatment train in urban communities. We developed a new integrated "Regression-QMRA method" by examining the relationship between pathogens' concentration and environmental variables. Applying of this methodology to a planned LID train shows that the predicted disease burden of diarrhea from Campylobacter is highest (i.e. 16.902 DALYs/1000 persons/yr) during landscape irrigation and playing on the LID train, followed by Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and Norovirus. These results illustrate that the risk of microbial infection can be predicted during the planning phase of LID treatment train. These predictions are of great value to municipalities and decision-makers to make informed decisions and ensure risk-based planning of stormwater systems before their development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadia Ishaq
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Rehan Sadiq
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada.
| | - Gyan Chhipi-Shrestha
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Shaukat Farooq
- King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kasun Hewage
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
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12
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Observations and Correlations from a 3-Year Study of Fecal Indicator Bacteria in the Mohawk River in Upstate NY. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14132137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), such as E. coli and Enterococci, are used to indicate the potential of fecal contamination in waterways. One known source of FIB in urbanized areas is the occurrence of combined sewer overflows (CSOs). To explore the impact of CSOs on local water quality and FIB presence, sampling was conducted during the summers of 2017–2019 of two cities, one with CSOs and one without, on the Mohawk River in upstate New York, USA. Sampling included in situ physiochemical parameters of pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen and laboratory tests for E. coli, Enterococci, nitrates, and total organic carbon (TOC). Correlations between parameters were explored using the Wilcoxon rank sum test and Spearman’s Rank correlation with and without considerations of site and city location. Overall, positive correlations between FIB and rainfall were identified in one city but were less significant in the other, suggesting a buffering of FIB concentrations likely due to inflow contributions from a reservoir. Samples collected downstream from an active CSO reached the detection limit of the FIB tests, demonstrating a 2-log or greater increase in FIB concentrations from dry weather conditions. The city with CSOs demonstrated greater FIB concentrations, which are likely a combination of greater urban runoff, CSOs, and the potential resuspension of sediment during high flow events. Due to the widespread presence of FIB in the region, future research includes utilizing microbial source tracking to identify the sources of contamination in the region.
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13
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Whole-Genome Sequencing and Virulome Analysis of Escherichia coli Isolated from New Zealand Environments of Contrasting Observed Land Use. Appl Environ Microbiol 2022; 88:e0027722. [PMID: 35442082 PMCID: PMC9088250 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00277-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Generic Escherichia coli is commonly used as an indicator of fecal contamination to assess water quality and human health risk. Where measured E. coli exceedances occur, the presence of other pathogenic microorganisms, such as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), is assumed, but confirmatory data are lacking. Putative E. coli isolates (n = 709) were isolated from water, sediment, soil, periphyton, and feces samples (n = 189) from five sites representing native forest and agricultural environments. Ten E. coli isolates (1.41%) were stx2 positive, 19 (2.7%) were eae positive, and stx1-positive isolates were absent. At the sample level, stx2-positive E. coli (5 of 189, 2.6%) and eae-positive isolates (16 of 189, 8.5%) were rare. Using real-time PCR, these STEC-associated virulence factors were determined to be more prevalent in sample enrichments (stx1, 23.9%; stx2, 31.4%; eae, 53.7%) and positively correlated with generic E. coli isolate numbers (P < 0.05) determined using culture-based methods. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was undertaken on a subset of 238 isolates with assemblies representing seven E. coli phylogroups (A, B1, B2, C, D, E, and F), 22 Escherichia marmotae isolates, and 1 Escherichia ruysiae isolate. Virulence factors, including those from extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli, were extremely diverse in isolates from the different locations and were more common in phylogroup B2. Analysis of the virulome from WGS data permitted the identification of gene repertoires that may be involved in environmental fitness and broadly align with phylogroup. Although recovery of STEC isolates was low, our molecular data indicate that they are likely to be widely present in environmental samples containing diverse E. coli phylogroups. IMPORTANCE This study takes a systematic sampling approach to assess the public health risk of Escherichia coli recovered from freshwater sites within forest and farmland. The New Zealand landscape is dominated by livestock farming, and previous work has demonstrated that "recreational exposure to water" is a risk factor for human infection by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). Though STEC isolates were rarely isolated from water samples, STEC-associated virulence factors were identified more commonly from water sample culture enrichments and were associated with increased generic E. coli concentrations. Whole-genome sequencing data from both E. coli and newly described Escherichia spp. demonstrated the presence of virulence factors from E. coli pathotypes, including extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli. This has significance for understanding and interpreting the potential health risk from E. coli where water quality is poor and suggests a role of virulence factors in survival and persistence of E. coli and Escherichia spp.
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14
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Li D, Van De Werfhorst LC, Holden PA. Genetic Sequence Data Evidence that Human Fecal‐associated
HF183
sequences Are on Human Skin and in Urine. J Appl Microbiol 2022; 133:232-240. [PMID: 35429105 PMCID: PMC9544380 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Aims The DNA marker HF183 is a partial 16S rRNA gene sequence highly specific to human‐associated Bacteroides including Bacteroides dorei. While HF183 is used to assess human faecal contamination in aquatic environments worldwide, little is known about the existence of HF183 and B. dorei in human microbiomes outside of the human gastrointestinal tract and faeces. Methods and Results Previously published human skin and urine microbiome data sets from five independent human body skin studies, the Human Microbiome Project (HMP) and three independent human urine studies were analysed. The HF183 gene sequence was detected in all skin data sets, with the ratios of positive samples ranging from 0.5% to 36.3%. Popliteal fossa (knee), volar forearm and inguinal (groin) creases were identified as hot spots. HF183 was detected in two of three urine data sets, with ratios of positive samples ranging from 0% to 37.5%. All HF183‐containing sequences from these data sets were classified as associated with B. dorei. Conclusions HF183 is widespread on human skin and present in urine. Significance and Impact of Study Skin and urine microbiomes could be sources of HF183 to environmental waters. Such non‐faecal sources of HF183 might explain low concentrations of HF183 in recreational waters when swimmers are present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Li
- Bren School of Environmental Science & Management University of California Santa Barbara
| | | | - Patricia A. Holden
- Bren School of Environmental Science & Management University of California Santa Barbara
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15
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Hachad M, Lanoue M, Vo Duy S, Villlemur R, Sauvé S, Prévost M, Dorner S. Locating illicit discharges in storm sewers in urban areas using multi-parameter source tracking: Field validation of a toolbox composite index to prioritize high risk areas. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 811:152060. [PMID: 34861306 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In urban areas served by separate sewerage systems, illicit connections to the storm drain system from residences or commercial establishments are frequent whether these misconnections were made accidentally or deliberately. As a result, untreated and contaminated wastewater enters into storm sewers leading to pollution of receiving waters and non-compliance with water quality standards. Typical procedures for detecting illicit connections to the storm sewer system are time consuming and expensive, especially in a highly urbanised area. In this study, we investigated the use of human wastewater micropollutants WWMPs (caffeine, theophylline, and carbamazepine) and advanced DNA molecular markers (human specific Bacteroides HF183 and mitochondrial DNA) as anthropogenic tracers in order to assist identifying potential cross connections. Water samples from storm outfalls and storm sewer pipes in three urban subcatchments were collected in dry weather from 2013 to 2018. All samples contained various concentrations of these markers especially HF183, caffeine and theophylline, suggesting that the storm pipe system studied is widely contaminated by sanitary sewers. None of the traditional indicators or markers tested is sufficient alone to determine the origin of fecal pollution. In a highly urbanised area, the combination of at least three specific human markers was needed in order to locate the residential section with likely misconnections. The human specific Bacteroides HF183, and theophylline appeared to be the most effective markers (along with E. coli) of crossconnections, whereas carbamazepine can provide an indication of contamination through sanitary sewer exfiltration. A composite sewer cross-connection index was developed, and eight misconnected houses were identified and corrected. The index approach enables the reduction of false positives that could lead to expensive interventions to identify cross-connected households. The results show the multiparameter source tracking toolbox as an effective method to identify sewer cross connections for sustainable storm water management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mounia Hachad
- Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering Department, Polytechnique de Montréal, CP 6079, succ. Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3A7, Canada.
| | - Martine Lanoue
- City of Laval, soutien technique eau et salubrité, service de l'environnement et de l'écocitoyenneté, 480, Boulevard Armand-Frappier, Laval, QC H7V 3Z4, Canada
| | - Sung Vo Duy
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, P.O. Box 6128, succ, Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Richard Villlemur
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, 531 Boulevard des Prairies, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada
| | - Sébastien Sauvé
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, P.O. Box 6128, succ, Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Michèle Prévost
- Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering Department, Polytechnique de Montréal, CP 6079, succ. Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3A7, Canada; NSERC Industrial Chair on Drinking Water, Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering Department, Polytechnique de Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Sarah Dorner
- Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering Department, Polytechnique de Montréal, CP 6079, succ. Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3A7, Canada; Canada Research Chair in Microbial Contaminant Dynamics in Source Waters, Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering Department, Polytechnique de Montréal, QC, Canada
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16
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Monteiro S, Queiroz G, Ferreira F, Santos R. Characterization of Stormwater Runoff Based on Microbial Source Tracking Methods. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:674047. [PMID: 34177858 PMCID: PMC8222924 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.674047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Rainfall and associated urban runoff have been linked to an increased deterioration of environmental waters, carrying several pollutants including pathogenic microorganisms. Such happens because fecal matter is washed into storm drainage pipes that are afterward released into environmental waters. Stormwater has not been extensively characterized as it is, because most studies are performed either on drainage pipes that are often impacted by sewage leakage or directly in environmental waters following a rain event. In this study, stormwater collected directly from the streets, was monitored for the presence of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) and three potential important sources of fecal contamination in urban environments (human, cats, and dogs) in three distinct basins in Lisbon, Portugal. Stormwater was collected in sterilized plastic boxes inserted in the storm drains, therefore collecting only runoff. High concentration of fecal contamination was detected with a high percentage of the samples displayed at least one source of contamination. A strong relationship was found between the number of detected sources and the precipitation levels. Although no statistical correlation was found between the locations and the presence of FIB or source markers, the results show a trend in geographical information on the type of urban use in each basin. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study analyzing the runoff collected directly from the streets. This study suggests that, in urban areas, stormwater runoff is highly impacted by fecal matter, not only from domestic animals but also from human origin, before any cross-contamination in the drainage system and may, by itself, pose a high risk to human health and the environment, particularly if water reuse of this water without further disinfection treatment is the final goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Monteiro
- Laboratório Análises, Tecnico Lisboa, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Gaspar Queiroz
- Department of Civil Engineering, Tecnico Lisboa, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Filipa Ferreira
- Department of Civil Engineering, Tecnico Lisboa, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Santos
- Laboratório Análises, Tecnico Lisboa, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
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17
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Li X, Kelty CA, Sivaganesan M, Shanks OC. Variable fecal source prioritization in recreational waters routinely monitored with viral and bacterial general indicators. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 192:116845. [PMID: 33508720 PMCID: PMC8186395 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.116845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Somatic and F+ coliphage methods are under consideration as potential routine surface water quality monitoring tools to identify unsafe levels of fecal pollution in recreational waters. However, little is known about the cooccurrence of these virus-based fecal indicators and host-associated genetic markers used to prioritize key pollution sources for remediation. In this study, paired measurements of cultivated coliphage (somatic and F+) and bacterial (E. coli and enterococci) general fecal indicators and genetic markers indicative of human (HF183/BacR287 and HumM2), ruminant (Rum2Bac), canine (DG3), and avian (GFD) fecal pollution sources were assessed in 365 water samples collected from six Great Lakes Basin beach and river sites over a 15-week recreational season. Water samples were organized into groups based on defined viral and bacterial fecal indicator water quality thresholds and average log10 host-associated genetic marker fecal score ratios were estimated to compare pollutant source inferences based on variable routine water quality monitoring practices. Eligible log10 fecal score ratios ranged from -0.051 (F+ coliphage, GFD) to 2.08 (enterococci, Rum2Bac). Using a fecal score ratio approach, findings suggest that general fecal indicator selection for routine water quality monitoring can influence the interpretation of host-associated genetic marker measurements, in some cases, prioritizing different pollutant sources for remediation. Variable trends were also observed between Great Lake beach and river sites suggesting disparate management practices may be useful for each water type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China 518055
| | - Catherine A Kelty
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Mano Sivaganesan
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Orin C Shanks
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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18
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Paruch L, Paruch AM. Cross-tracking of faecal pollution origins, macronutrients, pharmaceuticals and personal care products in rural and urban watercourses. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2021; 83:610-621. [PMID: 33600365 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2020.603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study describes microbial and chemical source tracking approaches for water pollution in rural and urban catchments. Culturable faecal indicator bacteria, represented by Escherichia coli, were quantified. Microbial source tracking (MST) using host-specific DNA markers was applied to identify the origins of faecal contamination. Chemical source tracking (CST) was conducted to determine contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) of human/anthropogenic origin, including pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). In addition, the eutrophication-causing macronutrients nitrogen and phosphorus were studied. MST tests revealed both anthropogenic and zoogenic faecal origins, with a dominance of human sources in the urban stream; non-human/environmental sources were prevalent in the rural creek. CST analyses revealed a higher number of CECs in the urban stream than in the rural watercourse. Positive correlations between PPCPs and both E. coli and the human DNA marker were uncovered in the urban stream, while in the rural creek, PPCPs were only highly correlated with the anthropogenic marker. Interestingly, macronutrients were strongly associated with primary faecal pollution origins in both watercourses. This correlation pattern determines the main pollutant contributors (anthropogenic or zoogenic) to eutrophication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Paruch
- Division of Environment and Natural Resources, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), Oluf Thesens vei 43, 1433 Ås, Norway E-mail:
| | - Adam M Paruch
- Division of Environment and Natural Resources, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), Oluf Thesens vei 43, 1433 Ås, Norway E-mail:
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19
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Li S, Wen J, He B, Wang J, Hu X, Liu J. Occurrence of caffeine in the freshwater environment: Implications for ecopharmacovigilance. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 263:114371. [PMID: 32217417 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Owing to the substantial consumption of caffeinated food, beverages, and medicines worldwide, caffeine is considered the most representative pharmaceutically active compound (PhAC) pollutant based on its high abundance in the environment and its suitability as an indicator of the anthropogenic inputs of PhACs in water bodies. This review presents a worldwide analysis of 132 reports of caffeine residues in freshwater environments. The results indicated that more than 70% of the studies reported were from Asia and Europe, which have densely populated and industrially developed areas. However, caffeine pollution was also found to affect areas isolated from human influence, such as Antarctica. In addition, the maximum concentrations of caffeine in raw wastewater, treated wastewater, river, drinking water, groundwater, lake, catchment, reservoir, and rainwater samples were reported to be 3.60 mg/L, 55.5, 19.3, 3.39, 0.683, 174, 44.6, 4.87, and 5.40 μg/L, respectively. The seasonal variation in caffeine residues in the freshwater environment has been demonstrated. In addition, despite the fact that there was a small proportion of wastewater treatment plants in which the elimination rates of caffeine were below 60%, wastewater treatment is generally believed to have a high caffeine removal efficiency. From a pharmacy perspective, we proposed to adopt effective measures to minimize the environmental risks posed by PhACs, represented by caffeine, through a new concept known as ecopharmacovigilance (EPV). Some measures of EPV aimed at caffeine pollution have been advised, as follows: improving knowledge and perceptions about caffeine pollution among the public; listing caffeine as a high-priority PhAC pollutant, which should be targeted in EPV practices; promoting green design and production, rational consumption, and environmentally preferred disposal of caffeinated medicines, foods, and beverages; implementing intensive EPV measures in high-risk areas and during high-risk seasons; and integrating EPV into wastewater treatment programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shulan Li
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Jing Wen
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Bingshu He
- Hubei Province Woman and Child Hospital, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430065, China.
| | - Xianmin Hu
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Juan Liu
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430065, China
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20
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Ahmed W, Payyappat S, Cassidy M, Harrison N, Besley C. Sewage-associated marker genes illustrate the impact of wet weather overflows and dry weather leakage in urban estuarine waters of Sydney, Australia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 705:135390. [PMID: 31838427 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of wet weather overflows (WWOs) at three estuarine locations in Sydney, NSW, Australia. WWOs can occur when infiltration of stormwater leads to an excess volume of flow within the sewerage system, resulting in the release of diluted sewage into the environment. Sewage contamination poses a risk to human health due to the presence of pathogens. The magnitude of sewage contamination was monitored using established and novel sewage-associated marker genes, Bacteroides HF183, pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV), crAssphage CPQ_056, Lachnospiraceae (Lachno3) marker genes along with culturable fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) Escherichia coli (E. coli) and enterococci. Water samples were collected at two water depths (0.5 m below the water surface and 1 m above the bottom surface) during one dry weather and two storm events. Analysis of sewage-associated marker genes showed greater (i.e., 3-5 orders of magnitude) concentrations in water samples collected during the storm events compared to dry weather event. Water samples were also analysed for four animal feces-associated marker genes targeting avian (GFD), dog (BacCan-UCD), cow (cowM2) and horse (HoF597) species to determine the extent of animal fecal contamination. Among the four marker genes, cowM2 and HoF597 could not be detected, while GFD marker gene was consistently present and BacCan-UCD was occasionally detected. Overall results suggested that after rainfall, untreated sewage from WWOs was present at sampling locations. In addition, microbial source tracking (MST) monitoring was able to distinguish the presence of a leaking sewer impacting on the recreational area during dry weather condition. This study demonstrated the capability of the MST monitoring approach to understand sources (sewage or animal) of fecal contamination. This capability will greatly enhance management decisions assisting in the prioritisation of remediation efforts of the sewerage system to improve estuarine bathing water quality and diminish human health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Sudhi Payyappat
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
| | - Michele Cassidy
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
| | - Nathan Harrison
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
| | - Colin Besley
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
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21
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Faecal pollution affects abundance and diversity of aquatic microbial community in anthropo-zoogenically influenced lotic ecosystems. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19469. [PMID: 31857659 PMCID: PMC6923421 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56058-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aquatic microbiota is known to be an important factor in the sustainability of the natural water ecosystems. However, the microbial community also might include pathogens, which result in very serious waterborne diseases in humans and animals. Faecal pollution is the major cause of these diseases. Therefore, it is of immense importance to assess the potential impact of faecal pollution, originating from both anthropogenic and zoogenic sources, on the profile of microbial communities in natural water environments. To this end, the microbial taxonomic diversity of lotic ecosystems in different regions of Norway, representing urban and rural areas, exposed to various levels of faecal pollution, was investigated over the course of a 1-year period. The highest microbial diversity was found in rural water that was the least faecally polluted, while the lowest was found in urban water with the highest faecal contamination. The overall diversity of the aquatic microbial community was significantly reduced in severely polluted water. In addition, the community compositions diverged between waters where the dominant pollution sources were of anthropogenic or zoogenic origin. The results provide new insight into the understanding of how faecal water contamination, specifically that of different origins, influences the microbial diversity of natural waters.
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Tolouei S, Dewey R, Snodgrass WJ, Edge TA, Andrews RC, Taghipour M, Prévost M, Dorner S. Assessing microbial risk through event-based pathogen loading and hydrodynamic modelling. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 693:133567. [PMID: 31374504 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.07.373] [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: 02/02/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the variability of microbial risk associated with drinking water under various contaminant loading conditions in a drinking water source. For this purpose, a probabilistic-deterministic approach was applied to estimate the loadings of Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Escherichia coli (E. coli) from fecal contamination sources during both dry and wet weather conditions. The relative importance of loads originating from various fecal contamination sources was also determined by a probabilistic approach. This study demonstrates that water resource recovery facilities were the dominant source of Giardia, yet rivers were more important with regards to Cryptosporidium. Estimated loadings were used as input to a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model of Lake Ontario; the fate and transport of microbial organisms were simulated at the influent of a drinking water intake. Discharge-based hydrodynamic modelling results were compared to observed concentrations. Simulated probability distributions of concentrations at the intake were used as an input to a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) model such that the variability of microbial risk in the context of drinking water could be examined. Depending on wind and currents, higher levels of fecal contamination reached the intake during wet weather loading scenarios. Probability distribution functions of Cryptosporidium, Giardia and E. coli concentrations at the intake were significantly higher during wet weather conditions when compared to dry conditions (p < 0.05). For all contaminants studied, the QMRA model showed a higher risk during wet weather (over 1 order of magnitude) compared to dry weather conditions. When considering sewage by-pass scenarios, risks remained below 2.7 × 10-7 person-1 day-1 for Giardia and E. coli O157:H7. Limited data were available for Cryptosporidium in by-pass effluents and the risk is unknown; hence it is critical to obtain reliable loading data for the riskiest scenarios, such as those associated with water resource recovery facility by-passes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Tolouei
- Canada Research Chair in Source Water Protection, Polytechnique Montréal, Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering Department, P.O. Box 6079, Station Centre-Ville, Montréal H3C 3A7, Québec, Canada; NSERC Industrial Chair on Drinking Water, Polytechnique Montréal, Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering Department, P.O. Box 6079, Station Centre-Ville, Montréal H3C 3A7, Québec, Canada.
| | - Ray Dewey
- Modelling Surface Water Limited, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Thomas A Edge
- Environment Canada, Canada Centre for Inland Waters, Burlington, ON, L7S 4A1
| | - Robert C Andrews
- NSERC Industrial Chair on Drinking Water Research, Dept. of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A4, Canada
| | - Milad Taghipour
- Canada Research Chair in Source Water Protection, Polytechnique Montréal, Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering Department, P.O. Box 6079, Station Centre-Ville, Montréal H3C 3A7, Québec, Canada
| | - Michèle Prévost
- NSERC Industrial Chair on Drinking Water, Polytechnique Montréal, Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering Department, P.O. Box 6079, Station Centre-Ville, Montréal H3C 3A7, Québec, Canada
| | - Sarah Dorner
- Canada Research Chair in Source Water Protection, Polytechnique Montréal, Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering Department, P.O. Box 6079, Station Centre-Ville, Montréal H3C 3A7, Québec, Canada
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Ahmed W, Hamilton K, Toze S, Cook S, Page D. A review on microbial contaminants in stormwater runoff and outfalls: Potential health risks and mitigation strategies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 692:1304-1321. [PMID: 31539962 PMCID: PMC7126443 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.07.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Demands on global water supplies are increasing in response to the need to provide more food, water, and energy for a rapidly growing population. These water stressors are exacerbated by climate change, as well as the growth and urbanisation of industry and commerce. Consequently, urban water authorities around the globe are exploring alternative water sources to meet ever-increasing demands. These alternative sources are primarily treated sewage, stormwater, and groundwater. Stormwater including roof-harvested rainwater has been considered as an alternative water source for both potable and non-potable uses. One of the most significant issues concerning alternative water reuse is the public health risk associated with chemical and microbial contaminants. Several studies to date have quantified fecal indicators and pathogens in stormwater. Microbial source tracking (MST) approaches have also been used to determine the sources of fecal contamination in stormwater and receiving waters. This review paper summarizes occurrence and concentrations of fecal indicators, pathogens, and MST marker genes in urban stormwater. A section of the review highlights the removal of fecal indicators and pathogens through water sensitive urban design (WSUD) or Best Management Practices (BMPs). We also discuss approaches for assessing and mitigating health risks associated with stormwater, including a summary of existing quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) models for potable and non-potable reuse of stormwater. Finally, the most critical research gaps are identified for formulating risk management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Qld 4102, Australia.
| | - Kerry Hamilton
- Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Simon Toze
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Qld 4102, Australia
| | - Stephen Cook
- CSIRO Land and Water, Research way, Clayton South, VIC 3169, Australia
| | - Declan Page
- CSIRO Land and Water, Waite Laboratories, Waite Rd., Urrbrae, SA 5064, Australia
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Paruch L, Paruch AM, Sørheim R. DNA-based faecal source tracking of contaminated drinking water causing a large Campylobacter outbreak in Norway 2019. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2019; 224:113420. [PMID: 31748129 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2019.113420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
During June 2019, an outbreak of campylobacteriosis occurred in Askøy, an island northwest of Bergen, Norway. According to the publicly available records, over 2000 residents fell ill and 76 were hospitalised, and two deaths were suspected to be associated with Campylobacter infection. By investigating the epidemic pattern and scope, an old caved drinking water holding pool was identified that had been faecally contaminated as indicated by the presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli). Furthermore, Campylobacter bacteria were found at several points in the water distribution system. In the escalated water health crisis, tracking down the infectious source became pivotal for the local municipality in order to take prompt and appropriate action to control the epidemic. A major task was to identify the primary faecal pollution source, which could further assist in tracking down the epidemic origin. Water from the affected pool was analysed using quantitative microbial source tracking (QMST) applying host-specific Bacteroidales 16S rRNA genetic markers. In addition, Campylobacter jejuni, Enterococcus faecalis, Clostridium perfringens and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli were detected. The QMST outcomes revealed that non-human (zoogenic) sources accounted predominantly for faecal pollution. More precisely, 69% of the faecal water contamination originated from horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Paruch
- Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), Division of Environment and Natural Resources, Fredrik A. Dahls Vei 20, 1433, Aas, Norway
| | - Adam M Paruch
- Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), Division of Environment and Natural Resources, Fredrik A. Dahls Vei 20, 1433, Aas, Norway.
| | - Roald Sørheim
- Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), Division of Environment and Natural Resources, Fredrik A. Dahls Vei 20, 1433, Aas, Norway
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Paruch L, Paruch AM, Eiken HG, Sørheim R. Aquatic microbial diversity associated with faecal pollution of Norwegian waterbodies characterized by 16S rRNA gene amplicon deep sequencing. Microb Biotechnol 2019; 12:1487-1491. [PMID: 31290258 PMCID: PMC6801177 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Faecal contamination is one of the major factors affecting biological water quality. In this study, we investigated microbial taxonomic diversity of faecally polluted lotic ecosystems in Norway. These ecosystems comprise tributaries of drinking water reservoirs with moderate and high faecal contamination levels, an urban creek exposed to extremely high faecal pollution and a rural creek that was the least faecally polluted. The faecal water contamination had both anthropogenic and zoogenic origins identified through quantitative microbial source tracking applying host-specific Bacteroidales 16S rRNA genetic markers. The microbial community composition revealed that Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes (70-90% relative abundance) were the most dominant bacterial phyla, followed by Firmicutes, especially in waters exposed to anthropogenic faecal contamination. The core archaeal community consisted of Parvarchaeota (mainly in the tributaries of drinking water reservoirs) and Crenarchaeota (in the rural creek). The aquatic microbial diversity was substantially reduced in water with severe faecal contamination. In addition, the community compositions diverge between waters with dominant anthropogenic or zoogenic pollution origins. These findings present novel interpretations of the effect of anthropo-zoogenic faecal water contamination on microbial diversity in lotic ecosystems.
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MESH Headings
- Archaea/classification
- Archaea/genetics
- Bacteria/classification
- Bacteria/genetics
- Cluster Analysis
- DNA, Archaeal/chemistry
- DNA, Archaeal/genetics
- DNA, Bacterial/chemistry
- DNA, Bacterial/genetics
- DNA, Ribosomal/chemistry
- DNA, Ribosomal/genetics
- Feces
- Genes, rRNA
- High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
- Microbiota
- Norway
- Phylogeny
- RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
- Water Microbiology
- Water Pollution
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Paruch
- Division of Environment and Natural ResourcesNorwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO)Fredrik A. Dahls vei 201433AasNorway
| | - Adam M. Paruch
- Division of Environment and Natural ResourcesNorwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO)Fredrik A. Dahls vei 201433AasNorway
| | - Hans Geir Eiken
- Division of Environment and Natural ResourcesNorwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO)Fredrik A. Dahls vei 201433AasNorway
| | - Roald Sørheim
- Division of Environment and Natural ResourcesNorwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO)Fredrik A. Dahls vei 201433AasNorway
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26
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Ahmed W, Payyappat S, Cassidy M, Besley C. Enhanced insights from human and animal host-associated molecular marker genes in a freshwater lake receiving wet weather overflows. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12503. [PMID: 31467317 PMCID: PMC6715810 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48682-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the magnitude of wet weather overflow (WWO)-driven sewage pollution in an urban lake (Lake Parramatta) located in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Water samples were collected during a dry weather period and after two storm events, and tested for a range of novel and established sewage- [Bacteroides HF183, crAssphage CPQ_056 and pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV)] and animal feces-associated (Bacteroides BacCan-UCD, cowM2 and Helicobacter spp. associated GFD) microbial source tracking marker genes along with the enumeration of culturable fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), namely Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Enterococcus spp. The magnitude of general and source-specific fecal pollution was low in water samples collected during dry weather compared to storm events. The levels of HF183, crAssphage and PMMoV in water samples collected during storm events were as high as 6.39, 6.33 and 5.27 log10 GC/L of water, respectively. Moderate to strong positive correlations were observed among the quantitative occurrence of sewage-associated marker genes. The concentrations of HF183 and PMMoV in most storm water samples exceeded the risk benchmark threshold values established in the literature for primary contact recreators. None of the samples tested was positive for the cowM2 (cow) marker gene, while BacCan-UCD (dog) and GFD (avian) animal-associated markers were sporadically detected in water samples collected from both dry weather and storm events. Based on the results, the ongoing advice that swimming should be avoided for several days after storm events appears appropriate. Further research to determine the decay rates of sewage-associated marker genes in relation to each other and enteric viruses would help refine current advice. Microbial source tracking approaches employed in this study provided insights into sources of contamination over currently used FIB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD, 4102, Australia.
| | - Sudhi Payyappat
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW, 2150, Australia
| | - Michele Cassidy
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW, 2150, Australia
| | - Colin Besley
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW, 2150, Australia
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Li X, Sivaganesan M, Kelty CA, Zimmer-Faust A, Clinton P, Reichman JR, Johnson Y, Matthews W, Bailey S, Shanks OC. Large-scale implementation of standardized quantitative real-time PCR fecal source identification procedures in the Tillamook Bay Watershed. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216827. [PMID: 31170166 PMCID: PMC6553688 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Fecal pollution management remains one of the biggest challenges for water quality authorities worldwide. Advanced fecal pollution source identification technologies are now available that can provide quantitative information from many animal groups. As public interest in these methodologies grows, it is vital to use standardized procedures with clearly defined data acceptance metrics and conduct field studies demonstrating the use of these techniques to help resolve real-world water quality challenges. Here we apply recently standardized human-associated qPCR methods with custom data acceptance metrics (HF183/BacR287 and HumM2), along with established procedures for ruminant (Rum2Bac), cattle (CowM2 and CowM3), canine (DG3 and DG37), and avian (GFD) fecal pollution sources to (i) demonstrate the feasibility of implementing standardized qPCR procedures in a large-scale field study, and (ii) characterize trends in fecal pollution sources in the research area. A total of 602 water samples were collected over a one-year period at 29 sites along the Trask, Kilchis, and Tillamook rivers and tributaries in the Tillamook Bay Watershed (OR, USA). Host-associated qPCR results were combined with high-resolution geographic information system (GIS) land use and general indicator bacteria (E. coli) measurements to elucidate water quality fecal pollution trends. Results demonstrate the feasibility of implementing standardized fecal source identification qPCR methods with established data acceptance metrics in a large-scale field study leading to new investigative leads suggesting that elevated E. coli levels may be linked to specific pollution sources and land use activities in the Tillamook Bay Watershed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN, United States of America
| | - Mano Sivaganesan
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Catherine A. Kelty
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Amity Zimmer-Faust
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, Costa Mesa, CA, United States of America
| | - Pat Clinton
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Newport, OR, United States of America
| | - Jay R. Reichman
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Corvallis, OR, United States of America
| | - York Johnson
- Oregon Department of Environmental Quality & Tillamook Estuaries Partnership, Garibaldi, Oregon, United States of America
| | - William Matthews
- Oregon Department of Agriculture, Salem, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Stephanie Bailey
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10 Manchester Laboratory, Port Orchard, WA, United States of America
| | - Orin C. Shanks
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
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Hajj-Mohamad M, Hachad M, Deschamps G, Sauvé S, Villemur R, Blais MA, Prévost M, Dorner S. Fecal contamination of storm sewers: Evaluating wastewater micropollutants, human-specific Bacteroides 16S rRNA, and mitochondrial DNA genetic markers as alternative indicators of sewer cross connections. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 659:548-560. [PMID: 31096384 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.12.378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
A set of fecal indicator bacteria and alternative markers were tested for their use to identify priority sectors of two urban watersheds in the Greater Montreal region with unintended household sewage connections to storm drainage systems. Analyses were performed for thermotolerant (fecal) coliforms (FC), Escherichia coli, human-specific Bacteroidales (HF183) and mitochondrial DNA (Hmt) markers, carbamazepine (CBZ), caffeine (CAF), theophylline (THEO) and acetaminophen (ACE). A high incidence of human fecal contamination was observed, illustrating the need for a method to appropriately prioritize sectors for the rehabilitation of sewer cross-connections. Concentrations of alternative markers were not significantly different between the residential and industrial/commercial/institutional (ICI) sectors. However, median E. coli concentrations were higher in the residential as compared to ICI sectors (p < 0.05). Hmt marker, CAF, and THEO were well correlated to E. coli in the ICI sector (r > 0.61, p < 0.05). Considering all sites, only CAF and THEO were correlated to E. coli (r > 0.59, p < 0.05), possibly as a result of higher E. coli inputs from other sources such as domestic animals or fauna in the residential sector. Thresholds were determined to relate alternative markers to E. coli for use in an index for prioritizing sectors with sewer cross-connections. HF183, Hmt, CAF, THEO, and ACE were identified as suitable markers for identifying sewer cross-connections and are more reliable than E. coli alone, most importantly in residential sectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Hajj-Mohamad
- Canada Research Chair in Source Water Protection, Department of Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, C.P. 6079, Succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3A7, Canada; NSERC Industrial Chair in Drinking Water Treatment, Department of Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, C.P. 6079, Succursale Centre-ville Montréal, QC H3C 3A7, Canada
| | - Mounia Hachad
- Canada Research Chair in Source Water Protection, Department of Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, C.P. 6079, Succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3A7, Canada
| | - Guy Deschamps
- Service du Développement et des Opérations, Direction de L'environnement et du Développement Durable, Division de la Planification et du Suivi Environnemental, Réseau de Suivi du Milieu Aquatique, Ville de Montréal, Montreal, QC H2M 2T8, Canada
| | - Sébastien Sauvé
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Richard Villemur
- INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada
| | - Marc-André Blais
- INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada
| | - Michèle Prévost
- NSERC Industrial Chair in Drinking Water Treatment, Department of Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, C.P. 6079, Succursale Centre-ville Montréal, QC H3C 3A7, Canada
| | - Sarah Dorner
- Canada Research Chair in Source Water Protection, Department of Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, C.P. 6079, Succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3A7, Canada.
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Tillett BJ, Sharley D, Almeida MIGS, Valenzuela I, Hoffmann AA, Pettigrove V. A short work-flow to effectively source faecal pollution in recreational waters - A case study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 644:1503-1510. [PMID: 30743863 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Microbial pollution of recreational waters poses a significant public health risk which, unless mitigated, will continue to increase with population growth. Water managers must implement strategies to accurately discriminate and source human from animal faecal contamination in complex urbanised environments. Our case-study used a new combination of chemical (i.e. ammonia) and microbial (i.e. Escherichia coli, Bacteroides spp.) faecal monitoring tools in a targeted multi-tiered approach to quickly identify pollution hot-spots and track high-risk subterranean stormwater drains in real-time. We successfully located three point sources of human faecal pollution (both episodic and constant pollution streams) within 11 catchments in a total monitoring time of four months. Alternative approaches for obtaining such fine-scale accuracy are typically labour intensive and require expensive equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bree J Tillett
- Centre for Aquatic Pollution Identification and Management, School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Australia; Bio21 Institute, School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Australia.
| | - David Sharley
- Centre for Aquatic Pollution Identification and Management, School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Australia
| | - M Inês G S Almeida
- Centre for Aquatic Pollution Identification and Management, School of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia
| | - Isabel Valenzuela
- Centre for Aquatic Pollution Identification and Management, School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Australia; Bio21 Institute, School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Australia
| | - Ary A Hoffmann
- Centre for Aquatic Pollution Identification and Management, School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Australia; Bio21 Institute, School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Australia
| | - Vincent Pettigrove
- Centre for Aquatic Pollution Identification and Management, School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Australia; Aquatic Pollution Prevention Partnership, College of Science, Engineering & Health, RMIT University, PO Box 71, Bundoora 3078, Australia
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Microbial Source Tracking Using Quantitative and Digital PCR To Identify Sources of Fecal Contamination in Stormwater, River Water, and Beach Water in a Great Lakes Area of Concern. Appl Environ Microbiol 2018; 84:AEM.01634-18. [PMID: 30097445 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01634-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Areas of concern (AOCs) around the Great Lakes are characterized by historic and ongoing problems with microbial water quality, leading to beneficial use impairments (BUIs) such as beach postings and closures. In this study, we assessed river and beach sites within the Rouge River watershed, associated stormwater outfalls, and at Rouge Beach. The concentrations of Escherichia coli as well as human- and gull-specific qPCR microbial source tracking (MST) markers were assessed at all sites. A preliminary comparison of digital PCR (dPCR) methodologies for both MST markers was conducted regarding sensitivity and specificity. Within the watershed, the outfalls were found to be a prominent source of human fecal contamination, with two outfalls particularly affected by sewage cross-connections. However, the occurrence of human fecal contamination along Rouge Beach and in the lower portions of the watershed was largely dependent on rain events. Gull fecal contamination was the predominant source of contamination at the beach, particularly during dry weather. The multiplex human/gull dPCR methodology used in this study tended to be more sensitive than the individual quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays, with only a slight decrease in specificity. Both dPCR and qPCR methodologies identified the same predominance of human and gull markers in stormwater and beach locations, respectively; however, the dPCR multiplex assay was more sensitive and capable of detecting fecal contamination that was undetected by qPCR assays. These results demonstrate the dPCR assay used in this study could be a viable tool for MST studies to increase the ability to identify low levels of fecal contamination.IMPORTANCE Fecal contamination of recreational water poses a persistent and ongoing problem, particularly in areas of concern around the Great Lakes. The identification of the source(s) of fecal contamination is essential for safeguarding public health as well as guiding remediation efforts; however, fecal contamination may frequently be present at low levels and remain undetectable by certain methodologies. In this study, we utilized microbial source tracking techniques using both quantitative and digital PCR assays to identify sources of contamination. Our results indicated high levels of human fecal contamination within stormwater outfalls, while lower levels were observed throughout the watershed. Additionally, high levels of gull fecal contamination were detected at Rouge Beach, particularly during drier sampling events. Furthermore, our results indicated an increased sensitivity of the digital PCR assay to detect both human and gull contamination, suggesting it could be a viable tool for future microbial source tracking studies.
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Staley ZR, Chuong JD, Hill SJ, Grabuski J, Shokralla S, Hajibabaei M, Edge TA. Fecal source tracking and eDNA profiling in an urban creek following an extreme rain event. Sci Rep 2018; 8:14390. [PMID: 30258068 PMCID: PMC6158173 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32680-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Fecal contamination of recreational waters (i.e. lakes, rivers, beaches) poses an on-going problem for environmental and public health. Heavy rainfall can exacerbate existing problems with fecal contamination. As there could be variable sources of fecal contamination, identifying the source is critical for remediation efforts. This study utilized microbial source tracking (MST), chemical source tracking (CST) markers and environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding to profile sampling areas and identify sources of fecal contamination in creek, stormwater outfall and beach sites in the Etobicoke Creek watershed (Toronto, ON). Water samples were collected before and immediately following an extreme rain event. MST and CST identified stormwater outfalls as an important source of human fecal contamination during dry and wet conditions. eDNA metabarcoding allowed for potential identification of additional sources of fecal contamination and provided additional evidence of human fecal contamination. The extreme rainfall event altered the eDNA profiles, causing creek and beach sites to reflect a greater diversity of mammal and bird eDNA sequences. The profiles provided by eDNA metabarcoding provide a proof of concept suggesting that eDNA metabarcoding can be a useful tool to complement MST and CST methods for profiling sources of fecal contamination and studying impacts of extreme rain events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachery R Staley
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canada Center for Inland Waters, Burlington, ON, L7S 1A1, Canada.
| | - Jun Dennis Chuong
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canada Center for Inland Waters, Burlington, ON, L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Stephen J Hill
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canada Center for Inland Waters, Burlington, ON, L7S 1A1, Canada
- Memorial University, Department of Ocean Sciences, St. John's, NL, A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Josey Grabuski
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canada Center for Inland Waters, Burlington, ON, L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Shadi Shokralla
- University of Guelph, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics & Department of Integrative Biology, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Mehrdad Hajibabaei
- University of Guelph, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics & Department of Integrative Biology, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Thomas A Edge
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canada Center for Inland Waters, Burlington, ON, L7S 1A1, Canada
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Quantifying the Relative Contributions of Environmental Sources to the Microbial Community in an Urban Stream under Dry and Wet Weather Conditions. Appl Environ Microbiol 2018; 84:AEM.00896-18. [PMID: 29858206 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00896-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigating sources of microbial contamination in urban streams, especially when there are no contributions from combined sewer overflows or sewage effluent discharges, can be challenging. The objectives of this study were to identify the sources of microbes in an urban stream and quantify their relative contributions to the microbial community in the stream under dry and wet weather conditions. A microbial source tracking method relying on the 16S rRNA gene was used to investigate the microbial communities in water samples of an urban stream (i.e., from 11 dry and 6 wet weather events), as well as in streambed sediment, soils, street sweepings, sanitary sewage, an upstream lake, and feces of animals and birds collected between 2013 and 2015. The results showed that the Escherichia coli levels in the stream were significantly higher in wet weather flow than in dry weather flow. The upstream lake contributed approximately 93% of the microbes in dry weather flows. Water discharged from storm drain outfalls was the biggest source of microbes in wet weather flows, with a median contribution of approximately 90% in the rising limb and peak flow and about 75% in the declining limb of storms. Furthermore, about 70 to 75% of the microbes in the storm drain outfall water came from materials washed off from the street surfaces in the watershed. Fecal samples did not appear to contribute substantially to the microbes in environmental samples. The results highlight the significance of street surfaces in contributing microbial loads to urban streams under wet weather conditions.IMPORTANCE Identifying the sources of microbial contamination is important for developing best management practices to protect the water quality of urban streams for recreational uses. This study collected a large number of water samples from an urban stream under both dry and wet weather conditions and provided quantitative information on the relative contributions of various environmental compartments to the overall microbial contamination in the stream under the two weather conditions. The watershed in this study represents urban watersheds where no dominant fecal sources are consistently present. The findings highlight the importance of reducing the direct contribution of microbes from street surfaces in the watershed to urban streams under wet weather conditions. The methods and findings from this study are expected to be useful to stormwater managers and regulatory agencies.
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Ahmed W, Zhang Q, Lobos A, Senkbeil J, Sadowsky MJ, Harwood VJ, Saeidi N, Marinoni O, Ishii S. Precipitation influences pathogenic bacteria and antibiotic resistance gene abundance in storm drain outfalls in coastal sub-tropical waters. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 116:308-318. [PMID: 29754026 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Stormwater contamination can threaten the health of aquatic ecosystems and human exposed to runoff via nutrient and pathogen influxes. In this study, the concentrations of 11 bacterial pathogens and 47 antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were determined by using high-throughput microfluidic qPCR (MFQPCR) in several storm drain outfalls (SDOs) during dry and wet weather in Tampa Bay, Florida, USA. Data generated in this study were also compared with the levels of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) and sewage-associated molecular markers (i.e., Bacteroides HF183 and crAssphage markers) in same SDOs collected in a recent study (Ahmed et al., 2018). Concentration of FIB, sewage-associated markers, bacterial pathogens and many ARGs in water samples were relatively high and SDOs may be potentially hotspots for microbial contamination in Tampa Bay. Mean concentrations of culturable E. coli and Enterococcus spp. were tenfold higher in wet compared to dry weather. The majority of microbiological contaminants followed this trend. E. coli eaeA, encoding the virulence factor intimin, was correlated with levels of 20 ARGs, and was more frequently detected in wet weather than dry weather samples. The blaKPC gene associated with carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae and the beta-lactam resistant gene (blaNPS) were only detected in wet weather samples. Frequency of integron genes Intl2 and Intl3 detection increased by 42% in wet weather samples. Culturable E. coli and Enterococcus spp. significantly correlated with 19 of 47 (40%) ARG tested. Sewage-associated markers crAssphage and HF183 significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with the following ARGs: intl1, sul1, tet(M), ampC, mexB, and tet(W). The presence of sewage-associated marker genes along with ARGs associated with sewage suggested that aging sewage infrastructure contributed to contaminant loading in the Bay. Further research should focus on collecting spatial and temporal data on the microbiological contaminants especially viruses in SDOs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Qld 4102, Australia.
| | - Qian Zhang
- BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, 140 Gortner Laboratory, 1479 Gortner Ave, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Aldo Lobos
- Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Jacob Senkbeil
- Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Michael J Sadowsky
- BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, 140 Gortner Laboratory, 1479 Gortner Ave, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA; Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, University of Minnesota, 439 Borlaug Hall, 1991 Upper Buford Circle, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Valerie J Harwood
- Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Nazanin Saeidi
- Future Cities Laboratory, Singapore ETH-Centre, 1 Create Way, #06-01 Create Tower, 138602, Singapore
| | - Oswald Marinoni
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Qld 4102, Australia
| | - Satoshi Ishii
- BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, 140 Gortner Laboratory, 1479 Gortner Ave, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA; Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, University of Minnesota, 439 Borlaug Hall, 1991 Upper Buford Circle, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
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Decay of sewage-associated bacterial communities in fresh and marine environmental waters and sediment. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2018; 102:7159-7170. [PMID: 29869677 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-018-9112-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the microbial quality of recreational waters is critical to effectively managing human health risks. In recent years, the development of new molecular methods has provided scientists with alternatives to the use of culture-based fecal indicator methods for investigating sewage contamination in recreational waters. Before these methods can be formalized into guidelines, however, we must investigate their utility, including strengths and weaknesses in different environmental media. In this study, we investigated the decay of sewage-associated bacterial communities in water and sediment from three recreational areas in Southeast Queensland, Australia. Outdoor mesocosms with water and sediment samples from two marine and one freshwater sites were inoculated with untreated sewage and sampled on days 0, 1, 4, 8, 14, 28, and 50. Amplicon sequencing was performed on the DNA extracted from water and sediment samples, and SourceTracker was used to determine the decay of sewage-associated bacterial communities and how they change following a contamination event. No sewage-associated operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were detected in water and sediment samples after day 4; however, the bacterial communities remained changed from their background measures, prior to sewage amendment. Following untreated sewage inoculation, the mesocosm that had the most diverse starting bacterial community recovered to about 60% of its initial community composition, whereas the least diverse bacterial community only recovered to about 30% of its initial community composition. This suggests that a more diverse bacterial community may play an important role in water quality outcomes after sewage contamination events. Further investigation into potential links between bacterial communities and measures of fecal indicators, pathogens, and microbial source tracking (MST) markers is warranted and may provide insight for recreational water decision-makers.
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Waso M, Khan S, Khan W. Microbial source tracking markers associated with domestic rainwater harvesting systems: Correlation to indicator organisms. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 161:446-455. [PMID: 29216491 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.11.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Revised: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/26/2017] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Domestic rainwater harvesting (tank water) systems were screened for the presence of a panel of microbial source tracking (MST) markers and traditional indicator organisms. The indicator organisms were enumerated utilizing traditional culture-based methods, while the MST markers were quantified by quantitative PCR (qPCR). The indicators Escherichia coli (E. coli) and enterococci were also quantified using qPCR. Correlations and concurrence between these parameters were then investigated to determine which markers could be utilized to supplement traditional indicator analysis. Quantitative PCR analysis indicated that Bacteroides HF183, adenovirus, Lachnospiraceae and E. coli were detected and quantifiable in 100% of the tank water samples collected throughout the sampling period, while human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was quantifiable in 90% of the tank water samples and Bifidobacterium adolescentis (B. adolescentis) and enterococci were quantifiable in 67% of the tank water samples, respectively. Significant positive correlations were recorded for Lachnospiraceae versus heterotrophic bacteria (p = 0.000), adenovirus versus E. coli (culturing) (p = 0.000) and heterotrophic bacteria (p = 0.024), the HF183 marker versus E. coli (qPCR) (p = 0.024) and B. adolescentis versus fecal coliforms (p = 0.037). In addition, 100% concurrence was observed for the HF183 marker, adenovirus and Lachnospiraceae versus E. coli (qPCR), enterococci (qPCR) and heterotrophic bacteria, amongst others. Based on the correlations and the concurrence analysis, the HF183 marker, Lachnospiraceae and adenovirus may be utilized to supplement indicator organism analysis for the monitoring of harvested rainwater quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Waso
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag ×1, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa
| | - S Khan
- Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, Namibia University of Science and Technology, 13 Storch Street, Private Bag 13388, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - W Khan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag ×1, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa.
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