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Siri Y, Sthapit N, Malla B, Raya S, Haramoto E. Comparative performance of electronegative membrane filtration and automated concentrating pipette for detection of antibiotic resistance genes and microbial markers in river water samples. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 953:176109. [PMID: 39255938 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176109] [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: 07/25/2024] [Revised: 09/05/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
The target viral and bacterial concentrations in river water are essential for environmental monitoring and public health studies. Filtration-based methods are commonly employed, yet challenges arise due to recoverability and filter pore size. This study aimed to compare the performance of electronegative membrane filtration (EMF) and automated Concentrating Pipette (CP) Select (InnovaPrep) methods for quantifying antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), mobile genetic elements (MGEs), and bacterial and viral markers in river water samples. Fifty-four river water samples were collected from upstream and downstream locations in a river in Japan. The CP Select method was modified by adding MgCl2 and using different tips. The recovery efficiencies for total coliforms and Escherichia coli were assessed, and class 1 integron-integrase gene (intI1), 16S rRNA, gene encoding sulfonamide resistance (sul1), cross-assembly phage (crAssphage), pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV), and Escherichia coli gene (sfmD) were detected. CP Select showed recovery efficiencies of 45 %-63 % for total coliforms and 17 %-35 % for E. coli. The intI1, 16S rRNA, sul1, crAssphage, PMMoV, and sfmD concentrations using the modified CP Select method were 10.1 ± 0.5, 8.7 ± 0.2, 7.7 ± 0.2, 6.7 ± 0.2, 5.4 ± 0.2, and 3.5 ± 0.5 log10 copies/L, respectively. Higher intI1 and sul1 concentrations were observed downstream, with the highest contribution percentage (22 % and 21 %) using CP Select or EMF. The modified CP Select method with 0.05 μm tips yielded more quantifiable results for all target genes and greater PMMoV concentrations (p < 0.05). Positive correlations were found among bacterial, ARG/MGE, and viral markers (Spearman's ρ = 0.71 for 16S rRNA and sfmD, 0.88 for intI1 and sul1, and 0.64 for PMMoV and crAssphage). The modified CP Select method demonstrated effective recovery of bacteria and quantification of ARGs, MGEs, and microbial markers in river water. Further studies are required to validate these methods and confirm their applicability in diverse environmental contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yadpiroon Siri
- Department of Engineering, University of Yamanashi, 4-3-11 Takeda, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-8511, Japan
| | - Niva Sthapit
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Yamanashi, 4-3-11 Takeda, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-8511, Japan
| | - Bikash Malla
- Interdisciplinary Center for River Basin Environment, University of Yamanashi, 4-3-11 Takeda, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-8511, Japan
| | - Sunayana Raya
- Department of Engineering, University of Yamanashi, 4-3-11 Takeda, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-8511, Japan
| | - Eiji Haramoto
- Interdisciplinary Center for River Basin Environment, University of Yamanashi, 4-3-11 Takeda, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-8511, Japan.
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do Nascimento MCA, Smith WJM, Gebrewold M, Liu Y, Simpson SL, Bivins A, Rahal P, Ahmed W. Development and evaluation of a colorimetric LAMP based-assay targeting the Bacteroides HF183 marker for tracking sewage pollution in environmental waters. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 264:122202. [PMID: 39146849 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.122202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Surface waters are vulnerable to contamination by human and animal feces, posing risks to human health due to potential exposure to enteric pathogens. This research developed a colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification (cLAMP) assay to detect sewage associated Bacteroides dorei HF183/BacR287 (HF183) marker in wastewater and environmental water samples. The host sensitivity and host specificity of the assay were evaluated, and their performance was compared to the Bacteroides HF183 qPCR assay using control materials (gBlocks), environmental water samples seeded with untreated sewage, and ambient environmental water samples. In serial dilutions of control materials, qPCR produced quantifiable data across all dilutions, while cLAMP detected the marker down to 0.001 pg/µL of control materials, which was two orders of magnitude less sensitive than qPCR. All untreated sewage samples (n = 12) tested positive for HF183 by both the qPCR and cLAMP assays, demonstrating a host sensitivity value of 1.00 (maximum value of 1.00). The host specificity by analysing 70 non-human fecal nucleic acid samples revealed cLAMP's specificity value of 0.81 compared to qPCR's 0.64. When testing sewage-seeded environmental water samples, both methods detected HF183 for the lowest amount of sewage, indicating similar detection sensitivity. The application of cLAMP for tracking sewage pollution in environmental waters showed promising results, with moderate agreement between cLAMP and qPCR (κ = 0.510). However, cLAMP occasionally missed detections compared to qPCR, particularly in low-concentration samples. Overall, the cLAMP HF183 assay demonstrated promising potential as a rapid and sensitive method for detecting sewage pollution, offering a viable alternative to qPCR in certain environmental monitoring scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariah C A do Nascimento
- CSIRO Environment, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, QLD 4102, Australia; Department of Biology, São Paulo State University - UNESP, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo 15054-000, Brazil
| | - Wendy J M Smith
- CSIRO Environment, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, QLD 4102, Australia
| | | | - Yawen Liu
- CSIRO Environment, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, QLD 4102, Australia; State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Stuart L Simpson
- CSIRO Environment, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Aaron Bivins
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Paula Rahal
- Department of Biology, São Paulo State University - UNESP, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo 15054-000, Brazil
| | - Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Environment, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, QLD 4102, Australia.
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3
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Carson LR, Goodman C, van Duin B, Neumann NF. Application of a microbial and pathogen source tracking toolbox to identify infrastructure problems in stormwater drainage networks: a case study. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0033724. [PMID: 39109868 PMCID: PMC11371268 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00337-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Water scarcity and increasing urbanization are forcing municipalities to consider alternative water sources, such as stormwater, to fill in water supply gaps or address hydromodification of receiving urban streams. Mounting evidence suggests that stormwater is often contaminated with human feces, even in stormwater drainage systems separate from sanitary sewers. Pinpointing sources of human contamination in drainage networks is challenging given the diverse sources of fecal pollution that can impact these systems and the non-specificity of traditional fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) for identifying these host sources. As such, we used a toolbox approach that encompassed microbial source tracking (MST), FIB monitoring, and bacterial pathogen monitoring to investigate microbial contamination of stormwater in an urban municipality. We demonstrate that human sewage frequently contaminated stormwater (in >50% of routine samples), based on the presence of the human fecal marker HF183, and often exceeded microbial water quality criteria. Arcobacter butzleri, a pathogen of emerging concern, was also detected in >50% of routine samples, with 75% of these pathogen-positive samples also being positive for the human fecal marker HF183, suggesting human municipal sewage as the likely source for this pathogen. MST and FIB were used to track human fecal pollution in the drainage network to the most likely point source of contamination, for which a sewage cross-connection was identified and confirmed using tracer dyes. These results point to the ubiquitous presence of human sewage in stormwater and also provide municipalities with the tools to identify sources of anthropogenic contamination in storm drainage networks.IMPORTANCEWater scarcity, increased urbanization, and population growth are driving municipalities worldwide to consider stormwater as an alternative water source in urban environments. However, many studies suggest that stormwater is relatively poor in terms of microbial water quality, is frequently contaminated with human sewage, and therefore could represent a potential health risk depending on the type of exposure (e.g., irrigation of community gardens). Traditional monitoring of water quality based on fecal bacteria does not provide any information about the sources of fecal pollution contaminating stormwater (i.e., animals/human feces). Herein, we present a case study that uses fecal bacterial monitoring, microbial source tracking, and bacterial pathogen analysis to identify a cross-connection that contributed to human fecal intrusion into an urban stormwater network. This microbial toolbox approach can be useful for municipalities in identifying infrastructure problems in stormwater drainage networks to reduce risks associated with water reuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam R. Carson
- School of Public
Health, University of Alberta,
Edmonton, Alberta,
Canada
| | - Clint Goodman
- Community
Infrastructure, City of Airdrie,
Airdrie, Alberta,
Canada
| | - Bert van Duin
- City & Regional
Planning, City of Calgary,
Calgary, Alberta,
Canada
| | - Norman F. Neumann
- School of Public
Health, University of Alberta,
Edmonton, Alberta,
Canada
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4
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Ahmed W, Schoen ME, Soller J, Harrison JC, Hamilton KA, Gebrwold M, Simpson SL, Payyappat S, Cassidy M, Harrison N, Besley C. Site-specific risk-based threshold (RBT) concentrations for sewage-associated markers in estuarine swimming waters. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 929:172448. [PMID: 38615775 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
This study establishes site-specific risk-based threshold (RBT) concentrations for sewage-associated markers, including Bacteroides HF183 (HF183), Lachnospiraceae Lachno3 (Lachno3), cross-assembly phage (CrAssphage), and pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV), utilizing quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) for recreational estuarine waters (EW). The QMRA model calculates a RBT concentration corresponding to a selected target illness risk for ingestion of EW contaminated with untreated sewage. RBT concentrations were estimated considering site-specific decay rates and concentrations of markers and reference pathogen (human norovirus; HNoV), aiding in the identification of high-risk days during the swimming season. Results indicated varying RBT concentrations for fresh (Day 0) and aged (Days 1 to 10) sewage contamination scenarios over 10 days. HF183 exhibited the highest RBT concentration (26,600 gene copis (GC)/100 mL) initially but decreased rapidly with aging (2570 to 3120 GC/100 mL on Day 10) depending on the decay rates, while Lachno3 and CrAssphage remained relatively stable. PMMoV, despite lower initial RBT (3920 GC/100 mL), exhibited increased RBT (4700 to 6440 GC/100 mL) with aging due to its slower decay rate compared to HNoV. Sensitivity analysis revealed HNoV concentrations as the most influential parameter. Comparison of marker concentrations in estuarine locations with RBT concentrations showed instances of marker exceedance, suggesting days of potential higher risks. The observed discrepancies between bacterial and viral marker concentrations in EW highlight the need for optimized sample concentration method and simultaneous measurement of multiple markers for enhanced risk predictions. Future research will explore the utility of multiple markers in risk management. Overall, this study contributes to better understanding human health risks in recreational waters, aiding regulators, and water quality managers in effective decision-making for risk prioritization and mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Environment, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Mary E Schoen
- Soller Environmental, LLC, 3022 King St, Berkeley, CA 94703, USA
| | - Jeffrey Soller
- Soller Environmental, LLC, 3022 King St, Berkeley, CA 94703, USA
| | - Joanna Ciol Harrison
- The Biodesign Institute Center for Environmental Health Engineering, Arizona State University, 1001 S. McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Kerry A Hamilton
- The Biodesign Institute Center for Environmental Health Engineering, Arizona State University, 1001 S. McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, 660 S College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Metasebia Gebrwold
- CSIRO Environment, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Stuart L Simpson
- CSIRO Environment, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Sudhi Payyappat
- Sydney Water, 2 Parramatta Square, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
| | - Michele Cassidy
- Sydney Water, 2 Parramatta Square, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
| | - Nathan Harrison
- Sydney Water, 2 Parramatta Square, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
| | - Colin Besley
- Sydney Water, 2 Parramatta Square, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
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5
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Hachad M, Burnet JB, Sylvestre É, Duy SV, Villemur R, Sauvé S, Prévost M, Qiu JY, Pang X, Dorner S. β-D-glucuronidase activity triggered monitoring of fecal contamination using microbial and chemical source tracking markers at drinking water intakes. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 254:121374. [PMID: 38422696 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Intense rainfall and snowmelt events may affect the safety of drinking water, as large quantities of fecal material can be discharged from storm or sewage overflows or washed from the catchment into drinking water sources. This study used β-d-glucuronidase activity (GLUC) with microbial source tracking (MST) markers: human, bovine, porcine mitochondrial DNA markers (mtDNA) and human-associated Bacteroidales HF183 and chemical source tracking (CST) markers including caffeine, carbamazepine, theophylline and acetaminophen, pathogens (Giardia, Cryptosporidium, adenovirus, rotavirus and enterovirus), water quality indicators (Escherichia coli, turbidity) and hydrometeorological data (flowrate, precipitation) to assess the vulnerability of 3 drinking water intakes (DWIs) and identify sources of fecal contamination. Water samples were collected under baseline, snow and rain events conditions in urban and agricultural catchments (Québec, Canada). Dynamics of E. coli, HF183 and WWMPs were similar during contamination events, and concentrations generally varied over 1 order of magnitude during each event. Elevated human-associated marker levels during events demonstrated that urban DWIs were impacted by recent contamination from an upstream municipal water resource recovery facility (WRRF). In the agricultural catchment, mixed fecal pollution was observed with the occurrences and increases of enteric viruses, human bovine and porcine mtDNA during peak contaminating events. Bovine mtDNA qPCR concentrations were indicative of runoff of cattle-derived fecal pollutants to the DWI from diffuse sources following rain events. This study demonstrated that the suitability of a given MST or CST indicator depend on river and catchment characteristics. The sampling strategy using continuous online GLUC activity coupled with MST and CST markers analysis was a more reliable source indicator than turbidity to identify peak events at drinking water intakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mounia Hachad
- NSERC Industrial Chair on Drinking Water, Department of Civil, Geological, and Mining Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, QC, H3C 3A7, Canada; Canada Research Chair in Source Water Protection, Department of Civil, Geological, and Mining Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, QC, H3C 3A7, Canada.
| | - Jean-Baptiste Burnet
- NSERC Industrial Chair on Drinking Water, Department of Civil, Geological, and Mining Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, QC, H3C 3A7, Canada; Canada Research Chair in Source Water Protection, Department of Civil, Geological, and Mining Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, QC, H3C 3A7, Canada
| | - Émile Sylvestre
- NSERC Industrial Chair on Drinking Water, Department of Civil, Geological, and Mining Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, QC, H3C 3A7, Canada; Canada Research Chair in Source Water Protection, Department of Civil, Geological, and Mining Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, QC, H3C 3A7, Canada
| | - Sung Vo Duy
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, P.O. Box 6128, Succ, Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Richard Villemur
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, 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
- NSERC Industrial Chair on Drinking Water, Department of Civil, Geological, and Mining Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, QC, H3C 3A7, Canada
| | - Judy Y Qiu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, 116th & 85 Ave, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Xiaoli Pang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, 116th & 85 Ave, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Sarah Dorner
- Canada Research Chair in Source Water Protection, Department of Civil, Geological, and Mining Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, QC, H3C 3A7, Canada
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Vanderzalm J, Currie S, Smith W, Metcalfe S, Taylor N, Ahmed W. Microbial source tracking of fecal pollution to coral reef lagoons of Norfolk Island, Australia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168906. [PMID: 38016554 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Fecal pollution contributes to global degradation of water quality and requires identification of the source(s) for predicting human health risk, tracking disease, and developing management strategies. While fecal indicator bacteria are commonly used to detect fecal pollution, they cannot identify sources. Novel approaches, such as microbial source tracking (MST), can be applied to evaluate the origin of fecal pollution. This study examined fecal pollution in the coral reef lagoons of Norfolk Island, Australia where reef health decline has been related to nutrient input. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the host sensitivity and specificity of two human wastewater-associated marker genes (Bacteroides HF183 (HF183) and cross-assembly phage (crAssphage)) and four animal feces associated marker genes targeting avian, ruminant, dog, and pig (Helicobacter-associated GFD (GFD), Bacteroides BacR (BacR), Bacteroides DogBact (DogBact), and Bacteroides Pig-2-Bac (Pig-2-Bac)) in wastewater and animal fecal samples collected from Norfolk Island. The prevalence and concentrations of these marker genes along with enterococci genetic marker (ENT 23S rRNA) of general fecal pollution and human adenovirus (HAdV), which is considered predominantly a pathogen but also a human-wastewater associated marker gene, were determined in surface, ground, and marine water resources. A secondary objective of this study was to assess the sources and pathways of fecal pollution to a sensitive marine environment under rainfall events. HF183, crAssphage, HAdV, and BacR demonstrated absolute host sensitivity values of 1.00, while GFD and Pig-2-Bac had host sensitivity values of 0.60, and 0.20, respectively. Host specificity values were > 0.94 for all marker genes. Human and animal (avian, ruminant, dog) fecal sources were present in the coral reef lagoons and surface water whereas groundwater was polluted by human wastewater markers. This study provides understanding of fecal pollution in water resources on Norfolk Island, Australia after precipitation events. The results may aid in effective water quality management, mitigating potential adverse effects on both human and environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Vanderzalm
- CSIRO Environment, Waite Campus, Waite Rd, Urrbrae, SA 5064, Australia.
| | - Sharon Currie
- CSIRO Environment, Waite Campus, Waite Rd, Urrbrae, SA 5064, Australia
| | - Wendy Smith
- CSIRO Environment, Ecosciences Precint, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4202, Australia
| | - Suzanne Metcalfe
- CSIRO Environment, Ecosciences Precint, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4202, Australia
| | - Nathan Taylor
- Norfolk Island Water Resource Assessment Team, Kingston, Norfolk Island
| | - Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Environment, Ecosciences Precint, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4202, Australia
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Kim TH, Ju K, Kim SK, Woo SG, Lee JS, Lee CH, Rha E, Shin J, Kwon KK, Lee H, Kim H, Lee SG, Lee DH. Novel Signal Peptides and Episomal Plasmid System for Enhanced Protein Secretion in Engineered Bacteroides Species. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:648-657. [PMID: 38224571 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
The genus Bacteroides, a predominant group in the human gut microbiome, presents significant potential for microbiome engineering and the development of live biotherapeutics aimed at treating gut diseases. Despite its promising capabilities, tools for effectively engineering Bacteroides species have been limited. In our study, we have made a breakthrough by identifying novel signal peptides in Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron and Akkermansia muciniphila. These peptides facilitate efficient protein transport across cellular membranes in Bacteroides, a critical step for therapeutic applications. Additionally, we have developed an advanced episomal plasmid system. This system demonstrates superior protein secretion capabilities compared to traditional chromosomal integration plasmids, making it a vital tool for enhancing the delivery of therapeutic proteins in Bacteroides species. Initially, the stability of this episomal plasmid posed a challenge; however, we have overcome this by incorporating an essential gene-based selection system. This novel strategy not only ensures plasmid stability but also aligns with the growing need for antibiotic-free selection methods in clinical settings. Our work, therefore, not only provides a more robust secretion system for Bacteroides but also sets a new standard for the development of live biotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Hyun Kim
- Synthetic Biology Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biosystems and Bioengineering, KRIBB School of Biotechnology, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Kowoon Ju
- Synthetic Biology Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Keun Kim
- Synthetic Biology Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Gyun Woo
- Synthetic Biology Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Sook Lee
- Korean Collection for Type Cultures, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Jeongeup-si 56212, Republic of Korea
| | - Chul-Ho Lee
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Eugene Rha
- Synthetic Biology Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jonghyeok Shin
- Synthetic Biology Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Kil Koang Kwon
- Synthetic Biology Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyewon Lee
- Synthetic Biology Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biosystems and Bioengineering, KRIBB School of Biotechnology, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Haseong Kim
- Synthetic Biology Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biosystems and Bioengineering, KRIBB School of Biotechnology, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
- Graduate School of Engineering Biology, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Goo Lee
- Synthetic Biology Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biosystems and Bioengineering, KRIBB School of Biotechnology, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
- Graduate School of Engineering Biology, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Hee Lee
- Synthetic Biology Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biosystems and Bioengineering, KRIBB School of Biotechnology, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
- Graduate School of Engineering Biology, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
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8
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Zhao S, Rogers MJ, Liu Y, Andersen GL, He J. Anthropogenic activity remains the main contributor to fecal pollution in managed tropical watersheds as unraveled by PhyloChip microarray-based microbial source tracking. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132474. [PMID: 37717440 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132474] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
The spread of disease by enteric pathogens associated with fecal contamination is a major concern for the management of urban watersheds. So far, the relative contribution of natural and anthropogenic sources to fecal pollution in managed tropical watersheds remains poorly evaluated. In this study, the microbiomes of water samples collected from managed watersheds in Singapore were elicited using the PhyloChip, a dense 16S rRNA gene-based DNA microarray, and fecal impairment was inferred using a machine-learning classification algorithm (SourceTracker). The predicted contribution of wildlife fecal sources to environmental samples was generally negligible (< 0.01 ± 0.01), indicating a low likelihood of fecal impairment from natural sources. However, sewage showed considerably higher contribution (0.09 ± 0.05) to microbial communities in a subset of watershed samples from canals and rivers, suggesting persistent impairment of certain areas by anthropogenic activity although being managed. Interestingly, the contribution of sewage microbial communities showed decreasing trends from canals/rivers to the connected reservoirs, indicating meaningful auto-mitigation of fecal pollution in canals and rivers. Notably, exclusion of locally derived fecal samples and source categories from the training data set impaired the predictive performance of the classification algorithm despite a high degree of similarity in the phylogenetic composition of microbiomes in biologically similar but geographically distinct sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyan Zhao
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117576, Singapore
| | - Matthew J Rogers
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117576, Singapore
| | - Yuda Liu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117576, Singapore
| | - Gary L Andersen
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Jianzhong He
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117576, Singapore.
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9
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Mothiba DP, Khabo-Mmekoa CM, Ngobeni-Nyambi R, Momba MNB. Assessing the Occurrence of Host-Specific Faecal Indicator Markers in Water Systems as a Function of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Practices: A Case Study in Rural Communities of Vhembe District Municipality, South Africa. Pathogens 2023; 13:16. [PMID: 38251324 PMCID: PMC10819538 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
In settings where humans and animals closely coexist, the introduction of faecal material into unprotected water sources significantly increases the risk of contracting diarrhoeal and zoonotic waterborne diseases. The data were gathered from a survey conducted through interviews at randomly sampled villages; additionally, water samples were collected in randomly selected households and their associated feeder catchments. Molecular techniques were used, specifically qPCR, to run host-specific Bacteroides microbial source tracking (MST) assays for human, cattle, pig, chicken and dog faecal contamination. Unexpectedly, the qPCR assays revealed dogs to be the most prevalent (40.65%) depositor of faecal matter in unprotected surface water, followed by humans (40.63%); this finding was contradictory to survey findings indicating cattle as the leading source. At the household level, dogs (16.67%) and chickens (15.28%) played prominent roles, as was expected. Reflecting on some of the basic daily practices in households, nearly 89.00% of the population was found to store water due to erratic supply, in contrast to 93.23% using an improved water source. Additionally, a significant association was found between water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) variables and the occurrence of MST markers after performing a bivariate linear regression. However, the inconsistency between the MST results and household surveys suggests pervasive sanitation issues, even in households without domesticated animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dikeledi Prudence Mothiba
- Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Arcadia Campus, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; (D.P.M.); (R.N.-N.)
| | | | - Renay Ngobeni-Nyambi
- Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Arcadia Campus, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; (D.P.M.); (R.N.-N.)
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
| | - Maggy Ndombo Benteke Momba
- Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Arcadia Campus, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; (D.P.M.); (R.N.-N.)
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10
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Gonzalez SV, Dafforn KA, Gribben PE, O'Connor WA, Johnston EL. Organic enrichment reduces sediment bacterial and archaeal diversity, composition, and functional profile independent of bioturbator activity. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115608. [PMID: 37797537 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Eutrophication is a worldwide issue that can disrupt ecosystem processes in sediments. Studies have shown that macrofauna influences sediment processes by engineering environments that constrain microbial communities. Here, we explored the effect of different sizes of the Sydney cockle (Anadara trapezia), on bacterial and archaeal communities in natural and experimentally enriched sediments. A mesocosm experiment was conducted with two enrichment conditions (natural or enriched) and 5 cockle treatments (small, medium, large, mixed sizes and a control). This study was unable to detect A. trapezia effects on microbial communities irrespective of body size. However, a substantial decrease of bacterial richness, diversity, and structural and functional shifts, were seen with organic enrichment of sediments. Archaea were similarly changed although the magnitude of effect was less than for bacteria. Overall, we found evidence to suggest that A. trapezia had limited capacity to affect sediment microbial communities and mitigate the effects of organic enrichment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Vadillo Gonzalez
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Chowder Bay Road, Mosman, NSW 2088, Sydney, Australia; The University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Katherine A Dafforn
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Chowder Bay Road, Mosman, NSW 2088, Sydney, Australia; School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Sydney, Australia
| | - Paul E Gribben
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Chowder Bay Road, Mosman, NSW 2088, Sydney, Australia; Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, NSW, 2052 Sydney, Australia; Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Wayne A O'Connor
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Fisheries NSW, Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, Taylors Beach, NSW 2316, Australia
| | - Emma L Johnston
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Chowder Bay Road, Mosman, NSW 2088, Sydney, Australia; Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, NSW, 2052 Sydney, Australia
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11
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Flores ME, Jafarzadeh A, Moghadam SV, Vadde KK, Dhar DA, Nunu RR, Kapoor V. Occurrence and removal of fecal bacteria and microbial source tracking markers in a stormwater detention basin overlying the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone in Texas. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:103836-103850. [PMID: 37691063 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29636-w] [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: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The Edwards Aquifer is the primary water resource for over 2 million people in Texas and faces challenges including fecal contamination of water recharging the aquifer, while effectiveness of best management practices (BMPs) such as detention basins in mitigating fecal pollution remains poorly understood. For this study, the inlet and outlet of a detention basin overlying the aquifer's recharge zone were sampled following storm events using automated samplers. Microbial source tracking and culture-based methods were used to determine the occurrence and removal of fecal genetic markers and fecal coliform bacteria in collected water samples. Markers included E. coli (EC23S857), Enterococcus (Entero1), human (HF183), canine (BacCan), and bird (GFD). Fecal coliforms, EC23S857, and Entero1 were detected following each storm event. GFD was the most frequent host-associated marker detected (91% of samples), followed by BacCan (46%), and HF183 (17%). Wilcoxon signed rank tests indicated significantly lower outlet concentrations for fecal coliforms, EC23S857, and Entero1, but not for HF183, GFD, and BacCan. Higher GFD and BacCan outlet concentrations may be due to factors independent of basin design, such as the non-point source nature of bird fecal contamination and domestic dog care practices in neighborhoods contributing to the basin. Mann-Whitney tests showed marker concentrations were not significantly higher during instances of fecal coliform water quality criterion exceedance, except for E. coli, and that fecal coliform concentrations were not significantly different based on marker detection. Overall, results suggest that the detention basin is effective in attenuating fecal contamination associated with fecal coliforms and the general markers, but not for host-associated markers. Consequently, management efforts should focus on mitigating dog and bird-associated fecal pollution in the study region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio Eduardo Flores
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Construction Management, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA
- Southwest Research Institute, 6220 Culebra Rd, San Antonio, TX, 78238, USA
| | - Arash Jafarzadeh
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Construction Management, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA
| | - Sina Vedadi Moghadam
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Construction Management, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA
| | - Kiran Kumar Vadde
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Construction Management, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA
| | - Dipti Anik Dhar
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Construction Management, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA
| | - Rebecca R Nunu
- Southwest Research Institute, 6220 Culebra Rd, San Antonio, TX, 78238, USA
| | - Vikram Kapoor
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Construction Management, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA.
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12
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Bharti M, Nagar S, Negi RK. Riverine pollution influences the intraspecific variation in the gut microbiome of an invasive fish, Cyprinus carpio (Linn., 1758). 3 Biotech 2023; 13:320. [PMID: 37649590 PMCID: PMC10462599 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03747-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Humans are significantly impacting riverine systems worldwide, prompting us to investigate the effects of water pollution on the gut microbiome of Cyprinus carpio (common carp). Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we compared the gut microbiomes of common carp from two sites along river Yamuna with different pollution levels. Water pollution significantly altered the fish gut microbiome structure and microbial composition. Proteobacteria dominated in both sampling sites, while Bacteroidota prevailed in polluted water samples, indicating sewage and fecal contamination. Less polluted samples exhibited Verrucomicrobiae and Planctomycetes, negatively correlated with pollution levels. The polluted site had higher prevalence of potentially pathogenic and heavy metal-resistant bacteria, as well as microbial communities associated with wastewater treatment systems. Functional prediction highlighted the significant role of the gut microbiome in digestion and metabolism, with active enzymes for breaking down various organic substances. Biosynthetic pathways for leucine, valine, and isoleucine were present in both sites, known to be involved fish immunity. The host maintained a stable and diverse bacterial consortium, while microbial diversity became more specialized due to human activities, adapting to anthropogenic stress and selection pressures. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-023-03747-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghali Bharti
- Fish Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, North Campus, Delhi, 110007 India
| | - Shekhar Nagar
- Fish Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, North Campus, Delhi, 110007 India
- Department of Zoology, Deshbandhu College, Kalkaji, New Delhi, 110019 India
| | - Ram Krishan Negi
- Fish Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, North Campus, Delhi, 110007 India
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13
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VanMensel D, Chaganti SR, Droppo IG, Weisener CG. Microbe-sediment interactions in Great Lakes recreational waters: Implications for human health risk. Environ Microbiol 2023; 25:1605-1623. [PMID: 36998158 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
Microbial assessments of recreational water have traditionally focused on culturing or DNA-based approaches of the planktonic water column, omitting influence from microbe-sediment relationships. Sediment (bed and suspended) has been shown to often harbour levels of bacteria higher than the planktonic phase. The fate of suspended sediment (SS) bacteria is extensively related to transport dynamics (e.g., deposition) of the associated sediment/floc. When hydraulic energy allows, SS will settle, introducing new (potentially pathogenic) organisms to the bed. With turbulence, including waves, currents and swimmers, the risk of human ingestion is elevated due to resuspension of bed sediment and associated microbes. This research used multiplex nanofluidic reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR on RNA of bacteria associated with bed and SS to explore the active bacteria in freshwater shorelines. Bacterial genes of human health concern regarding recreational water use were targeted, such as faecal indicator bacteria (FIB), microbial source tracking genes and virulence factors from waterborne pathogens. Results indicate avian sources (i.e., gulls, geese) to be the largest nonpoint source of FIB associated with sediment in Great Lakes shorelines. This research introduces a novel approach to microbial water quality assessments and enhances our understanding of microbe-sediment dynamics and the quality of freshwater beaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle VanMensel
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue, N9B 3P4, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Subba Rao Chaganti
- Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research, University of Michigan, 4840 South State Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48108, USA
| | - Ian G Droppo
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue, N9B 3P4, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher G Weisener
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue, N9B 3P4, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
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14
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Ahmed W, Payyappat S, Cassidy M, Harrison N, Besley C. Microbial source tracking of untreated human wastewater and animal scats in urbanized estuarine waters. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 877:162764. [PMID: 36907409 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The study assessed the performance characteristics of host sensitivity, host specificity and concentration for seven human wastewater- and six animal scat-associated marker genes by analysing human wastewater and animal scat samples from urban catchments of the mega-coastal city of Sydney, Australia. Absolute host sensitivity was exhibited across three criteria used to assess seven human wastewater-associated marker genes of cross-assembly phage (CrAssphage), human adenovirus (HAdV), Bacteroides HF183 (HF183), human polyomavirus (HPyV), Lachnospiraceae (Lachno3), Methnobrevibacter smithii nifH (nifH) and pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV). In contrast, only the horse scat-associated marker gene Bacteroides HoF597 (HoF597) exhibited absolute host sensitivity. The absolute host specificity value of 1.0 was returned for the wastewater-associated marker genes of HAdV, HPyV, nifH and PMMoV for each of the three applied host specificity calculation criteria, while values of >0.9 were returned for CrAssphage and Lachno3. Ruminants and cow scat-associated marker genes of BacR and CowM2, respectively exhibited the absolute host specificity value of 1.0. Concentrations of Lachno3 were greater in most human wastewater samples followed by CrAssphage, HF183, nifH, HPyV, PMMoV and HAdV. Human wastewater marker genes were detected in several scat samples from cats and dogs, and this suggests concordant sampling of animal scat-associated marker genes and at least two human wastewater-associated marker genes will be required to assist in interpretation of fecal sources in environmental waters. A greater prevalence, together with several samples with greater concentrations of human wastewater-associated marker genes PMMoV and CrAssphage warrant consideration by water quality managers for the detection of diluted human fecal pollution in estuarine waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Environment, 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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15
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Lenaker PL, Corsi SR, De Cicco LA, Olds HT, Dila DK, Danz ME, McLellan SL, Rutter TD. Modeled predictions of human-associated and fecal-indicator bacteria concentrations and loadings in the Menomonee River, Wisconsin using in-situ optical sensors. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286851. [PMID: 37289789 PMCID: PMC10249839 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Human sewage contamination of waterways is a major issue in the United States and throughout the world. Models were developed for estimation of two human-associated fecal-indicator and three general fecal-indicator bacteria (HIB and FIB) using in situ optical field-sensor data for estimating concentrations and loads of HIB and FIB and the extent of sewage contamination in the Menomonee River in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Three commercially available optical sensor platforms were installed into an unfiltered custom-designed flow-through system along with a refrigerated automatic sampler at the Menomonee River sampling location. Ten-minute optical sensor measurements were made from November 2017 to December 2018 along with the collection of 153 flow-weighted discrete water samples (samples) for HIB, FIB, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and optical properties of water. Of those 153 samples, 119 samples were from event-runoff periods, and 34 were collected during low-flow periods. Of the 119 event-runoff samples, 43 samples were from event-runoff combined sewer overflow (CSO) influenced periods (event-CSO periods). Models included optical sensor measurements as explanatory variables with a seasonal variable as an interaction term. In some cases, separate models for event-CSO periods and non CSO-periods generally improved model performance, as compared to using all the data combined for estimates of FIB and HIB. Therefore, the CSO and non-CSO models were used in final estimations for CSO and non-CSO time periods, respectively. Estimated continuous concentrations for all bacteria markers varied over six orders of magnitude during the study period. The greatest concentrations, loads, and proportion of sewage contamination occurred during event-runoff and event-CSO periods. Comparison to water quality standards and microbial risk assessment benchmarks indicated that estimated bacteria levels exceeded recreational water quality criteria between 34 and 96% of the entire monitoring period, highlighting the benefits of high-frequency monitoring compared to traditional grab sample collection. The application of optical sensors for estimation of HIB and FIB markers provided a thorough assessment of bacterial presence and human health risk in the Menomonee River.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter L. Lenaker
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Steven R. Corsi
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Laura A. De Cicco
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Hayley T. Olds
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Debra K. Dila
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Mari E. Danz
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Sandra L. McLellan
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Troy D. Rutter
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
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16
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Malajacan GT, Nacario MAG, Obusan MCM, Rivera WL. Host-Associated Bacteroides 16S rDNA-Based Markers for Source Tracking of Fecal Pollution in Laguna Lake, Philippines. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1142. [PMID: 37317116 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Sources of fecal contamination in Laguna Lake, Philippines, were identified using a library-independent microbial source tracking method targeting host-associated Bacteroides 16S rDNA-based markers. Water samples from nine lake stations were assessed for the presence of the fecal markers HF183 (human), BoBac (cattle), Pig-2-Bac (swine), and DuckBac (duck) from August 2019 to January 2020. HF183 (average concentration = 1.91 log10 copies/mL) was the most frequently detected, while Pig-2-Bac (average concentration = 2.47 log10 copies/mL) was the most abundant. The detected marker concentrations in different stations corresponded to the land use patterns around the lake. Generally, all marker concentrations were higher during the wet season (August-October), suggesting the effect of rainfall-associated factors on the movement and retention of markers from sources. There was a significant association (ρ = 0.45; p < 0.001) between phosphate and the concentration of HF183, suggesting domestic sewage-derived pollution. The markers had acceptable sensitivity and specificity, i.e., HF183 (S = 0.88; R = 0.99), Pig-2-Bac (S = 1.00; R = 1.00), and DuckBac (S = 0.94; R = 1.00), and therefore may be used for the continuous monitoring of fecal pollution in the lake and in designing interventions to improve the quality of the lake water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gicelle T Malajacan
- Pathogen-Host-Environment Interactions Research Laboratory, Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines
| | - Mae Ashley G Nacario
- Pathogen-Host-Environment Interactions Research Laboratory, Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines
| | - Marie Christine M Obusan
- Microbial Ecology of Terrestrial and Aquatic Systems Laboratory, Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines
| | - Windell L Rivera
- Pathogen-Host-Environment Interactions Research Laboratory, Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines
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17
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González-Fernández A, Symonds EM, Gallard-Gongora JF, Mull B, Lukasik JO, Rivera Navarro P, Badilla Aguilar A, Peraud J, Mora Alvarado D, Cantor A, Breitbart M, Cairns MR, Harwood VJ. Risk of Gastroenteritis from Swimming at a Wastewater-Impacted Tropical Beach Varies across Localized Scales. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0103322. [PMID: 36847564 PMCID: PMC10057883 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01033-22] [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: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Population growth and changing climate are expected to increase human exposure to pathogens in tropical coastal waters. We examined microbiological water quality in three rivers within 2.3 km of each other that impact a Costa Rican beach and in the ocean outside their plumes during the rainy and dry seasons. We performed quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) to predict the risk of gastroenteritis associated with swimming and the amount of pathogen reduction needed to achieve safe conditions. Recreational water quality criteria based on enterococci were exceeded in >90% of river samples but in only 13% of ocean samples. Multivariate analysis grouped microbial observations by subwatershed and season in river samples but only by subwatershed in the ocean. The modeled median risk from all pathogens in river samples was between 0.345 and 0.577, 10-fold above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) benchmark of 0.036 (36 illnesses/1,000 swimmers). Norovirus genogroup I (NoVGI) contributed most to risk, but adenoviruses raised risk above the threshold in the two most urban subwatersheds. The risk was greater in the dry compared to the rainy season, due largely to the greater frequency of NoVGI detection (100% versus 41%). Viral log10 reduction needed to ensure safe swimming conditions varied by subwatershed and season and was greatest in the dry season (3.8 to 4.1 dry; 2.7 to 3.2 rainy). QMRA that accounts for seasonal and local variability of water quality contributes to understanding the complex influences of hydrology, land use, and environment on human health risk in tropical coastal areas and can contribute to improved beach management. IMPORTANCE This holistic investigation of sanitary water quality at a Costa Rican beach assessed microbial source tracking (MST) marker genes, pathogens, and indicators of sewage. Such studies are still rare in tropical climates. Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) found that rivers impacting the beach consistently exceeded the U.S. EPA risk threshold for gastroenteritis of 36/1,000 swimmers. The study improves upon many QMRA studies by measuring specific pathogens, rather than relying on surrogates (indicator organisms or MST markers) or estimating pathogen concentrations from the literature. By analyzing microbial levels and estimating the risk of gastrointestinal illness in each river, we were able to discern differences in pathogen levels and human health risks even though all rivers were highly polluted by wastewater and were located less than 2.5 km from one another. This variability on a localized scale has not, to our knowledge, previously been demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erin M. Symonds
- College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, Saint Petersburg, Florida, USA
- Department of Anthropology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | | | - Bonnie Mull
- BCS Laboratories, Inc., Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Pablo Rivera Navarro
- Laboratorio Nacional de Aguas, Instituto Costarricense de Acueductos y Alcantarillados, Tres Ríos, Cartago, Costa Rica
| | - Andrei Badilla Aguilar
- Laboratorio Nacional de Aguas, Instituto Costarricense de Acueductos y Alcantarillados, Tres Ríos, Cartago, Costa Rica
| | - Jayme Peraud
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Darner Mora Alvarado
- Laboratorio Nacional de Aguas, Instituto Costarricense de Acueductos y Alcantarillados, Tres Ríos, Cartago, Costa Rica
| | - Allison Cantor
- Department of Anthropology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Mya Breitbart
- College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, Saint Petersburg, Florida, USA
| | - Maryann R. Cairns
- Department of Anthropology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Valerie J. Harwood
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
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18
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Gomi R, Haramoto E, Wada H, Sugie Y, Ma CY, Raya S, Malla B, Nishimura F, Tanaka H, Ihara M. Development of two microbial source tracking markers for detection of wastewater-associated Escherichia coli isolates. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 864:160952. [PMID: 36549531 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Escherichia coli has been used as an indicator of fecal pollution in environmental waters. However, its presence in environmental waters does not provide information on the source of water pollution. Identifying the source of water pollution is paramount to be able to effectively reduce contamination. The present study aimed to identify E. coli microbial source tracking (MST) markers that can be used to identify domestic wastewater contamination in environmental waters. We first analyzed wastewater E. coli genomes sequenced by us (n = 50) and RefSeq animal E. coli genomes of fecal origin (n = 82), and identified 144 candidate wastewater-associated marker genes. The sensitivity and specificity of the candidate marker genes were then assessed by screening the genes in 335 RefSeq wastewater E. coli genomes and 3318 RefSeq animal E. coli genomes. We finally identified two MST markers, namely W_nqrC and W_clsA_2, which could be used for detection of wastewater-associated E. coli isolates. These two markers showed higher performance than the previously developed human wastewater-associated E. coli markers H8 and H12. When used in combination, W_nqrC and W_clsA_2 showed specificity of 98.9 % and sensitivity of 25.7 %. PCR assays to detect W_nqrC and W_clsA_2 were also developed and validated. The developed PCR assays are potentially useful for detecting E. coli isolates of wastewater origin in environmental waters, though users should keep in mind that the sensitivity of these markers is not high. Further studies are needed to assess the applicability of the developed markers to a culture-independent approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Gomi
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, 615-8540 Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Eiji Haramoto
- Interdisciplinary Center for River Basin Environment, University of Yamanashi, 4-3-11 Takeda, Kofu, 400-8511 Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Wada
- Research Center for Environmental Quality Management, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, 1-2 Yumihama, Otsu 520-0811, Shiga, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Sugie
- Research Center for Environmental Quality Management, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, 1-2 Yumihama, Otsu 520-0811, Shiga, Japan
| | - Chih-Yu Ma
- Research Center for Environmental Quality Management, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, 1-2 Yumihama, Otsu 520-0811, Shiga, Japan
| | - Sunayana Raya
- Department of Engineering, University of Yamanashi, Kofu, 400-8511 Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Bikash Malla
- Interdisciplinary Center for River Basin Environment, University of Yamanashi, 4-3-11 Takeda, Kofu, 400-8511 Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Fumitake Nishimura
- Research Center for Environmental Quality Management, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, 1-2 Yumihama, Otsu 520-0811, Shiga, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Tanaka
- Research Center for Environmental Quality Management, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, 1-2 Yumihama, Otsu 520-0811, Shiga, Japan
| | - Masaru Ihara
- Research Center for Environmental Quality Management, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, 1-2 Yumihama, Otsu 520-0811, Shiga, Japan; Faculty of Agriculture and Marine Science, Kochi University, Nankoku 783-8502, Kochi, Japan.
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19
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Pendergraft MA, Belda-Ferre P, Petras D, Morris CK, Mitts BA, Aron AT, Bryant M, Schwartz T, Ackermann G, Humphrey G, Kaandorp E, Dorrestein PC, Knight R, Prather KA. Bacterial and Chemical Evidence of Coastal Water Pollution from the Tijuana River in Sea Spray Aerosol. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:4071-4081. [PMID: 36862087 PMCID: PMC10018732 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c02312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Roughly half of the human population lives near the coast, and coastal water pollution (CWP) is widespread. Coastal waters along Tijuana, Mexico, and Imperial Beach (IB), USA, are frequently polluted by millions of gallons of untreated sewage and stormwater runoff. Entering coastal waters causes over 100 million global annual illnesses, but CWP has the potential to reach many more people on land via transfer in sea spray aerosol (SSA). Using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, we found sewage-associated bacteria in the polluted Tijuana River flowing into coastal waters and returning to land in marine aerosol. Tentative chemical identification from non-targeted tandem mass spectrometry identified anthropogenic compounds as chemical indicators of aerosolized CWP, but they were ubiquitous and present at highest concentrations in continental aerosol. Bacteria were better tracers of airborne CWP, and 40 tracer bacteria comprised up to 76% of the bacteria community in IB air. These findings confirm that CWP transfers in SSA and exposes many people along the coast. Climate change may exacerbate CWP with more extreme storms, and our findings call for minimizing CWP and investigating the health effects of airborne exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A. Pendergraft
- Scripps
Institution of Oceanography, University
of California San Diego, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Pedro Belda-Ferre
- Department
of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Daniel Petras
- Scripps
Institution of Oceanography, University
of California San Diego, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
- Collaborative
Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and
Pharmaceutical Science, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- CMFI
Cluster of Excellence, Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and
Medicine, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen 72076, Germany
| | - Clare K. Morris
- Scripps
Institution of Oceanography, University
of California San Diego, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Brock A. Mitts
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Allegra T. Aron
- Collaborative
Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and
Pharmaceutical Science, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of Denver, Denver, Colorado 80210, United
States
| | - MacKenzie Bryant
- Department
of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Tara Schwartz
- Department
of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Gail Ackermann
- Department
of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Greg Humphrey
- Department
of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Ethan Kaandorp
- Independent
Researcher, Darwin, California 93522, United States
| | - Pieter C. Dorrestein
- Department
of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Collaborative
Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and
Pharmaceutical Science, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Center
for Microbiome Innovation, University of
California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Rob Knight
- Department
of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Center
for Microbiome Innovation, University of
California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Department
of Computer Sciences and Engineering, University
of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Kimberly A. Prather
- Scripps
Institution of Oceanography, University
of California San Diego, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
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20
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Aguiar DK, Wiegner TN, Colbert SL, Burns J, Abaya L, Beets J, Couch C, Stewart J, Panelo J, Remple K, Nelson C. Detection and impact of sewage pollution on South Kohala's coral reefs, Hawai'i. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 188:114662. [PMID: 36739712 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Sewage pollution from on-site sewage disposal systems and injection wells is impacting coral reefs worldwide. Our study documented the presence and impact of sewage on South Kohala's coral reefs, on Hawai'i Island, through benthic water quality and macroalgal sampling (fecal indicator bacteria, nutrients, δ15N macroalgal tissue), NO3- stable isotope mixing models, water motion measurements, and coral reef surveys. Sewage pollution was moderate on the offshore reef from benthic seeps, and water motion mixed and diluted it across the benthos. These conditions likely contribute to the dominance of turf algae cover, and the severity and prevalence of growth anomalies and algal overgrowth on corals. Use of multiple indicators and studying water motion was necessary to assess sewage pollution and identify environmental drivers associated with impaired coral health conditions. Methods used in this study can be utilized by natural resource managers to identify and reduce anthropogenic stressors to coral reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon K Aguiar
- Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science Graduate Program, University of Hawai'i at Hilo, 200 W. Kawili St., Hilo, HI 96720, USA.
| | - Tracy N Wiegner
- Marine Science Department, University of Hawai'i at Hilo, 200 W. Kawili St., Hilo, HI 96720, USA.
| | - Steven L Colbert
- Marine Science Department, University of Hawai'i at Hilo, 200 W. Kawili St., Hilo, HI 96720, USA.
| | - John Burns
- Marine Science Department, University of Hawai'i at Hilo, 200 W. Kawili St., Hilo, HI 96720, USA.
| | - Leilani Abaya
- Marine Science Department, University of Hawai'i at Hilo, 200 W. Kawili St., Hilo, HI 96720, USA.
| | - James Beets
- Marine Science Department, University of Hawai'i at Hilo, 200 W. Kawili St., Hilo, HI 96720, USA.
| | - Courtney Couch
- NOAA/Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Ecosystem Sciences Division, NOAA Inouye Regional Center, 1845 Wasp Blvd, Bldg. # 176, Honolulu, HI 96818, USA.
| | - Julia Stewart
- Marine Science Department, University of Hawai'i at Hilo, 200 W. Kawili St., Hilo, HI 96720, USA.
| | - Jazmine Panelo
- Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science Graduate Program, University of Hawai'i at Hilo, 200 W. Kawili St., Hilo, HI 96720, USA.
| | - Kristina Remple
- Daniel K. Inouye Center for Microbial Oceanography Research and Education, Department of Oceanography and Sea Grant College Program, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, 1950 East West Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.
| | - Craig Nelson
- Daniel K. Inouye Center for Microbial Oceanography Research and Education, Department of Oceanography and Sea Grant College Program, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, 1950 East West Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.
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21
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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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22
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Ahmed W, Bivins A, Payyappat S, Cassidy M, Harrison N, Besley C. Distribution of human fecal marker genes and their association with pathogenic viruses in untreated wastewater determined using quantitative PCR. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 226:119093. [PMID: 36252296 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.119093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) of human health risks using human fecal marker genes (HFMGs) is an useful water quality management tool. To inform accurate QMRA analysis, generation of probability distribution functions for HFMGs, and reference pathogenic viruses can be improved by input of correlation and ratios based upon measurement of HFMGs and gene copies (GC) of pathogenic viruses in untreated wastewater. The concentrations of four HFMGs (Bacteroides HF183, Lachnospiraceae Lachno3, CrAssphage and pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV)), and GC of three reference pathogenic viruses human adenovirus 40/41 (HAdV 40/41), human norovirus GI + GII HNoV GI + GII and enterovirus (EV) were measured in untreated wastewater samples collected over a period of 12 months from two wastewater treatment plants in Sydney, Australia using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and reverse transcription qPCR (RT-qPCR). Over the course of the study, the GC of potential pathogenic viruses were 3-5 orders of magnitude lower than HFMGs in untreated wastewater. The GC of pathogenic viruses were highly variable over the course of the study, which contrasted with the concentrations of HFMGs that were quite stable with little variation observed within and between WWTPs. Among the HFMGs, HF183, CrAssphage and PMMoV correlated well with pathogenic virus GC, whereas weak or negative correlations were observed between Lachno3 and pathogenic virus GC. While the two assessed WWTPs had dissimilar population service sizes, the ratios between log10 transformed pathogenic virus GC and HFMGs demonstrated similar central tendency and variability for the same combinations between WWTP A and WWTP B with no difference between the WWTPs. This suggests the widespread presence of these HFMGs in both populations serviced by these two WWTPs. The observed correlation and ratios of HFMGs and GC of reference pathogenic viruses can contribute to improved QMRA of human health risks in environmental waters subject to fresh sewer overflows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Aaron Bivins
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Louisiana State University, 3255 Patrick F. Taylor Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - 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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23
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Halla FF, Massawa SM, Joseph EK, Acharya K, Sabai SM, Mgana SM, Werner D. Attenuation of bacterial hazard indicators in the subsurface of an informal settlement and their application in quantitative microbial risk assessment. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 167:107429. [PMID: 35914337 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107429] [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: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Pit latrines provide essential onsite sanitation services to over a billion people, but there are concerns about their role in infectious disease transmission, and impacts on groundwater resources. We conducted fieldwork in an informal settlement in Dar es Salaam, where cholera is endemic. We combined plate counting with portable MinION sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) methods for characterization of bacteria in pit latrine sludge, leachate, shallow and deep groundwater resources. Pit latrine sludge was characterized by log10 marker gene concentrations per 100 mL of 11.2 ± 0.2, 9.9 ± 0.9, 6.0 ± 0.3, and 4.4 ± 0.8, for total bacteria (16S rRNA), E. coli (rodA), human-host-associated Bacteroides (HF183), and Vibrio cholerae (ompW), respectively. The ompW gene observations suggested 5 % asymptomatic Vibrio cholerae carriers amongst pit latrine users. Pit leachate percolation through one-meter-thick sand beds attenuated bacterial hazard indicators by 1 to 4 log10 units. But first-order removal rates derived from these data substantially overestimated the longer-range hazard attenuation in the sand aquifers. Cooccurrence of human sewage marker gene HF183 in all shallow groundwater samples testing positive for ompW genes demonstrated the human origin of Vibrio cholerae hazards in the subsurface. All borehole water samples tested negative for ompW and HF183 genes, but 16S rRNA gene sequencing data suggested ingress of faecal pollution into boreholes at the peak of the "long rainy season". Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) predicted a gastrointestinal disease burden of 0.05 DALY per person per year for the community, well above WHO targets of 10-4-10-6 DALY for disease related to drinking water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franella Francos Halla
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Ardhi University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Said Maneno Massawa
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Ardhi University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Elihaika Kengalo Joseph
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Ardhi University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Kishor Acharya
- School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Shadrack Mwita Sabai
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Ardhi University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Shaaban Mrisho Mgana
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Ardhi University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - David Werner
- School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK.
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24
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Sherchan S, Shahin S, Alarcon J, Brosky H, Potter C, Dada AC. Microbial source tracking of fecal contamination in stormwater runoff. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2022; 20:1271-1283. [PMID: 36170186 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2022.286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Concerns over fecal contamination in stormwater canals have promoted the need for pollution control strategies, including the use of microbial source tracking, to identify fecal contamination in the Greater New Orleans Area. Surface water samples were collected over a 12-month period at five canal locations within Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and the IDEXX method were used to assess the concentrations of coliforms, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and human fecal 183 bacteroides (HF183) in stormwater samples. A 100% positive detection rate of total coliforms and E. coli was observed across all tested sites. Despite the closeness of the five sites, when averaged across all sampling time points, Kruskal-Wallis tests indicated that E. coli was present at significantly different concentrations in these locations (χ2(5) = 19.8, p = 0.0005). HF183 was detected in 62% of the water samples collected during the stormwater sampling. Without further testing for HF183 markers, the conclusion from this study would have been that fecal contamination from an unknown source was always present at varying levels during the study period. Analysis of HF183 markers therefore adds another layer of conclusions to the results deductible from E. coli concentrations. A 100% E. coli detection rate, high E. coli concentrations coupled with low rates of HF183 detection particularly at the Esplanade, Poplar Street, and Bonnabel Boat Launch sites, the sites closest to the lake outlet, throughout the study period, indicate that fecal contamination at these stormwater canal sites comes primarily from non-human sources. However, the Metairie Road and Napoleon Avenue sites, which have the highest HF183 detection rates, on top of chronic pollution by other non-human sources, are also influenced by human fecal pollution, possibly because of human development and faulty infrastructure. This study highlights the advantages of the use of microbial source-tracking methods to complement traditional indicator bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samendra Sherchan
- Department of Global Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA E-mail: ; Department of Biology, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD 21251, USA
| | - Shalina Shahin
- Department of Global Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA E-mail:
| | - Joshua Alarcon
- Department of Global Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA E-mail:
| | - Hanna Brosky
- Department of Global Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA E-mail:
| | - Collin Potter
- Department of Global Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA E-mail:
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25
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Bharti M, Nagar S, Khurana H, Negi RK. Metagenomic insights to understand the role of polluted river Yamuna in shaping the gut microbial communities of two invasive fish species. Arch Microbiol 2022; 204:509. [PMID: 35859219 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-022-03127-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The gastrointestinal microbial community plays a crucial role in host health, immunity, protection, development and provides nutrients to the host. The rising human-induced pollution and heavy metal contamination in all aquatic systems globally has led us to explore the gut microbial diversity of two exotic invasive fish Cyprinus carpio (Linnaeus, 1858) and Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus,1857) from river Yamuna, India. These fishes are aquatic bioindicators with high demographic resilience. Exploring these associations would pave the way for addressing problems that inhabitant fishes are facing due to the increasing pollution load in the River Yamuna. Based on 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, our results deliver comparative information on the gut microbiome of these fishes and highlight connotations between the microbiome of gut and water samples. The gut of C. carpio and O. niloticus was dominated by phyla Proteobacteria whereas Bacteroidetes dominated the water sample. Microbial communities showed predicted roles such as pathogenicity (Escherichia-Shigella, Aeromonas veronii, Vibrio cholerae, Streptococcus iniae, Flavobacterium columnare, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Mycobacterium sp.), probiotic applications (Bacillus velezensis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Enterococcus faecalis, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactococcus lactis, Leuconostoc falkenbergense) and involvement in sewage and organic matter decomposition (Nitrosomonas sp., Methanosaeta harundinacea, Dechloromonas agitata, Thauera humireducens, Zoogloea ramigera). Heavy metal degrading members (Leucobacter chromiireducens, Pseudomonas fluorescens, P. aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Micrococcus luteus) were detected in gut microbiome samples thus supporting the notion that fish shapes its gut microbiota with changing ecology. Functional profiling showed that microbial communities are specialized in metabolic functions thus reflecting the dietary profile of these invasive fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghali Bharti
- Fish Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Shekhar Nagar
- Fish Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
- Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Himani Khurana
- Fish Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Ram Krishan Negi
- Fish Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India.
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26
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Hiruy AM, Mohammed J, Haileselassie MM, Acharya K, Butte G, Haile AT, Walsh C, Werner D. Spatiotemporal variation in urban wastewater pollution impacts on river microbiomes and associated hazards in the Akaki catchment, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 826:153912. [PMID: 35183630 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In Addis Ababa and its environs, most urban wastewater is discharged into rivers without treatment. This study related urban wastewater characteristics to the prevalence of faecal, antibiotic resistant, and potentially pathogenic bacteria in rivers of the Akaki catchment across six locations, for the dry and wet season. Spatiotemporal variation in bacterial hazards across the catchment was up to 6 log10 units. Cooccurrence of sewage pollution marker gene HF183 in all river samples testing positive for the Vibrio cholerae marker gene ompW, and high levels of these two genes in untreated wastewater, identified human sewage as the likely source of Vibrio cholerae hazards in the catchment. Levels of the marker genes rodA for E. coli, HF183 for human host associated Bacteroides, ciaB for Arcobacter, and ompW for Vibrio cholerae were all higher in the dry season than in the wet season. Marker gene gyrB for Pseudomonas aeruginosa was not detected in the samples. From the sequencing data, notable bacterial genera in the dry season included wastewater pollution indicators Arcobacter and Aeromonas, whereas soil erosion may explain the greater prominence of Legionella, Vicinamibacter, and Sphingomonas during the wet season. Except for the most upstream location, all faecal coliform (FC) counts exceeded WHO standards of 1000 CFU/100 mL for unrestricted irrigation. Concerningly, 0.6-20% of FC had ESBL producing antimicrobial resistance traits. In conclusion, multiple bacterial hazards were of concern for river water users in the Akaki catchment, and elevated in the dry season, when the river water is being used for irrigation of vegetable fields that supply the markets of Addis Ababa. This reflects inadequate treatment and limited dilution of urban wastewater by the natural river flows during periods of low rainfall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andualem Mekonnen Hiruy
- Center for Environmental Science, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 33348, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Jemila Mohammed
- Center for Environmental Science, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 33348, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Addis Ababa Water and Sewerage Authority (AAWSA), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Kishor Acharya
- School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
| | - Giacomo Butte
- School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
| | | | - Claire Walsh
- School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
| | - David Werner
- School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, United Kingdom.
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27
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Niestępski S, Harnisz M, Korzeniewska E, Filipkowska Z. An improved selective/differential medium for culturing the Bacteroides fragilis group from wastewater. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2022; 14:2083-2089. [PMID: 35551562 DOI: 10.1039/d2ay00526c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop an effective selective/differential medium for culturing environmental strains of the Bacteroides fragilis group (BFG). This goal was achieved by modifying standard commercial Bacteroides Bile Esculin Agar (BBE Agar). Bacteroides Bile Esculin Agar was combined with substances that inhibit the growth of non-BFG bacteria, mostly Klebsiella pneumoniae and Fusobacterium mortiferum. The strains isolated from standard and modified BBE Agar were identified as BFG strains by PCR and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The supplementation of standard BBE Agar with colistin (40 mg L-1), kanamycin (400 mg L-1) and vancomycin (7.5 mg L-1) increases the effectiveness of BFG bacteria isolation from <10% to 35%, and additional Gram staining improves the effectiveness of bacterial isolation five-fold relative to standard BBE Agar. The results of the present study also suggest that the presence of the bfr gene is not a reliable indicator for the identification of BFG strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Niestępski
- Department of Water Protection Engineering and Environmental Microbiology, Faculty of Geoengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Prawocheńskiego 1, 10-720 Olsztyn, Poland.
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, Bydgoska 7, 10-243 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Monika Harnisz
- Department of Water Protection Engineering and Environmental Microbiology, Faculty of Geoengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Prawocheńskiego 1, 10-720 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Ewa Korzeniewska
- Department of Water Protection Engineering and Environmental Microbiology, Faculty of Geoengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Prawocheńskiego 1, 10-720 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Zofia Filipkowska
- Department of Water Protection Engineering and Environmental Microbiology, Faculty of Geoengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Prawocheńskiego 1, 10-720 Olsztyn, Poland.
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28
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A Mobile Laboratory Enables Fecal Pollution Source Tracking in Catchments Using Onsite qPCR Assays. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14081224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Onsite molecular diagnostics can revolutionize fecal pollution source tracking. We aimed to validate a method for onsite qPCR assays with a miniature speaker-sized Q qPCR instrument and other portable equipment items. We showed that marker genes for total bacteria (16S) and E. coli (rodA) in 100 mL of river water measured with this method agreed within ±0.3 log10 units with results obtained when using conventional laboratory equipment items. We then deployed the portable method in a mobile laboratory (‘lab in a van’) and quantified HF183 marker genes for human host associated Bacteroides in river water within 3 h of sampling. We also used the mobile laboratory to investigate urban river water and effluents from two storm drains and a retention pond and collected comprehensive microbial and physicochemical water quality data. We found significantly higher HF183 gene levels in the older storm drain compared to the river water (6.03 ± 0.04 vs. 4.23 ± 0.03 log10 gene copies per 100 mL), and a principal component analysis revealed that storm drain effluent retention in a pond beneficially altered water characteristics, making them more like those of the receiving river. In conclusion, onsite qPCR assays can be performed with portable equipment items to quickly test water.
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29
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Wiesner-Friedman C, Beattie RE, Stewart JR, Hristova KR, Serre ML. Characterizing Differences in Sources of and Contributions to Fecal Contamination of Sediment and Surface Water with the Microbial FIT Framework. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:4231-4240. [PMID: 35298143 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c00224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Surface water monitoring and microbial source tracking (MST) are used to identify host sources of fecal pollution and protect public health. However, knowledge of the locations of spatial sources and their relative impacts on the environment is needed to effectively mitigate health risks. Additionally, sediment samples may offer time-integrated information compared to transient surface water. Thus, we implemented the newly developed microbial find, inform, and test framework to identify spatial sources and their impacts on human (HuBac) and bovine (BoBac) MST markers, quantified from both riverbed sediment and surface water in a bovine-dense region. Dairy feeding operations and low-intensity developed land-cover were associated with 99% (p-value < 0.05) and 108% (p-value < 0.05) increases, respectively, in the relative abundance of BoBac in sediment, and with 79% (p-value < 0.05) and 39% increases in surface water. Septic systems were associated with a 48% increase in the relative abundance of HuBac in sediment and a 56% increase in surface water. Stronger source signals were observed for sediment responses compared to water. By defining source locations, predicting river impacts, and estimating source influence ranges in a Great Lakes region, this work informs pollution mitigation strategies of local and global significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne Wiesner-Friedman
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7400, United States
| | - Rachelle E Beattie
- Department of Biological Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53233, United States
| | - Jill R Stewart
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7400, United States
| | - Krassimira R Hristova
- Department of Biological Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53233, United States
| | - Marc L Serre
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7400, United States
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30
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Lindner BG, Suttner B, Zhu KJ, Conrad RE, Rodriguez-R LM, Hatt JK, Brown J, Konstantinidis KT. Toward shotgun metagenomic approaches for microbial source tracking sewage spills based on laboratory mesocosms. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 210:117993. [PMID: 34979467 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about the genomic diversity of the microbial communities associated with raw municipal wastewater (sewage), including whether microbial populations specific to sewage exist and how such populations could be used to improve source attribution and apportioning in contaminated waters. Herein, we used the influent of three wastewater treatment plants in Atlanta, Georgia (USA) to perturb laboratory freshwater mesocosms, simulating sewage contamination events, and followed these mesocosms with shotgun metagenomics over a 7-day observational period. We describe 15 abundant non-redundant bacterial metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) ubiquitous within all sewage inocula yet absent from the unperturbed freshwater control at our analytical limit of detection. Tracking the dynamics of the populations represented by these MAGs revealed varied decay kinetics, depending on (inferred) phenotypes, e.g., anaerobes decayed faster than aerobes under the well-aerated incubation conditions. Notably, a portion of these populations showed decay patterns similar to those of common markers, Enterococcus and HF183. Despite the apparent decay of these populations, the abundance of β-lactamase encoding genes remained high throughout incubation relative to the control. Lastly, we constructed genomic libraries representing several different fecal sources and outline a bioinformatic approach which leverages these libraries for identifying and apportioning contamination signal among multiple probable sources using shotgun metagenomic data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake G Lindner
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Brittany Suttner
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Kevin J Zhu
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Roth E Conrad
- Ocean Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 311 Ferst Drive, ES&T Building, Room 3321, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Luis M Rodriguez-R
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA; Department of Microbiology and Digital Science Center (DiSC), University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tyrol 6020, Austria
| | - Janet K Hatt
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Joe Brown
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
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31
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Tsai K, Hoffmann V, Simiyu S, Cumming O, Borsay G, Baker KK. Bacteroides Microbial Source Tracking Markers Perform Poorly in Predicting Enterobacteriaceae and Enteric Pathogen Contamination of Cow Milk Products and Milk-Containing Infant Food. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:778921. [PMID: 35058897 PMCID: PMC8764403 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.778921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Consumption of microbiologically contaminated food is one of the leading causes of diarrheal diseases. Understanding the source of enteric pathogens in food is important to guide effective interventions. Enterobacteriaceae bacterial assays typically used to assess food safety do not shed light on the source. Source-specific Bacteroides microbial source tracking (MST) markers have been proposed as alternative indicators for water fecal contamination assessment but have not been evaluated as an alternative fecal indicator in animal-derived foods. This study tested various milk products collected from vendors in urban Kenyan communities and infant foods made with the milk (n = 394 pairs) using conventional culture methods and TaqMan qPCR for enteric pathogens and human and bovine-sourced MST markers. Detection profiles of various enteric pathogens and Bacteroides MST markers in milk products differed from that of milk-containing infant foods. MST markers were more frequently detected in infant food prepared by caregivers, indicating recent contamination events were more likely to occur during food preparation at home. However, Bacteroides MST markers had lower sensitivity in detecting enteric pathogens in food than traditional Enterobacteriaceae indicators. Bacteroides MST markers tested in this study were not associated with the detection of culturable Salmonella enterica and Shigella sonnei in milk products or milk-containing infant food. The findings show that while Bacteroides MST markers could provide valuable information about how foods become contaminated, they may not be suitable for predicting the origin of the enteric pathogen contamination sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Tsai
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Vivian Hoffmann
- International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Sheillah Simiyu
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Oliver Cumming
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Glorie Borsay
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Kelly K. Baker
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
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32
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Gallard-Gongora J, Lobos A, Conrad JW, Peraud J, Harwood VJ. An assessment of three methods for extracting bacterial DNA from beach sand. J Appl Microbiol 2021; 132:2990-3000. [PMID: 34932856 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Beach water quality is regulated by faecal indicator bacteria levels, sand is not, despite known human health risk from exposure to beach sand. We compared the performance of three methods to extract bacterial DNA from beach sand as a step toward a standard method. METHODS AND RESULTS The analytical sensitivity of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for Enterococcus was compared for the slurry (suspension, agitation, membrane filtration of supernatant), versus direct extraction using PowerSoil™ or PowerMax Soil™ kits. The slurry method had the lowest limit of detection at 20-80 gene copies g-1 , recovered significantly more DNA, and the only method that detected Enterococcus by qPCR in all samples; therefore, the only method used in subsequent experiments. The slurry method reflected the spatial variability of Enterococcus in individual transect samples. Mean recovery efficiency of the microbial source tracking marker HF183 from wastewater spiked marine and freshwater beach sand was 100.8% and 64.1%, respectively, but varied, indicating that the mixing protocol needs improvement. CONCLUSIONS Among the three methods, the slurry method had the best analytical sensitivity and produced extracts that were useful for culture or molecular analysis. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY Standardization of methods for extraction of bacterial DNA from sand facilitates comparisons among studies, and ultimately contributes to the safety of recreational beaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aldo Lobos
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - James W Conrad
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Jayme Peraud
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Valerie J Harwood
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
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33
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Biological Indicators for Fecal Pollution Detection and Source Tracking: A Review. Processes (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/pr9112058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fecal pollution, commonly detected in untreated or less treated sewage, is associated with health risks (e.g., waterborne diseases and antibiotic resistance dissemination), ecological issues (e.g., release of harmful gases in fecal sludge composting, proliferative bacterial/algal growth due to high nutrient loads) and economy losses (e.g., reduced aqua farm harvesting). Therefore, the discharge of untreated domestic sewage to the environment and its agricultural reuse are growing concerns. The goals of fecal pollution detection include fecal waste source tracking and identifying the presence of pathogens, therefore assessing potential health risks. This review summarizes available biological fecal indicators focusing on host specificity, degree of association with fecal pollution, environmental persistence, and quantification methods in fecal pollution assessment. The development of practical tools is a crucial requirement for the implementation of mitigation strategies that may help confine the types of host-specific pathogens and determine the source control point, such as sourcing fecal wastes from point sources and nonpoint sources. Emerging multidisciplinary bacterial enumeration platforms are also discussed, including individual working mechanisms, applications, advantages, and limitations.
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34
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Li W, Liu Z, Hu B, Zhu L. Co-occurrence of crAssphage and antibiotic resistance genes in agricultural soils of the Yangtze River Delta, China. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 156:106620. [PMID: 33989841 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Agricultural soil is highly susceptible to manure contamination and thus is a potential source for the spread of pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Routine monitoring fecal contamination in agricultural soil can reduce the manure-derived ARG contaminations. This study investigated the distribution of crAssphage, a highly human-specific indicator of fecal pollution, in agricultural soils in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) of China, and its potential in serving as an indicator of soil ARGs. CrAssphage was indeed strongly correlated with the abundance of soil ARGs, and particularly tetracycline resistance gene tetW (rho = 0.55, p < 0.01). Meanwhile, with the increasing of crAssphage abundance, the frequency of multiple abundant ARGs is also increased. When the relative abundance of crAssphage in soil samples exceeded 4.94 × 10-4 copies per copy of the 16S rRNA gene, there would be more than three types of co-existing ARGs. Regional differences in crAssphage and ARGs abundances were observed for samples collected from Zhejiang, Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Anhui in the YRD, indicating different levels of fecal pollution therein. High sewage treatment capacity could contribute to the reduce of fecal pollution and the control ARG transmission in agricultural soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Li
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Zishu Liu
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Baolan Hu
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Lizhong Zhu
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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35
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McClary-Gutierrez JS, Driscoll Z, Nenn C, Newton RJ. Human Fecal Contamination Corresponds to Changes in the Freshwater Bacterial Communities of a Large River Basin. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0120021. [PMID: 34494860 PMCID: PMC8557911 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01200-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial water quality is generally monitored by culturable fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), which are intended to signal human health risk due to fecal pollution. However, FIB have limited utility in most urbanized watersheds as they do not discriminate among fecal pollution sources, tend to make up a small fraction of the total microbial community, and do not inform on pollution impacts on the native ecosystem. To move beyond these limitations, we assessed entire bacterial communities and investigated how bacterial diversity relates to traditional ecological and human health-relevant water quality indicators throughout the Milwaukee River Basin. Samples were collected from 16 sites on 5 days during the summer, including both wet and dry weather events, and were processed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Historical water quality at each sampling location, as opposed to upstream land use, was associated significantly with bacterial community alpha diversity. Source partitioning the sequence data was important for determining water quality relationships. Sewage-associated bacterial sequences were detected in all samples, and the relative abundance of sewage sequences was strongly associated with the human Bacteroides fecal marker. From this relationship, we developed a preliminary threshold for human sewage pollution when using bacterial community sequence data. Certain abundant freshwater bacterial sequences were also associated with human fecal pollution, suggesting their possible utility in water quality monitoring. This study sheds light on how bacterial community analysis can be used to supplement current water quality monitoring techniques to better understand interactions between ecological water quality and human health indicators. IMPORTANCE Surface waters in highly developed mixed-use watersheds are frequently impacted by a wide variety of pollutants, leading to a range of impairments that must be monitored and remediated. With advancing technologies, microbial community sequencing may soon become a feasible method for routine evaluation of the ecological quality and human health risk of a water body. In this study, we partnered with a local citizen science organization to evaluate the utility of microbial community sequencing for identifying pollution sources and ecological impairments in a large mixed-use watershed. We show that changes in microbial community diversity and composition are indicative of both long-term ecological impairments and short-term fecal pollution impacts. By source partitioning the sequence data, we also estimate a threshold target for human sewage pollution, which may be useful as a starting point for future development of sequencing-based water quality monitoring techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zac Driscoll
- Milwaukee Riverkeeper, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Cheryl Nenn
- Milwaukee Riverkeeper, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Ryan J. Newton
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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36
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Yasar SA, Mills TJT, Uluturk ZI, Ruszczyk JMS, LeBard RJ, Neilan BA. Quantitative detection of human- and canine-associated Bacteroides genetic markers from an urban coastal lagoon. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2021; 84:1732-1744. [PMID: 34662309 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2021.341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The contamination of water catchments by nonpoint source faecal pollution is a major issue affecting the microbial quality of receiving waters and is associated with the occurrence of a range of enteric illnesses in humans. The potential sources of faecal pollution in surface waters are diverse, including urban sewage leaks, surface runoff and wildlife contamination originating from a range of hosts. The major contributing hosts require identification to allow targeted management of this public health concern. In this study, two high-performing Microbial Source Tracking (MST) assays, HF183/Bac242 and BacCan-UCDmodif, were used for their ability to detect host-specific Bacteroides 16Sr RNA markers for faecal pollution in a 12-month study on an urban coastal lagoon in Sydney, Australia. The lagoon was found to contain year-round high numbers of human and canine faecal markers, as well as faecal indicator bacteria counts, suggesting considerable human and animal faecal pollution. The high sensitivity and specificity of the HF183/Bac242 and BacCan-UCDmodif assays, together with the manageable levels of PCR inhibition and high level DNA extraction efficiency obtained from lagoon water samples make these markers candidates for inclusion in an MST 'toolbox' for investigating host origins of faecal pollution in urban surface waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serhat A Yasar
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Toby J T Mills
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia E-mail:
| | - Zehra I Uluturk
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Rebecca J LeBard
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Brett A Neilan
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia E-mail:
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37
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Ahmed W, Gyawali P, Hamilton KA, Joshi S, Aster D, Donner E, Simpson SL, Symonds EM. Antibiotic Resistance and Sewage-Associated Marker Genes in Untreated Sewage and a River Characterized During Baseflow and Stormflow. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:632850. [PMID: 34177821 PMCID: PMC8226142 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.632850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Since sewage is a hotspot for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), the identification of ARGs in environmental waters impacted by sewage, and their correlation to fecal indicators, is necessary to implement management strategies. In this study, sewage treatment plant (STP) influent samples were collected and analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to investigate the abundance and correlations between sewage-associated markers (i.e., Bacteroides HF183, Lachnospiraceae Lachno3, crAssphage) and ARGs indicating resistance to nine antibiotics (belonging to aminoglycosides, beta-lactams, sulfonamides, macrolides, and tetracyclines). All ARGs, except blaVIM, and sewage-associated marker genes were always detected in untreated sewage, and ermF and sul1 were detected in the greatest abundances. intl1 was also highly abundant in untreated sewage samples. Significant correlations were identified between sewage-associated marker genes, ARGs and the intl1 in untreated sewage (τ = 0.488, p = 0.0125). Of the three sewage-associated marker genes, the BIO-ENV procedure identified that HF183 alone best maximized correlations to ARGs and intl1 (τ = 0.590). Additionally, grab samples were collected from peri-urban and urban sites along the Brisbane River system during base and stormflow conditions, and analyzed for Escherichia coli, ARGs, the intl1, and sewage-associated marker genes using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Significant correlations were identified between E. coli, ARGs, and intl1 (τ = 0.0893, p = 0.0032), as well as with sewage-associated marker genes in water samples from the Brisbane River system (τ = 0.3229, p = 0.0001). Of the sewage-associated marker genes and E. coli, the BIO-ENV procedure identified that crAssphage alone maximized correlations with ARGs and intl1 in river samples (τ = 0.4148). Significant differences in E. coli, ARGs, intl1, and sewage-associated marker genes, and by flow condition (i.e., base vs. storm), and site types (peri-urban vs. urban) combined were identified (R = 0.3668, p = 0.0001), where percent dissimilarities between the multi-factorial groups ranged between 20.8 and 11.2%. Results from this study suggest increased levels of certain ARGs and sewage-associated marker genes in stormflow river water samples compared to base flow conditions. E. coli, HF183 and crAssphage may serve as potential indicators of sewage-derived ARGs under stormflow conditions, and this merits further investigation. Data presented in this study will be valuable to water quality managers to understand the links between sewage pollution and ARGs in urban environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park, QLD, Australia
| | - Pradip Gyawali
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd. (ESR), Porirua, New Zealand
| | - Kerry A Hamilton
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States.,Biodesign Center for Environmental Health Engineering, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Sayalee Joshi
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States.,Biodesign Center for Environmental Health Engineering, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - David Aster
- Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park, QLD, Australia
| | - Erica Donner
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, University Boulevard, Mawson Lakes, SA, Australia
| | | | - Erin M Symonds
- College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
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38
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Kongprajug A, Denpetkul T, Chyerochana N, Mongkolsuk S, Sirikanchana K. Human Fecal Pollution Monitoring and Microbial Risk Assessment for Water Reuse Potential in a Coastal Industrial-Residential Mixed-Use Watershed. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:647602. [PMID: 33959110 PMCID: PMC8093506 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.647602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid economic development has caused industrial expansion into residential communities, leading to higher fecal pollution loads that could be discharged into aquatic environments. However, little is known regarding the potential microbial impact on human health. This study investigated microbial contamination from coastal industrial–residential community areas in nine sampling sites in waterways during three dry events. A general microbial source tracking (MST) marker, GenBac3, was detected in all samples from all three events, indicating continuing fecal pollution in the area, mostly from human sewage contamination. This was shown by the human-specific genetic marker crAssphage (88.9%) and human polyomavirus (HPyVs; 92.6%) detection. Enteric human adenovirus (HAdV40/41) showed three positive results only from residential sites in the first event. No spatial difference was observed for MST markers and traditional fecal indicators (total coliforms and Escherichia coli) in each event. Still, a significantly lower abundance of GenBac3, HPyVs, and total coliforms in the first sampling event was detected. Spearman’s rho analysis indicated a strong correlation among certain pairs of microbial parameters. Multivariate analysis revealed two clusters of samples separated by land use type (industrial vs. residential). According to factor analysis of mixed data, the land use parameter was more associated with physicochemical parameters (i.e., salinity, conductivity, water temperature, and dissolved oxygen). A Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) was then conducted to estimate the annual infection risks of HAdV40/41 for non-potable water reuse purposes using predicted concentrations from crAssphage and HPyVs. The highest risks (95th percentiles) were ranked by food crop irrigation, aquaculture, and toilet flushing, at 10–1, 10–2, and 10–3 per person per year (pppy). Required treatment levels to achieve a 10–4 pppy annual infection risk were estimated. QMRA-based water treatment scenarios were suggested, including chlorination for toilet flushing reuse and depth filtration prior to chlorination for aquaculture and food crop irrigation. Microbial monitoring combined with a QMRA could provide better insights into fecal pollution patterns and the associated risks, facilitating effective water quality management and appropriate prior treatments for water reuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akechai Kongprajug
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thammanitchpol Denpetkul
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Natcha Chyerochana
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Skorn Mongkolsuk
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, Thailand.,Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), Ministry of Education, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kwanrawee Sirikanchana
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, Thailand.,Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), Ministry of Education, Bangkok, Thailand
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39
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Escherichia coli Capacity to Repopulate Microcosms Under Osmotic/U.V. Synergic Stress in Tropical Waters. Curr Microbiol 2021; 78:756-764. [PMID: 33462632 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-020-02319-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
In both Brazilian and European regulations, the impact assessment of sewage discharges into coastal waters is based on microbiological analyses of fecal indicators such as Escherichia coli, frequently used in prevision hydrodynamic models. However, the decay rates of E. coli vary depending on environmental conditions, and analysis may lead to inaccurate conclusions. This study aimed to analyze the decay of culturable and viable (but not culturable) E. coli in outdoor conditions, by creating microcosms inoculated with pre-treated sewage. The microcosms were filled with 9.88 L of filtered water (0.22 μm membrane), 3.5% salt, 0.1-0.2% BHI, and 1% bacterial suspension obtained by reverse filtration. PMA-qPCR of E. coli uidA gene and Colilert measurements were applied to evaluate population counts after 2 h, 4 h, and 26 h. After nine hours of exposure to solar radiation, the viable cells decreased to 2.76% (interpolated value) of the initial population, and the cultivable fraction of the viable population accounted for 0.50%. In the dark period, the bacteria grew again, and viable cells reached 8.54%, while cultivable cells grew to 48.14% of initial population. This behavior is possibly due to the use of nutrients recycled from dead cells. Likewise, populations of E. coli in sewage outfalls remain viable in the sediments, where resuspension can renew blooming.
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Ahmed W, Toze S, Veal C, Fisher P, Zhang Q, Zhu Z, Staley C, Sadowsky MJ. Comparative decay of culturable faecal indicator bacteria, microbial source tracking marker genes, and enteric pathogens in laboratory microcosms that mimic a sub-tropical environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 751:141475. [PMID: 32890804 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Enteric pathogens can be present in drinking water catchments due to several point and non-point sources of faecal contamination. Pathogen and contaminant signatures will decay due to environmental stresses, such as temperature, Ultra Violet (UV) radiation, salinity, and predation. In this study, we determined the decay of the culturable faecal indicator bacterium (FIB) Escherichia coli (E. coli), two sewage-associated marker genes (Bacteroides HF183 and crAssphage CPQ_056), and enteric pathogens (Campylobacter spp., human adenovirus 40/41, and Cryptosporidium parvum) in two freshwater laboratory microcosms using culture-based, quantitative PCR (qPCR) and vital dye (determine the fraction of viable Cryptosporidium oocysts) assays. Freshwater samples from the Lake Wappa and Lake Wivenhoe (Australia) were seeded with untreated sewage and C. parvum oocysts, and their declining concentrations were measured over a 28-day period. Moreover, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing was also undertaken to determine the change/shift in sewage-associated bacterial communities using SourceTracker. Overall, culturable E. coli and the HF183 marker gene decayed significantly (p < 0.05) faster than did the qPCR measured enteric pathogens suggesting that the absence of culturable FIB or qPCR HF183 in water samples may not indicate the absence of pathogens. The decay of crAssphage was similar to that of HAdV 40/41 and other pathogens tested, suggesting crAssphage may be a better surrogate for enteric viruses in sub-tropical catchment waters. The decay rates were greater at 25 °C compared to 15 °C, suggesting that FIB and pathogens persist longer in the winter season compared to summer. Overall decay rates of the tested microorganisms in this microcosm study suggest that sub-tropical conditions, especially temperature, have a negative impact on the persistence of tested microorganisms. Sewage-associated bacterial communities also showed similar patterns. Based on the results, which showed differences in simulated summer and winter temperatures for pathogen decay, corresponding management options and treatment need to be adjusted accordingly to minimize human health risks effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, QLD, Australia.
| | - Simon Toze
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, QLD, Australia
| | - Cameron Veal
- Seqwater, 117 Brisbane Street, Ipswich, QLD, Australia
| | - Paul Fisher
- Seqwater, 117 Brisbane Street, Ipswich, QLD, Australia
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, and the BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Zhigang Zhu
- Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, MN 55455, USA
| | | | - Michael J Sadowsky
- Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, and the BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
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Hart JD, Blackwood AD, Noble RT. Examining coastal dynamics and recreational water quality by quantifying multiple sewage specific markers in a North Carolina estuary. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 747:141124. [PMID: 32795790 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Fecal contamination is observed downstream of municipal separate storm sewer systems in coastal North Carolina. While it is well accepted that wet weather contributes to this phenomenon, less is understood about the contribution of the complex hydrology in this low-lying coastal plain. A quantitative microbial assessment was conducted in Beaufort, North Carolina to identify trends and potential sources of fecal contamination in stormwater receiving waters. Fecal indicator concentrations were significantly higher in receiving water downstream of a tidally submerged outfall compared to an outfall that was permanently submerged (p < 0.001), though tidal height was not predictive of human-specific microbial source tracking (MST) marker concentrations at the tidally submerged site. Short-term rainfall (i.e. <12 h) was predictive of E. coli, Enterococcus spp., and human-specific MST marker concentrations (Fecal Bacteroides, BacHum, and HF183) in receiving waters. The strong correlation between 12-hr antecedent rainfall and Enterococcus spp. (r = 0.57, p < 0.001, n = 92) suggests a predictive model could be developed based on rainfall to communicate risk for bathers. Additional molecular marker data indicates that the delivery of fecal sources is complex and highly variable, likely due to the influence of tidal influx (saltwater intrusion from the estuary) into the low-lying stormwater pipes. In particular, elevated MST marker concentrations (up to 2.56 × 104 gene copies HF183/mL) were observed in standing water near surcharging street storm drain. These data are being used to establish a baseline for stormwater dynamics prior to dramatic rainfall in 2018 and to characterize the interaction between complex stormwater dynamics and water quality impairment in coastal NC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin D Hart
- University of North Carolina Institute of Marine Sciences, Morehead City, NC, United States of America; Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - A Denene Blackwood
- University of North Carolina Institute of Marine Sciences, Morehead City, NC, United States of America
| | - Rachel T Noble
- University of North Carolina Institute of Marine Sciences, Morehead City, NC, United States of America; Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America.
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Jennings WC, Gálvez-Arango E, Prieto AL, Boehm AB. CrAssphage for fecal source tracking in Chile: Covariation with norovirus, HF183, and bacterial indicators. WATER RESEARCH X 2020; 9:100071. [PMID: 33083778 PMCID: PMC7552103 DOI: 10.1016/j.wroa.2020.100071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic fecal pollution in urban waterbodies can promote the spread of waterborne disease. The objective of this study was to test crAssphage, a novel viral human fecal marker not previously applied for fecal source tracking in Latin America, as a fecal pollution marker in an urban river in Chile. Human fecal markers crAssphage CPQ_064 and Bacteroides HF183, the human pathogen norovirus GII, and culturable fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) were quantified at six locations spanning reaches of the Mapocho River from upstream to downstream of Santiago, as well as in repeated sub-daily frequency samples at two urban locations. Norovirus showed positive correlation trends with crAssphage (τ = 0.57, p = 0.06) and HF183 (τ = 0.64, p = 0.03) in river water, but not with E. coli or enterococci. CrAssphage and HF183 concentrations were strongly linearly related (slope = 0.97, p < 0.001). Chlorinated wastewater effluent was an important source of norovirus GII genes to the Mapocho. Precipitation showed non-significant positive relationships with human and general fecal indicators. Concentrations of crAssphage and HF183 in untreated sewage were 8.35 and 8.07 log10 copy/100 ml, respectively. Preliminary specificity testing did not detect crAssphage or HF183 in bird or dog feces, which are predominant non-human fecal sources in the urban Mapocho watershed. This study is the first to test crAssphage for microbial source tracking in Latin America, provides insight into fecal pollution dynamics in a highly engineered natural system, and indicates river reaches where exposure to human fecal pollution may pose a public health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiley C. Jennings
- 473 Via Ortega, Room 189, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | | | - Ana L. Prieto
- Departamento de Ingeniería Civil, Universidad de Chile, Av. Blanco Encalada 2002, 3er Piso, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alexandria B. Boehm
- 473 Via Ortega, Room 189, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Corresponding author.
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Ahmed W, Payyappat S, Cassidy M, Harrison N, Marinoni O, Besley C. Prevalence and abundance of traditional and host-associated fecal indicators in urban estuarine sediments: Potential implications for estuarine water quality monitoring. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 184:116109. [PMID: 32818744 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the prevalence and abundance of sewage and animal fecal contamination of sediment at seven estuarine locations in Sydney, NSW, Australia. Sediment samples were tested for the occurrence of microbial targets including molecular marker genes of enterococci (ENT), Bacteroides HF183 (HF183), Methanobrevibacter smithii (nifH), human adenovirus (HAdV) and emerging sewage-associated marker genes crAssphage (CPQ_056) and Lachnospiraceae (Lachno3) and animal feces-associated marker genes, including avian feces-associated Helicobacter spp. (GFD), canine-feces associated Bacteroides (DogBact), cattle-feces associated (cowM2) and horse feces-associated Bacteroides (HoF597). Results from this study showed that urban estuarine sediment can act as a reservoir of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) and several microbial source tracking (MST) marker genes, including previously unreported Lachno3. The sewage-associated marker gene CPQ_056 was most prevalent, in 63.8% of sediment samples, while the avian associated marker gene GFD had the highest mean abundance. The GFD marker gene was highly abundant and widely detected in sediment samples from all seven locations compared to the other animal feces-associated marker genes. In all, 31 (44.9%) sediment samples were positive for at least two sewage-associated marker genes. However, the non-quantifiable detection of the HAdV marker gene did not always align with the detection of two or more sewage-associated marker genes. In addition, the most frequent wet weather overflow exposure occurred at locations that did not have a consistent pattern of detection of the sewage-associated marker genes, suggesting sediments may not be a suitable measure of recent sewage contamination. To assist water quality and public health managers better understand past microbial contamination of estuarine sediment, further studies seem justified to explore the role of decay of MST marker genes in sediment. Further work is also needed on the role of resuspension of MST marker genes from sediment during storm events to the water column as a source of contamination for both the GFD and sewage-associated marker genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD, 4102, Australia.
| | - Sudhi Payyappat
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW, 2150, Australia
| | - Michele Cassidy
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW, 2150, Australia
| | - Nathan Harrison
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW, 2150, Australia
| | - Oswald Marinoni
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Colin Besley
- Sydney Water, 1 Smith Street, Parramatta, NSW, 2150, Australia
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Teixeira P, Dias D, Costa S, Brown B, Silva S, Valério E. Bacteroides spp. and traditional fecal indicator bacteria in water quality assessment - An integrated approach for hydric resources management in urban centers. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 271:110989. [PMID: 32579514 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
As part of a sustainable water resources management, the Lisbon municipality identified groundwater and treated wastewater use increase as two opportunities for better and sustainable water use, with natural safeguard for public health as a priority. In this context, the aim of our research was to assess the suitability of the human-associated marker gene Bacteroides HF183 and the cattle feces-associated CowM2, in routine water quality monitoring as indicators for water use and reuse, providing a tool to more accurately assess public health risks. To this intent, Real-Time quantitative PCR was used for detection of human-associated marker gene Bacteroides HF183 and the bovine-associated CowM2, in a total of 67 samples - groundwater and wastewater at three different treatment stages of a Waste Water Treatment Plant, in Lisbon. HF183 marker gene was detected in treated and untreated wastewater samples, with significant concentration reductions from untreated (6,07 E+07 copies/mL) to secondary treated effluent (1,86 E+05 copies/mL) and a further decrease in tertiary treatment (5,74 E+04 copies/mL). In groundwater samples, this marker was also detected in concentrations ranging from 2,63 E+02 copies/mL to 2,24 E+03 copies/mL. CowM2 marker gene on the other hand was only detected in wastewater samples, with concentrations ranging from 2,47 E+02 copies/mL to 1,17 E+04 copies/mL. Our research indicates that the use of Bacteroides spp. in association with traditional fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) is advantageous for water managing entities in urban settings, such as Lisbon, were drainage system failures may occur. An integrated approach thus provides crucial and more adequate information towards mitigation and correction measures when fecal contamination is detected in environmental waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Teixeira
- Câmara Municipal de Lisboa, Direcção Municipal Do Ambiente, Estrutura Verde, Clima e Energia, Laboratório de Bromatologia e Águas, Avenida Cidade Do Porto S/N, 1700-111, Lisboa, Portugal; Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Centro de Estudos Do Ambiente e Do Mar (CESAM Lisboa), Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal; Departamento de Saúde Ambiental, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Deodália Dias
- Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Centro de Estudos Do Ambiente e Do Mar (CESAM Lisboa), Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sílvia Costa
- Câmara Municipal de Lisboa, Direcção Municipal Do Ambiente, Estrutura Verde, Clima e Energia, Laboratório de Bromatologia e Águas, Avenida Cidade Do Porto S/N, 1700-111, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Bárbara Brown
- Câmara Municipal de Lisboa, Direcção Municipal Do Ambiente, Estrutura Verde, Clima e Energia, Laboratório de Bromatologia e Águas, Avenida Cidade Do Porto S/N, 1700-111, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Susana Silva
- Departamento de Epidemiologia, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Elisabete Valério
- Departamento de Saúde Ambiental, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016, Lisboa, Portugal
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Gonzalez D, Keeling D, Thompson H, Larson A, Denby J, Curtis K, Yetka K, Rondini M, Yeargan E, Egerton T, Barker D, Gonzalez R. Collection system investigation microbial source tracking (CSI-MST): Applying molecular markers to identify sewer infrastructure failures. J Microbiol Methods 2020; 178:106068. [PMID: 32980335 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2020.106068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Collection System Investigation Microbial Source Tracking (CSI-MST) is a novel, sensitive approach for identifying sewer infrastructure deficiencies using molecular markers. This method requires both a detailed understanding of collection and conveyance system infrastructure and quickly turned around molecular data to advise an adaptive, targeted in-pipe approach to detect deficiencies. Here we explain the CSI-MST approach and provide several case study examples of how this approach can be adapted to different scale watersheds to identify potential sewer infrastructure issues. This approach has been used to locate and confirm the remediation of numerous needed infrastructure repairs in the southeastern Virginia region. The selected case studies presented here serve as a proof of concept-this methodology can be adopted by other utilities and municipalities to address necessary wastewater infrastructure repairs in different regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Gonzalez
- Hampton Roads Sanitation District, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
| | - David Keeling
- Hampton Roads Sanitation District, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
| | | | - Allison Larson
- Hampton Roads Sanitation District, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
| | - Jack Denby
- Hampton Roads Sanitation District, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
| | - Kyle Curtis
- Hampton Roads Sanitation District, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
| | - Kathleen Yetka
- Hampton Roads Sanitation District, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Danny Barker
- Hampton Roads Sanitation District, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
| | - Raul Gonzalez
- Hampton Roads Sanitation District, Virginia Beach, VA, USA.
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Carneiro MT, Perez DV, Feitosa RC, Wasserman JC. Separation of Escherichia coli from natural samples for identification of sources and microcosm inoculation. Braz J Microbiol 2020; 51:2015-2020. [PMID: 32920714 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-020-00374-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Obtaining uncultured Escherichia coli from natural waters is an important step in the study of microbes in the environment, which are critical for bacterial decay and microbial source tracking. The quality of the samples used can influence the assays, because high contaminant concentrations, differing cell ages, and physiologic states can impair results. The proposed separation is based on a three-step filtration method applied to replicates of seven samples from a sewage plant affluent, collected in different periods. Aliquots of the leachate were inoculated into microcosms, aiming to observe the cultivability of the cells. The assay resulted in colimetry values ranging between 104 and 105 cells. In the leachate, averages of 1.05% of total coliforms and 1.10% of Escherichia coli were recovered from original samples. Although enduring unfavorable temperatures, salinities, and nutritional conditions, the inoculated microcosm populations grew approximately 310 times after 24 h. The final leachate contained cultivable cells in appropriate physiological states and quantities for inoculum in microcosm sets. The bacteria obtained from the leachate were also appropriate for surveys of microbial source tracking, because, in the developed procedure, organisms were separated from contaminants, while cell concentrations were sufficient for inocula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Tavares Carneiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Sistemas de Gestão Sustentáveis, Escola de Engenharia UFF, Niterói, Brazil.,Departamento de Saneamento, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Julio Cesar Wasserman
- Network for the Environment and Sustainable Development and Post-Graduation Program in Geochemistry, University Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil. .,Network for the Environment and Sustainable Development, Institute of Geosciences, Av Litorânea, s/n, Boa Viagem, Niterói, RJ, CEP 24.210-346, Brazil.
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Holcomb DA, Stewart JR. Microbial Indicators of Fecal Pollution: Recent Progress and Challenges in Assessing Water Quality. Curr Environ Health Rep 2020; 7:311-324. [PMID: 32542574 PMCID: PMC7458903 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-020-00278-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Fecal contamination of water is a major public health concern. This review summarizes recent developments and advancements in water quality indicators of fecal contamination. RECENT FINDINGS This review highlights a number of trends. First, fecal indicators continue to be a valuable tool to assess water quality and have expanded to include indicators able to detect sources of fecal contamination in water. Second, molecular methods, particularly PCR-based methods, have advanced considerably in their selected targets and rigor, but have added complexity that may prohibit adoption for routine monitoring activities at this time. Third, risk modeling is beginning to better connect indicators and human health risks, with the accuracy of assessments currently tied to the timing and conditions where risk is measured. Research has advanced although challenges remain for the effective use of both traditional and alternative fecal indicators for risk characterization, source attribution and apportionment, and impact evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Holcomb
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Dr., Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7435, USA
| | - Jill R Stewart
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Dr., Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7431, USA.
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Kongprajug A, Chyerochana N, Mongkolsuk S, Sirikanchana K. Effect of Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction Data Analysis Using Sample Amplification Efficiency on Microbial Source Tracking Assay Performance and Source Attribution. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:8232-8244. [PMID: 32484662 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c01559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The widely used microbial source tracking (MST) technique, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), quantifies host-specific gene abundance in polluted water to identify and prioritize contamination sources. This study characterized the effects of a qPCR data analysis using the sample PCR efficiencies (the LinRegPCR model) on gene abundance and compared them with the standard curve-based method (the mixed model). Five qPCR assays were evaluated: the universal GenBac3, human-specific HF183/BFDrev and CPQ_056, swine-specific Pig-2-Bac, and cattle-specific Bac3qPCR assays. The LinRegPCR model increased the low-copy amplification, especially in the HF183/BFDrev assay, thus lowering the specificity to 0.34. Up to 1.41 log10 copies/g and 0.41 log10 copies/100 mL differences were observed for composite fecal and sewage samples (n = 147) by the LinRegPCR approach, corresponding to an 18.2% increase and 6.4% decrease, respectively. Freshwater samples (n = 48) demonstrated a maximum of 1.95 log10 copies/100 mL difference between the two models. Identical attributing sources by both models were shown in 54.55% of environmental samples; meanwhile, the LinRegPCR approach improved the inability to identify sources by the mixed model in 29.55% of the samples. This study emphasizes the need for a standardized data analysis protocol for qPCR MST assays for interlaboratory consistency and comparability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akechai Kongprajug
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Lak Si, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Natcha Chyerochana
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Lak Si, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Skorn Mongkolsuk
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Lak Si, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
- Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), Ministry of Education, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Kwanrawee Sirikanchana
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Lak Si, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
- Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), Ministry of Education, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
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Gyawali P, Hamilton K, Joshi S, Aster D, Ahmed W. Identification of reliable marker genes for the detection of canine fecal contamination in sub-tropical Australia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 718:137246. [PMID: 32105941 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Animal fecal contamination in aquatic environments is a major source of zoonotic diseases in humans. While concerns are focused on livestock, companion animals such as dogs can also be a source of a wide range of zoonotic pathogens. Therefore, detection of dog or canine fecal contamination in aquatic environments is important for mitigating risks. In this study, host-sensitivity and specificity of four canine fecal-associated marker genes were evaluated by analyzing 30 canine and 240 non-canine fecal samples. The application of these markers was also tested in water from an urban river under dry weather conditions. The host sensitivity values of the Bacteroides BacCan-UCD, DogBact, DF113 and DF418 were 1.00, 0.90, 0.83, and 0.90, respectively. The host specificity value of the BacCan-UCD, DogBact, DF113 and DF418 were 0.87, 0.98, 0.83, and 0.41, respectively. The mean concentrations of DF418 were highest (7.82 ± 1.13 log10 gene copies (GC)/g of feces) followed by BacCan-UCD (7.61 ± 1.06 log10 GC/g) and DogBact (7.15 ± 0.92 log10 GC/g). The mean concentration of DF113 (5.80 ± 1.25 log10 GC/g) was 1.5 to 2.5 orders of magnitude lower than the other marker genes. The DogBact marker gene was not detected in any other animal feces other than a small number of untreated sewage samples. The BacCan-UCD marker gene cross-reacted with cat, chicken, and pig fecal samples, while the DF113 marker gene cross-reacted with cat, chicken, cattle fecal and untreated sewage samples. The DF418 marker gene was detected in all sewage and animal feces and deemed not suitable for canine fecal contamination tracking in sub-tropical Australia. Canine fecal contamination was infrequently detected in environmental water samples. Based on the results obtained in this study, we recommend that at least two canine feces-associated marker genes should be used in field studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradip Gyawali
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd (ESR), Porirua 5240, New Zealand
| | - Kerry Hamilton
- The School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, 660 S College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; The Biodesign Institute Center for Environmental Health Engineering, Arizona State University, 1001 S McAlister Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Sayalee Joshi
- The School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, 660 S College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; The Biodesign Institute Center for Environmental Health Engineering, Arizona State University, 1001 S McAlister Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - David Aster
- Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia.
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Ballesté E, Belanche-Muñoz LA, Farnleitner AH, Linke R, Sommer R, Santos R, Monteiro S, Maunula L, Oristo S, Tiehm A A, Stange C, Blanch AR. Improving the identification of the source of faecal pollution in water using a modelling approach: From multi-source to aged and diluted samples. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 171:115392. [PMID: 31865126 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.115392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The last decades have seen the development of several source tracking (ST) markers to determine the source of pollution in water, but none of them show 100% specificity and sensitivity. Thus, a combination of several markers might provide a more accurate classification. In this study Ichnaea® software was improved to generate predictive models, taking into account ST marker decay rates and dilution factors to reflect the complexity of ecosystems. A total of 106 samples from 4 sources were collected in 5 European regions and 30 faecal indicators and ST markers were evaluated, including E. coli, enterococci, clostridia, bifidobacteria, somatic coliphages, host-specific bacteria, human viruses, host mitochondrial DNA, host-specific bacteriophages and artificial sweeteners. Models based on linear discriminant analysis (LDA) able to distinguish between human and non-human faecal pollution and identify faecal pollution of several origins were developed and tested with 36 additional laboratory-made samples. Almost all the ST markers showed the potential to correctly target their host in the 5 areas, although some were equivalent and redundant. The LDA-based models developed with fresh faecal samples were able to differentiate between human and non-human pollution with 98.1% accuracy in leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV) when using 2 molecular human ST markers (HF183 and HMBif), whereas 3 variables resulted in 100% correct classification. With 5 variables the model correctly classified all the fresh faecal samples from 4 different sources. Ichnaea® is a machine-learning software developed to improve the classification of the faecal pollution source in water, including in complex samples. In this project the models were developed using samples from a broad geographical area, but they can be tailored to determine the source of faecal pollution for any user.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisenda Ballesté
- Dept. Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, University of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | | | - Andreas H Farnleitner
- Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Environmental Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics 166/5/3, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/166, 1060, Vienna, Austria; Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Research Division Water Quality and Health, Dr.-Karl-Dorrek-Straße 30, 3500, Krems an der Donau, Austria
| | - Rita Linke
- Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Environmental Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics 166/5/3, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/166, 1060, Vienna, Austria
| | - Regina Sommer
- Unit of Water Hygiene, Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ricardo Santos
- Laboratório Analises, Instituto Superior Tecnico. Universidade Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Silvia Monteiro
- Laboratório Analises, Instituto Superior Tecnico. Universidade Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Leena Maunula
- Dept. Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Satu Oristo
- Dept. Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Andreas Tiehm A
- Dept. Microbiology and Molecular Biology, DVGW-Technologiezentrum Wasser, Germany
| | - Claudia Stange
- Dept. Microbiology and Molecular Biology, DVGW-Technologiezentrum Wasser, Germany
| | - Anicet R Blanch
- Dept. Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, University of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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