Using Bacteroidales genetic markers to assess fecal pollution sources in coastal waters

作者：Xue Jia^*; Feng Yucheng; Wijesinghe R Udenika; Wood C Wesley

来源：Water and Environment Journal, 2018, 32(1): 84-93.

DOI：10.1111/wej.12302

• AllBac
• CowM3
• enterococci
• HF183
• microbial source tracking
• nonpoint sources

Fecal pollution is the leading cause of beach closures in coastal regions of the United States. Identification of fecal pollution sources is necessary to implement effective pollution control strategies. This study sought to determine whether humans and cattle contributed to the fecal contamination at a public beach in Alabama, USA. High levels of enterococci were observed after significant rainfall events, of which 36 samples (35.6%) exceeded USEPA's statistical threshold value of 130 CFU/100 mL. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays were used to determine general (AllBac), human- (HF183), and cattle-associated (CowM3) Bacteroidales. There was a positive correlation between the levels of enterococci and AllBac markers. Our results suggest that fecal contamination from cattle was minimal and contamination from humans appeared to originate from diffuse sources. Stormwater runoff has the potential to supply considerable loads of fecal bacteria to coastal waters. Further research is needed to determine the contribution of other animals to fecal contamination in the region.

• 出版日期2018-2