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McMinn BR, Korajkic A, Kelleher J, Diedrich A, Pemberton A, Willis JR, Sivaganesan M, Shireman B, Doyle A, Shanks OC. Quantitative fecal pollution assessment with bacterial, viral, and molecular methods in small stream tributaries. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175740. [PMID: 39181252 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Stream water quality can be impacted by a myriad of fecal pollution sources and waste management practices. Identifying origins of fecal contamination can be challenging, especially in high order streams where water samples are influenced by pollution from large drainage areas. Strategic monitoring of tributaries can be an effective strategy to identify conditions that influence local water quality. Water quality is assessed using fecal indicator bacteria (FIB); however, FIB cannot differentiate sources of fecal contamination nor indicate the presence of disease-causing viruses. Under different land use scenarios, three small stream catchments were investigated under 'wet' and 'dry' conditions (Scenario 1: heavy residential; Scenario 2: rural residential; and Scenario 3: undeveloped/agricultural). To identify fecal pollution trends, host-associated genetic targets HF183/BacR287 (human), Rum2Bac (ruminant), GFD (avian), and DG3 (canine) were analyzed along with FIB (Escherichia coli and enterococci), viral indicators (somatic and F+ coliphage), six general water quality parameters, and local rainfall. Levels of E. coli exceeded single sample maximum limits (235 CFU/100 mL) in 70.7 % of samples, enterococci (70 CFU/100 mL) in 100 % of samples, and somatic coliphage exceeded advisory thresholds (600 PFU/L) in 34.1 % of samples. The detection frequency for the human-associated genetic marker was highest in Scenario 3 (50 % of samples) followed by Scenario 2 (46 %), while the ruminant-associated marker was most prevalent in Scenario 1 (64 %). Due to the high proportion of qPCR-based measurements below the limit of quantification, a Bayesian data analysis approach was applied to investigate links between host-associated genetic marker occurrence with that of rainfall and fecal indicator levels. Multiple trends associated with small stream monitoring were revealed, emphasizing the role of rainfall, the utility of fecal source information to improve water quality management. And furthermore, water quality monitoring with bacterial or viral methodologies can alter the interpretation of fecal pollution sources in impaired waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian R McMinn
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Laboratory, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States.
| | - Asja Korajkic
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Laboratory, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
| | - Julie Kelleher
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Laboratory, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
| | - Adam Diedrich
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Laboratory, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
| | - Adin Pemberton
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Laboratory, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
| | - Jessica R Willis
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Laboratory, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
| | - Mano Sivaganesan
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Laboratory, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
| | - Brooke Shireman
- Sanitation District No. 1 of Northern Kentucky, 1045 Eaton Drive, Fort Wright, KY 41017, United States
| | - Andrew Doyle
- Sanitation District No. 1 of Northern Kentucky, 1045 Eaton Drive, Fort Wright, KY 41017, United States
| | - Orin C Shanks
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Laboratory, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
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Denpetkul T, Pumkaew M, Sittipunsakda O, Srathongneam T, Mongkolsuk S, Sirikanchana K. Risk-based critical concentrations of enteric pathogens for recreational water criteria and recommended minimum sample volumes for routine water monitoring. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 950:175234. [PMID: 39102962 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175234] [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: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Concerns are rising about the contamination of recreational waters from human and animal waste, along with associated risks to public health. However, existing guidelines for managing pathogens in these environments have not yet fully integrated risk-based pathogen-specific criteria, which, along with recent advancements in indicators and markers, are essential to improve the protection of public health. This study aimed to establish risk-based critical concentration benchmarks for significant enteric pathogens, i.e., norovirus, rotavirus, adenovirus, Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia lamblia, Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli O157:H7. Applying a 0.036 risk benchmark to both marine and freshwater environments, the study identified the lowest critical concentrations for children, who are the most susceptible group. Norovirus, C. jejuni, and Cryptosporidium presented lowest median critical concentrations for virus, bacteria, and protozoa, respectively: 0.74 GC, 1.73 CFU, and 0.39 viable oocysts per 100 mL in freshwater for children. These values were then used to determine minimum sample volumes corresponding to different recovery rates for culture method, digital polymerase chain reaction and quantitative PCR methods. The results indicate that for children, norovirus required the largest sample volumes of freshwater and marine water (52.08 to 178.57 L, based on the 5th percentile with a 10 % recovery rate), reflecting its low critical concentration and high potential for causing illness. In contrast, adenovirus and rotavirus required significantly smaller volumes (approximately 0.24 to 1.33 L). C. jejuni and Cryptosporidium, which required the highest sampling volumes for bacteria and protozoa, needed 1.72 to 11.09 L and 4.17 to 25.51 L, respectively. Additionally, the presented risk-based framework could provide a model for establishing pathogen thresholds, potentially guiding the creation of extensive risk-based criteria for various pathogens in recreational waters, thus aiding public health authorities in decision-making, strengthening pathogen monitoring, and improving water quality testing accuracy for enhanced health protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thammanitchpol Denpetkul
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Monchai Pumkaew
- Environmental Engineering and Disaster Management Program, School of Multidisciplinary, Mahidol University, Kanchanaburi Campus, Kanchanaburi 71150, Thailand
| | - Oranoot Sittipunsakda
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Thitima Srathongneam
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Skorn Mongkolsuk
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand; Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), OPS, MHESI, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Kwanrawee Sirikanchana
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand; Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), OPS, MHESI, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
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3
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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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Friedman SD, Cooper E, Blackwell A, Elliott MA, Weinstein M, Cara J, Wan Y. A multi-tiered approach to assess fecal pollution in an urban watershed: Bacterial and viral indicators and sediment microbial communities. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 945:174141. [PMID: 38901597 PMCID: PMC11247622 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Development of effective pollution mitigation strategies require an understanding of the pollution sources and factors influencing fecal pollution loading. Fecal contamination of Turkey Creek in Gulfport, Mississippi, one of the nation's most endangered creeks, was studied through a multi-tiered approach. Over a period of approximately two years, four stations across the watershed were analyzed for nutrients, enumeration of E. coli, male-specific coliphages and bioinformatic analysis of sediment microbial communities. The results demonstrated that two stations, one adjacent to a lift station and one just upstream from the wastewater-treatment plant, were the most impacted. The station adjacent to land containing a few livestock was the least impaired. While genotyping of male-specific coliphage viruses generally revealed a mixed viral signature (human and other animals), fecal contamination at the station near the wastewater treatment plant exhibited predominant impact by municipal sewage. Fecal indicator loadings were positively associated with antecedent rainfall for three of four stations. No associations were noted between fecal indicator loadings and any of the nutrients. Taxonomic signatures of creek sediment were unique to each sample station, but the sediment microbial community did overlap somewhat following major rain events. No presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) or enterococci were found in the sediment. At some of the stations it was evident that rainfall was not always the primary driver of fecal transport. Repeated monitoring and analysis of a variety of parameters presented in this study determined that point and non-point sources of fecal pollution varied spatially in association with treated and/or untreated sewage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie D Friedman
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Gulf Breeze, FL, USA.
| | - Emilie Cooper
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Gulf Breeze, FL, USA
| | - Aaron Blackwell
- Department of Civil Construction and Environmental Engineering, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Mark A Elliott
- Department of Civil Construction and Environmental Engineering, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | | | - Jared Cara
- Zymo Research Corporation, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Yongshan Wan
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Gulf Breeze, FL, USA
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Kalvaitienė G, Picazo Espinosa R, Vaičiūtė D, Kataržytė M. Diverse sources of fecal contamination in macroalgae wrack-affected environment adjacent to river outflow along the Baltic Sea coast. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 357:124429. [PMID: 38925212 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124429] [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: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
We investigated the dynamics of feces-associated microorganisms in areas with wrack accumulation in the southeastern part of the Baltic Sea. Our study covered single-day (2021 ) and multi-day (2022) observations during the recreational season. We collected water, sand, and wrack samples and assessed the abundance of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), as well metagenomic analysis was conducted to monitor changes in microbial composition. Based on metagenomic data we identified taxa associated with feces, sewage, and ruminant sources. Human-related fecal pollution based on genetic markers correlated with the presence of Lachnospiraceae, Prevotellaceae and Rickenellacea abundance. Higher abundance and diversity of feces-associated and ruminant-associated taxa and the presence of enteric pathogens were observed when wrack accumulated near the river outflow in 2021, suggesting a potential link with fecal pollution from the river. As a preventive measure, it is recommended to remove the wrack to reduce the risk of exposure to potential enteric pathogens if it is accumulated next to the river outflow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Kalvaitienė
- Klaipėda University, Marine Research Institute, University Avenue 17, 92295 Klaipėda, Lithuania.
| | - Rafael Picazo Espinosa
- Klaipėda University, Marine Research Institute, University Avenue 17, 92295 Klaipėda, Lithuania.
| | - Diana Vaičiūtė
- Klaipėda University, Marine Research Institute, University Avenue 17, 92295 Klaipėda, Lithuania.
| | - Marija Kataržytė
- Klaipėda University, Marine Research Institute, University Avenue 17, 92295 Klaipėda, Lithuania.
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Li J, Bai M, He Y, Wang S, Wang G. Decay kinetics of human-associated pathogens in the marine microcosms reveals their new dynamics and potential indicators in the coastal waters of northern China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 362:124936. [PMID: 39265768 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Abstract
Pathogens in coastal waters cause infectious diseases and endanger public sanitation safety in humans and animals worldwide. To avoid these risks, timely detection of human-associated pathogens in waters is crucial. In this study, the decay kinetics of the molecular markers for human-associated pathogens, including enteric bacteria (Escherichia coli, Enterococcus, and Bacteroides), non-enteric bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), crAssphage, and polyomavirus, were monitored over time at different temperatures and background microbes in seawater microcosms. The results indicated that temperature and native marine microbes were the main influential factors in attenuating bacterial pathogens. Remarkably, the effect of native microorganisms was more evidentially striking. Furthermore, Enterococcus was a more reliable and suitable fecal indicator bacterium than E. coli for the marine environment. The decay of crAssphage was like that of polyomavirus, indicating that it may be a good indicator of enterovirus in seawater. More importantly, the 16S amplicon sequencing data highlighted the decay kinetics of multiple bacterial pathogens in parallel with the dynamic changes of the whole bacterial communities. This study provides valuable information for public health risk management and a new approach to understanding the fate of bacteria in the coastal environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqian Li
- Center for Marine Environmental Ecology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Mohan Bai
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tianjin, 300191, China
| | - Yaodong He
- School of Fishery, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, 316022, China
| | - Suisui Wang
- Center for Marine Environmental Ecology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Guangyi Wang
- Center for Marine Environmental Ecology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China; Center for Biosafety Research and Strategy, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
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7
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Lindner BG, Choudhury RA, Pinamang P, Bingham L, D'Amico I, Hatt JK, Konstantinidis KT, Graham KE. Advancing Source Tracking: Systematic Review and Source-Specific Genome Database Curation of Fecally Shed Prokaryotes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS 2024; 11:931-939. [PMID: 39280079 PMCID: PMC11391576 DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.4c00233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024]
Abstract
Advancements within fecal source tracking (FST) studies are complicated by a lack of knowledge regarding the genetic content and distribution of fecally shed microbial populations. To address this gap, we performed a systematic literature review and curated a large collection of genomes (n = 26,018) representing fecally shed prokaryotic species across broad and narrow source categories commonly implicated in FST studies of recreational waters (i.e., cats, dogs, cows, seagulls, chickens, pigs, birds, ruminants, human feces, and wastewater). We find that across these sources the total number of prokaryotic genomes recovered from materials meeting our initial inclusion criteria varied substantially across fecal sources: from none in seagulls to 9,085 in pigs. We examined genome sequences recovered from these metagenomic and isolation-based studies extensively via comparative genomic approaches to characterize trends across source categories and produce a finalized genome database for each source category which is available online (n = 12,730). On average, 81% of the genomes representing species-level populations occur only within a single source. Using fecal slurries to test the performance of each source database, we report read capture rates that vary with fecal source alpha diversity and database size. We expect this resource to be useful to FST-related objectives, One Health research, and sanitation efforts globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake G Lindner
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Rakin A Choudhury
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Princess Pinamang
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Lilia Bingham
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Isabelle D'Amico
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Janet K Hatt
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Konstantinos T Konstantinidis
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Katherine E Graham
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
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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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Kelly LT, Sissons J, Thompson L, Pearman JK. Faecal source apportionment using molecular methods: A proof of concept using the FEAST algorithm. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 266:122365. [PMID: 39236502 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.122365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Faecal contamination of freshwater and marine environments represents a significant risk for public health, recreational activity and food safety, and tools for evaluating complex multi-source contamination remain largely in the development phase. We evaluated the efficacy of the Fast Expectation Maximization (FEAST) microbial source tracking (MST) algorithm to apportion sources of faecal contamination among four mammalian species of interest in coastal waters in New Zealand. Using 16S ribosomal DNA metabarcoding of faecal samples from cows, fur seals, and sheep, as well as human wastewater, we aimed to differentiate and quantify the contribution of these sources in mixed faecal samples. Multivariate analysis confirmed significant differences in the microbial communities associated with each mammalian source, with specific bacterial classes indicative of different sources. The FEAST algorithm was tested using mixed DNA and mixed faecal samples, and we found that the algorithm correctly assigned the dominant source from all samples, but underestimated the dominant source's proportional contribution. This underestimation suggests the need for further refinement and validation to ensure accurate source apportionment in environmental samples where the faecal signal is likely to be a minor component. Despite these limitations, the findings of our study, in combination with the evidence from others who have tested the FEAST algorithm in environmental settings, indicates that it represents an advance on existing tools for microbial source tracking and may become a useful addition to the toolbox for environmental management.
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Momba MNB, Mogane B, Kachienga LO, Kamika I, Ngobeni-Nyambi R. Distribution of host-specific Bacteriodales marker genes in water sources of selected rural areas of Vhembe District, South Africa. Sci Rep 2024; 14:19758. [PMID: 39187527 PMCID: PMC11347707 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-68771-3] [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] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Access to safe drinking water sources and appropriate sanitation facilities remains a dream in low and middle-income countries including South Africa. This study identified the origin of faecal pollution by using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) targeting host-specific Bacteroidales genetic markers to track the distribution of human-specific (BacHum) and animal-specific (cattle-BacCow, chicken-Cytb, pig-Pig-2-Bac, dog-BacCan) markers in water sources used by rural communities of the Vhembe District Municipality (VDM). Results revealed the prevalence of BacHum, BacCow, and BacCan in all surface water sources in Thulamela Local Municipality (TLM) and Collins Chabane Local Municipality (CLM) during wet (100%) and dry seasons (50-75%). Cytb was not detected in untreated spring water in TLM and CLM, and Pig-2-Bac was not detected in untreated hand-dug well water in TLM during both seasons. Household-level analysis detected Cytb (28.8% wet, 17.5% dry), BacHum (34.4% wet, 25% dry for Pig-2-Bac) in stored untreated spring water in CLM, and Cytb (42.9% wet, 28.5% dry) in untreated hand-dug well water in TLM. Despite differences in detection frequencies of host-specific Bacteroidales, the study highlights the public health concern of faecal pollution in rural VDM households.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggy Ndombo Benteke Momba
- Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences, Arcadia Campus, Tshwane University of Technology, 175 Nelson Mandela Avenue, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa.
| | - Barbara Mogane
- Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences, Arcadia Campus, Tshwane University of Technology, 175 Nelson Mandela Avenue, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
| | - Leonard Owino Kachienga
- Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences, Arcadia Campus, Tshwane University of Technology, 175 Nelson Mandela Avenue, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
| | - Ilunga Kamika
- Department of Environmental Sciences, School of Environmental Science, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Florida Campus, University of South Africa, Florida, Roodepoort, 1710, South Africa
| | - Renay Ngobeni-Nyambi
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag, X1, Mitieland, 7602, South Africa
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Cookson AL, Devane M, Marshall JC, Moinet M, Gardner A, Collis RM, Rogers L, Biggs PJ, Pita AB, Cornelius AJ, Haysom I, Hayman DTS, Gilpin BJ, Leonard M. Population structure and pathogen interaction of Escherichia coli in freshwater: Implications of land-use for water quality and public health in Aotearoa New Zealand. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2024; 16:e13319. [PMID: 39096033 PMCID: PMC11297283 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.13319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Freshwater samples (n = 199) were obtained from 41 sites with contrasting land-uses (avian, low impact, dairy, urban, sheep and beef, and mixed sheep, beef and dairy) and the E. coli phylotype of 3980 isolates (20 per water sample enrichment) was determined. Eight phylotypes were identified with B1 (48.04%), B2 (14.87%) and A (14.79%) the most abundant. Escherichia marmotae (n = 22), and Escherichia ruysiae (n = 1), were rare (0.68%) suggesting that these environmental strains are unlikely to confound water quality assessments. Phylotypes A and B1 were overrepresented in dairy and urban sites (p < 0.0001), whilst B2 were overrepresented in low impact sites (p < 0.0001). Pathogens ((Salmonella, Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium or Giardia) and the presence of diarrhoeagenic E. coli-associated genes (stx and eae) were detected in 89.9% (179/199) samples, including 80.5% (33/41) of samples with putative non-recent faecal inputs. Quantitative PCR to detect microbial source tracking targets from human, ruminant and avian contamination were concordant with land-use type and E. coli phylotype abundance. This study demonstrated that a potential recreational health risk remains where pathogens occurred in water samples with low E. coli concentration, potential non-recent faecal sources, low impact sites and where human, ruminant and avian faecal sources were absent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian L. Cookson
- AgResearch LimitedHopkirk Research InstitutePalmerston NorthNew Zealand
- mEpiLab, School of Veterinary SciencesMassey UniversityPalmerston NorthNew Zealand
- Institute of Environmental Science and ResearchKenepuru Science CentrePoriruaNew Zealand
| | - Meg Devane
- Institute of Environmental Science and ResearchChristchurchNew Zealand
| | - Jonathan C. Marshall
- School of Mathematical and Computational SciencesMassey UniversityPalmerston NorthNew Zealand
| | - Marie Moinet
- AgResearch LimitedHopkirk Research InstitutePalmerston NorthNew Zealand
- Institute of Environmental Science and ResearchChristchurchNew Zealand
| | - Amanda Gardner
- AgResearch LimitedHopkirk Research InstitutePalmerston NorthNew Zealand
| | - Rose M. Collis
- AgResearch LimitedHopkirk Research InstitutePalmerston NorthNew Zealand
| | - Lynn Rogers
- AgResearch LimitedHopkirk Research InstitutePalmerston NorthNew Zealand
| | - Patrick J. Biggs
- mEpiLab, School of Veterinary SciencesMassey UniversityPalmerston NorthNew Zealand
- School of Natural SciencesMassey UniversityPalmerston NorthNew Zealand
| | - Anthony B. Pita
- mEpiLab, School of Veterinary SciencesMassey UniversityPalmerston NorthNew Zealand
| | | | - Iain Haysom
- Institute of Environmental Science and ResearchChristchurchNew Zealand
| | - David T. S. Hayman
- mEpiLab, School of Veterinary SciencesMassey UniversityPalmerston NorthNew Zealand
| | - Brent J. Gilpin
- Institute of Environmental Science and ResearchChristchurchNew Zealand
| | - Margaret Leonard
- Institute of Environmental Science and ResearchChristchurchNew Zealand
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12
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Li T, Feng K, Wang S, Yang X, Peng X, Tu Q, Deng Y. Beyond water and soil: Air emerges as a major reservoir of human pathogens. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 190:108869. [PMID: 38968831 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108869] [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: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Assessing the risk of human pathogens in the environment is crucial for controlling the spread of diseases and safeguarding human health. However, conducting a thorough assessment of low-abundance pathogens in highly complex environmental microbial communities remains challenging. This study compiled a comprehensive catalog of 247 human-pathogenic bacterial taxa from global biosafety agencies and identified more than 78 million genome-specific markers (GSMs) from their 17,470 sequenced genomes. Subsequently, we analyzed these pathogens' types, abundance, and diversity within 474 shotgun metagenomic sequences obtained from diverse environmental sources. The results revealed that among the four habitats studied (air, water, soil, and sediment), the detection rate, diversity, and abundance of detectable pathogens in the air all exceeded those in the other three habitats. Air, sediment, and water environments exhibited identical dominant taxa, indicating that these human pathogens may have unique environmental vectors for their transmission or survival. Furthermore, we observed the impact of human activities on the environmental risk posed by these pathogens, where greater amounts of human activities significantly increased the abundance of human pathogenic bacteria, especially in water and air. These findings have remarkable implications for the environmental risk assessment of human pathogens, providing valuable insights into their presence and distribution across different habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Kai Feng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shang Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xingsheng Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xi Peng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qichao Tu
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Ye Deng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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13
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Skiendzielewski K, Burch T, Stokdyk J, McGinnis S, McLoughlin S, Firnstahl A, Spencer S, Borchardt M, Murphy HM. Two risk assessments: Evaluating the use of indicator HF183 Bacteroides versus pathogen measurements for modelling recreational illness risks in an urban watershed. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 259:121852. [PMID: 38889662 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of HF183 Bacteroides for estimating pathogen exposures during recreational water activities. We compared the use of Bacteroides-based exposure assessment to exposure assessment that relied on pathogen measurements. We considered two types of recreational water sites: those impacted by combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and those not impacted by CSOs. Samples from CSO-impacted and non-CSO-impacted urban creeks were analysed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for HF183 Bacteroides and eight human gastrointestinal pathogens. Exposure assessment was conducted two ways for each type of site (CSO-impacted vs. non-CSO impacted): 1) by estimating pathogen concentrations from HF183 Bacteroides concentrations using published ratios of HF183 to pathogens in sewage and 2) by estimating pathogen concentrations from qPCR measurements. QMRA (quantitative microbial risk assessment) was then conducted for swimming, wading, and fishing exposures. Overall, mean risk estimates varied from 0.27 to 53 illnesses per 1,000 recreators depending on exposure assessment, site, activity, and norovirus dose-response model. HF183-based exposure assessment identified CSO-impacted sites as higher risk, and the recommended HF183 risk-based threshold of 525 genomic copies per 100 mL was generally protective of public health at the CSO-impacted sites but was not as protective at the non-CSO-impacted sites. In the context of our urban watershed, HF183-based exposure assessment over- and under-estimated risk relative to exposure assessment based on pathogen measurements, and the etiology of predicted pathogen-specific illnesses differed significantly. Across all sites, the HF183 model overestimated risk for norovirus, adenovirus, and Campylobacter jejuni, and it underestimated risk for E. coli and Cryptosporidium. To our knowledge, this study is the first to directly compare health risk estimates using HF183 and empirical pathogen measurements from the same waterways. Our work highlights the importance of site-specific hazard identification and exposure assessment to decide whether HF183 is applicable for monitoring risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Skiendzielewski
- Water, Health and Applied Microbiology Lab (WHAM Lab), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Temple University College of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
| | - T Burch
- US Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Environmentally Integrated Dairy Management Research Unit, Marshfield, WI, United States
| | - J Stokdyk
- US Geological Survey Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Marshfield, WI, United States
| | - S McGinnis
- Water, Health and Applied Microbiology Lab (WHAM Lab), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Temple University College of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - S McLoughlin
- Water, Health and Applied Microbiology Lab (WHAM Lab), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Temple University College of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - A Firnstahl
- US Geological Survey Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Marshfield, WI, United States
| | - S Spencer
- US Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Environmentally Integrated Dairy Management Research Unit, Marshfield, WI, United States
| | - M Borchardt
- US Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Environmentally Integrated Dairy Management Research Unit, Marshfield, WI, United States
| | - H M Murphy
- Water, Health and Applied Microbiology Lab (WHAM Lab), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Temple University College of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Water, Health and Applied Microbiology Lab (WHAM Lab), Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.
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14
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Yu D, Andersson-Li M, Maes S, Andersson-Li L, Neumann NF, Odlare M, Jonsson A. Development of a logic regression-based approach for the discovery of host- and niche-informative biomarkers in Escherichia coli and their application for microbial source tracking. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0022724. [PMID: 38940567 PMCID: PMC11267920 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00227-24] [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] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Microbial source tracking leverages a wide range of approaches designed to trace the origins of fecal contamination in aquatic environments. Although source tracking methods are typically employed within the laboratory setting, computational techniques can be leveraged to advance microbial source tracking methodology. Herein, we present a logic regression-based supervised learning approach for the discovery of source-informative genetic markers within intergenic regions across the Escherichia coli genome that can be used for source tracking. With just single intergenic loci, logic regression was able to identify highly source-specific (i.e., exceeding 97.00%) biomarkers for a wide range of host and niche sources, with sensitivities reaching as high as 30.00%-50.00% for certain source categories, including pig, sheep, mouse, and wastewater, depending on the specific intergenic locus analyzed. Restricting the source range to reflect the most prominent zoonotic sources of E. coli transmission (i.e., bovine, chicken, human, and pig) allowed for the generation of informative biomarkers for all host categories, with specificities of at least 90.00% and sensitivities between 12.50% and 70.00%, using the sequence data from key intergenic regions, including emrKY-evgAS, ibsB-(mdtABCD-baeSR), ompC-rcsDB, and yedS-yedR, that appear to be involved in antibiotic resistance. Remarkably, we were able to use this approach to classify 48 out of 113 river water E. coli isolates collected in Northwestern Sweden as either beaver, human, or reindeer in origin with a high degree of consensus-thus highlighting the potential of logic regression modeling as a novel approach for augmenting current source tracking efforts.IMPORTANCEThe presence of microbial contaminants, particularly from fecal sources, within water poses a serious risk to public health. The health and economic burden of waterborne pathogens can be substantial-as such, the ability to detect and identify the sources of fecal contamination in environmental waters is crucial for the control of waterborne diseases. This can be accomplished through microbial source tracking, which involves the use of various laboratory techniques to trace the origins of microbial pollution in the environment. Building on current source tracking methodology, we describe a novel workflow that uses logic regression, a supervised machine learning method, to discover genetic markers in Escherichia coli, a common fecal indicator bacterium, that can be used for source tracking efforts. Importantly, our research provides an example of how the rise in prominence of machine learning algorithms can be applied to improve upon current microbial source tracking methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Yu
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Sharon Maes
- Department of Natural Sciences, Design and Sustainable Development, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden
| | - Lili Andersson-Li
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Norman F. Neumann
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Monica Odlare
- Department of Natural Sciences, Design and Sustainable Development, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden
| | - Anders Jonsson
- Department of Natural Sciences, Design and Sustainable Development, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden
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15
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Zhang M, Shang R, Zhang H, Hong Z, Yu K, Kan G, Xiong H, Song D, Jiang Y, Jiang J. Microsyringe-based slug-flow microextraction for rapid and accurate determination of antibiotics in highly saline seawater. Anal Chim Acta 2024; 1313:342790. [PMID: 38862205 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2024.342790] [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] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extensive use of antibiotics leads to widespread environmental pollution, endangering ecosystems, and human health. It is particularly concerning, posing global threats requiring urgent attention and action. In this regard, the shift to mass spectrometry in determining antibiotics is highly desirable. Significant progress has been made in analyzing and optimizing the sensitivity of high-salt samples. However, the persistence of cumbersome operational procedures presents a significant challenge to this shift. Thus, the persistence of complex operational procedures needs to be addressed. RESULTS In this study, a rapid and direct method for determining antibiotics in highly saline environmental water samples using microsyringe-based slug-flow microextraction (MSFME)-droplet spray ionization (DSI) mass spectrometry (MS) has been described. The proposed method successfully detected clarithromycin, ofloxacin, and sulfadimidine in seawater within a linear range of 1-1200 ng mL-1, with low limits of detection of 0.19 ng mL-1, 0.17 ng mL-1, and 0.20 ng mL-1, respectively (Signal/Noise = 3). Additionally, spiked real seawater samples of all three antibiotics demonstrated satisfactory recoveries (95.1-107.5%) and precision (RSD≤8.8%). The MSFME-treated high-salt sample (3.5 wt%) showed a mass spectral response intensity 4-5 orders of magnitude higher than the untreated medium-salt sample (0.35 wt%). Furthermore, exploration of the applicability of MSFME showed that it is suitable not only for high-salinity (3.5 wt%) samples but also for salt-free or low-salt and hard water samples rich in calcium and magnesium ions. SIGNIFICANCE Comparisons with other methods, complex laboratory setups for sample processing are now simplified to a single step, completing the entire process, including desalination and detection, MSFME-DSI-MS provides faster results in less than 1 min while maintaining sensitivity comparable to that of other detection methods. In conclusion, this advancement provides an exceptionally simplified protocol for the rapid, highly sensitive, and quantitative determination of antibiotics in environmental water samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhang
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology (WeiHai), Weihai, Shandong, 264209, China; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150001, China.
| | - Ruonan Shang
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology (WeiHai), Weihai, Shandong, 264209, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology (WeiHai), Weihai, Shandong, 264209, China
| | - Ziying Hong
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology (WeiHai), Weihai, Shandong, 264209, China
| | - Kai Yu
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology (WeiHai), Weihai, Shandong, 264209, China
| | - Guangfeng Kan
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology (WeiHai), Weihai, Shandong, 264209, China
| | - Huixia Xiong
- Shanxi Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Xiaonan Guan Street 8, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Daqian Song
- College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Jilin, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Yanxiao Jiang
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology (WeiHai), Weihai, Shandong, 264209, China.
| | - Jie Jiang
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology (WeiHai), Weihai, Shandong, 264209, China; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150001, China; State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150090, China.
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16
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Lobos AE, Brandt AM, Gallard-Góngora JF, Korde R, Brodrick E, Harwood VJ. Persistence of sewage-associated genetic markers in advanced and conventional treated recycled water: implications for microbial source tracking in surface waters. mBio 2024; 15:e0065524. [PMID: 38864636 PMCID: PMC11253620 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00655-24] [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: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Sewage contamination of environmental waters is increasingly assessed by measuring DNA from sewage-associated microorganisms in microbial source tracking (MST) approaches. However, DNA can persist through wastewater treatment and reach surface waters when treated sewage/recycled water is discharged, which may falsely indicate pollution from untreated sewage. Recycled water discharged from an advanced wastewater treatment (AWT) facility into a Florida stream elevated the sewage-associated HF183 marker 1,000-fold, with a minimal increase in cultured Escherichia coli. The persistence of sewage-associated microorganisms was compared by qPCR in untreated sewage and recycled water from conventional wastewater treatment (CWT) and AWT facilities. E. coli (EC23S857) and sewage-associated markers HF183, H8, and viral crAssphage CPQ_056 were always detected in untreated sewage (6.5-8.7 log10 GC/100 mL). Multivariate analysis found a significantly greater reduction of microbial variables via AWT vs CWT. Bacterial markers decayed ~4-5 log10 through CWT, but CPQ_056 was ~100-fold more persistent. In AWT facilities, the log10 reduction of all variables was ~5. In recycled water, bacterial marker concentrations were significantly correlated (P ≤ 0.0136; tau ≥ 0.44); however, CPQ_056 was not correlated with any marker, suggesting varying drivers of decay. Concentrations of cultured E. coli carrying the H8 marker (EcH8) in untreated sewage were 5.24-6.02 log10 CFU/100 mL, while no E. coli was isolated from recycled water. HF183 and culturable EcH8 were also correlated in contaminated surface waters (odds ratio β1 = 1.701). Culturable EcH8 has a strong potential to differentiate positive MST marker signals arising from treated (e.g., recycled water) and untreated sewage discharged into environmental waters. IMPORTANCE Genes in sewage-associated microorganisms are widely accepted indicators of sewage pollution in environmental waters. However, DNA persists through wastewater treatment and can reach surface waters when recycled water is discharged, potentially causing false-positive indications of sewage contamination. Previous studies have found that bacterial and viral sewage-associated genes persist through wastewater treatment; however, these studies did not compare different facilities or identify a solution to distinguish sewage from recycled water. In this study, we demonstrated the persistence of bacterial marker genes and the greater persistence of a viral marker gene (CPQ_056 of crAssphage) through varying wastewater treatment facilities. We also aim to provide a tool to confirm sewage contamination in surface waters with recycled water inputs. This work showed that the level of wastewater treatment affects the removal of microorganisms, particularly viruses, and expands our ability to identify sewage in surface waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo E. Lobos
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Amanda M. Brandt
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Javier F. Gallard-Góngora
- Department of Earth, Marine, and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Marine Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Morehead City, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ruchi Korde
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Eleanor Brodrick
- 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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17
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Lenaker PL, Pronschinske MA, Corsi SR, Stokdyk JP, Olds HT, Dila DK, McLellan SL. A multi-marker assessment of sewage contamination in streams using human-associated indicator bacteria, human-specific viruses, and pharmaceuticals. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 930:172505. [PMID: 38636851 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172505] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Human sewage contaminates waterways, delivering excess nutrients, pathogens, chemicals, and other toxic contaminants. Contaminants and various sewage indicators are measured to monitor and assess water quality, but these analytes vary in their representation of sewage contamination and the inferences about water quality they support. We measured the occurrence and concentration of multiple microbiological (n = 21) and chemical (n = 106) markers at two urban stream locations in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA over two years. Five-day composite water samples (n = 98) were collected biweekly, and sewage influent samples (n = 25) were collected monthly at a Milwaukee, WI water reclamation facility. We found the vast majority of markers were not sensitive enough to detect sewage contamination. To compare analytes for monitoring applications, five consistently detected human sewage indicators were used to evaluate temporal patterns of sewage contamination, including microbiological (pepper mild mottle virus, human Bacteroides, human Lachnospiraceae) and chemical (acetaminophen, metformin) markers. The proportion of human sewage in each stream was estimated using the mean influent concentration from the water reclamation facility and the mean concentration of all stream samples for each sewage indicator marker. Estimates of instream sewage pollution varied by marker, differing by up to two orders of magnitude, but four of the five sewage markers characterized Underwood Creek (mean proportions of human sewage ranged 0.0025 % - 0.075 %) as less polluted than Menomonee River (proportions ranged 0.013 % - 0.14 %) by an order of magnitude more. Chemical markers correlated with each other and yielded higher estimates of sewage pollution than microbial markers, which exhibited greater temporal variability. Transport, attenuation, and degradation processes can influence chemical and microbial markers differently and cause variation in human sewage estimates. Given the range of potential human and ecological health effects of human sewage contamination, robust characterization of sewage contamination that uses multiple lines of evidence supports monitoring and research applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter L Lenaker
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, 1 Gifford Pinchot Drive, Madison, WI 53726, USA.
| | - Matthew A Pronschinske
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, 1 Gifford Pinchot Drive, Madison, WI 53726, USA
| | - Steven R Corsi
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, 1 Gifford Pinchot Drive, Madison, WI 53726, USA
| | - Joel P Stokdyk
- U.S. Geological Survey, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment, 2615 Yellowstone Dr., Marshfield, WI 54449, USA
| | - Hayley T Olds
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, 1 Gifford Pinchot Drive, Madison, WI 53726, USA
| | - Deborah K Dila
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 600 E. Greenfield Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53204, USA
| | - Sandra L McLellan
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 600 E. Greenfield Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53204, USA
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18
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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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19
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Saleem F, Li E, Tran KL, Rudra B, Edge TA, Schellhorn HE, Gupta RS. Utilizing novel Escherichia coli-specific conserved signature proteins for enhanced monitoring of recreational water quality. Microbiologyopen 2024; 13:e1410. [PMID: 38682792 PMCID: PMC11057252 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.1410] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli serves as a proxy indicator of fecal contamination in aquatic ecosystems. However, its identification using traditional culturing methods can take up to 24 h. The application of DNA markers, such as conserved signature proteins (CSPs) genes (unique to all species/strains of a specific taxon), can form the foundation for novel polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests that unambiguously identify and detect targeted bacterial taxa of interest. This paper reports the identification of three new highly-conserved CSPs (genes), namely YahL, YdjO, and YjfZ, which are exclusive to E. coli/Shigella. Using PCR primers based on highly conserved regions within these CSPs, we have developed quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays for the evaluation of E. coli/Shigella species in water ecosystems. Both in-silico and experimental PCR testing confirmed the absence of sequence match when tested against other bacteria, thereby confirming 100% specificity of the tested CSPs for E. coli/Shigella. The qPCR assays for each of the three CSPs provided reliable quantification for all tested enterohaemorrhagic and environmental E. coli strains, a requirement for water testing. For recreational water samples, CSP-based quantification showed a high correlation (r > 7, p < 0.01) with conventional viable E. coli enumeration. This indicates that novel CSP-based qPCR assays for E. coli can serve as robust tools for monitoring water ecosystems and other critical areas, including food monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faizan Saleem
- Department of BiologyMcMaster UniversityHamiltonOntarioCanada
| | - Enze Li
- Department of BiologyMcMaster UniversityHamiltonOntarioCanada
| | - Kevin L. Tran
- Department of BiologyMcMaster UniversityHamiltonOntarioCanada
| | - Bashudev Rudra
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical SciencesMcMaster UniversityHamiltonOntarioCanada
| | - Thomas A. Edge
- Department of BiologyMcMaster UniversityHamiltonOntarioCanada
| | | | - Radhey S. Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical SciencesMcMaster UniversityHamiltonOntarioCanada
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20
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Puchades-Colera P, Díaz-Reolid A, Girón-Guzmán I, Cuevas-Ferrando E, Pérez-Cataluña A, Sánchez G. Capsid Integrity Detection of Enteric Viruses in Reclaimed Waters. Viruses 2024; 16:816. [PMID: 38932109 PMCID: PMC11209584 DOI: 10.3390/v16060816] [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: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Climate change, unpredictable weather patterns, and droughts are depleting water resources in some parts of the globe, where recycling and reusing wastewater is a strategy for different purposes. To counteract this, the EU regulation for water reuse sets minimum requirements for the use of reclaimed water for agricultural irrigation, including a reduction in human enteric viruses. In the present study, the occurrence of several human enteric viruses, including the human norovirus genogroup I (HuNoV GI), HuNoV GII, and rotavirus (RV), along with viral fecal contamination indicator crAssphage was monitored by using (RT)-qPCR methods on influent wastewater and reclaimed water samples. Moreover, the level of somatic coliphages was also determined as a culturable viral indicator. To assess the potential viral infectivity, an optimization of a capsid integrity PMAxx-RT-qPCR method was performed on sewage samples. Somatic coliphages were present in 60% of the reclaimed water samples, indicating inefficient virus inactivation. Following PMAxx-RT-qPCR optimization, 66% of the samples tested positive for at least one of the analyzed enteric viruses, with concentrations ranging from 2.79 to 7.30 Log10 genome copies (gc)/L. Overall, most of the analyzed reclaimed water samples did not comply with current EU legislation and contained potential infectious viral particles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Gloria Sánchez
- VISAFELab, Department of Preservation and Food Safety Technologies, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology, IATA-CSIC, Av. Agustín Escardino 7, 46980 Valencia, Spain; (P.P.-C.); (A.D.-R.); (A.P.-C.)
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21
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Ahmed W, Korajkic A, Gabrewold M, Payyappat S, Cassidy M, Harrison N, Besley C. Assessing the nucleic acid decay of human wastewater markers and enteric viruses in estuarine waters in Sydney, Australia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:171389. [PMID: 38432386 PMCID: PMC11070875 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
This research investigated the in-situ decay rates of four human wastewater-associated markers (Bacteroides HF183 (HF183), Lachnospiraceae Lachno3 (Lachno3), cross-assembling phage (crAssphage), pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) and three enteric viruses (human adenovirus 40/41 (HAdV 40/41), enterovirus (EV) and human norovirus GII (HNoV GII) in two estuarine water environments (Davidson Park (DP) and Hen and Chicken Bay (HCB) in temperate Sydney, NSW, Australia, employing qPCR and RT-qPCR assays. The study also aimed to compare decay rates observed in mesocosms with previously published laboratory microcosms, providing insights into the persistence of markers and viruses in estuarine environments. Results indicated varying decay rates between DP and HCB mesocosms, with HF183 exhibiting relatively faster decay rates compared to other markers and enteric viruses in sunlight and dark mesocosms. In DP mesocosms, HF183 decayed the fastest, contrasting with PMMoV, which exhibited the slowest. Sunlight induced higher decay rates for all markers and viruses in DP mesocosms. In HCB sunlight mesocosms, HF183 nucleic acid decayed most rapidly compared to other markers and enteric viruses. In dark mesocosms, crAssphage showed the fastest decay, while PMMoV decayed at the slowest rate in both sunlight and dark mesocosms. Comparisons with laboratory microcosms revealed faster decay of markers and enteric viruses in laboratory microcosms than the mesocosms, except for crAssphage and HAdV 40/41 in dark, and PMMoV in sunlight mesocosms. The study concludes that decay rates of markers and enteric viruses vary between estuarine mesocosms, emphasizing the impact of sunlight exposure, which was potentially influenced by the elevated turbidity at HCB estuarine waters. The generated decay rates contribute valuable insights for establishing site-specific risk-based thresholds of human wastewater-associated markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Environment, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Asja Korajkic
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, 26W Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
| | - Metasebia Gabrewold
- 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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22
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Denissen J, Havenga B, Reyneke B, Khan S, Khan W. Comparing antibiotic resistance and virulence profiles of Enterococcus faecium, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa from environmental and clinical settings. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30215. [PMID: 38720709 PMCID: PMC11076977 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance and virulence profiles of Enterococcus faecium, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, isolated from water sources collected in informal settlements, were compared to clinical counterparts. Cluster analysis using repetitive extragenic palindromic sequence-based polymerase chain reaction (REP-PCR) indicated that, for each respective species, low genetic relatedness was observed between most of the clinical and environmental isolates, with only one clinical P. aeruginosa (PAO1) and one clinical K. pneumoniae (P2) exhibiting high genetic similarity to the environmental strains. Based on the antibiograms, the clinical E. faecium Ef CD1 was extensively drug resistant (XDR); all K. pneumoniae isolates (n = 12) (except K. pneumoniae ATCC 13883) were multidrug resistant (MDR), while the P. aeruginosa (n = 16) isolates exhibited higher susceptibility profiles. The tetM gene (tetracycline resistance) was identified in 47.4 % (n = 6 environmental; n = 3 clinical) of the E. faecium isolates, while the blaKPC gene (carbapenem resistance) was detected in 52.6 % (n = 7 environmental; n = 3 clinical) and 15.4 % (n = 2 environmental) of the E. faecium and K. pneumoniae isolates, respectively. The E. faecium isolates were predominantly poor biofilm formers, the K. pneumoniae isolates were moderate biofilm formers, while the P. aeruginosa isolates were strong biofilm formers. All E. faecium and K. pneumoniae isolates were gamma (γ)-haemolytic, non-gelatinase producing (E. faecium only), and non-hypermucoviscous (K. pneumoniae only), while the P. aeruginosa isolates exhibited beta (β)-haemolysis and produced gelatinase. The fimH (type 1 fimbriae adhesion) and ugE (uridine diphosphate galacturonate 4-epimerase synthesis) virulence genes were detected in the K. pneumoniae isolates, while the P. aeruginosa isolates possessed the phzM (phenazine production) and algD (alginate biosynthesis) genes. Similarities in antibiotic resistance and virulence profiles of environmental and clinical E. faecium, K. pneumoniae, and P. aeruginosa, thus highlights the potential health risks posed by using environmental water sources for daily water needs in low-and-middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Denissen
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa
| | - Benjamin Havenga
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa
| | - Brandon Reyneke
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 17011, Doornfontein, 2028, South Africa
| | - Sehaam Khan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 17011, Doornfontein, 2028, South Africa
| | - Wesaal Khan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa
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23
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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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24
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Bridgemohan R, Deitch MJ, Harmon E, Whiles MR, Wilson PC, Bean E, Bridgemohan P, Bisesi JH, Nicholas J, Redhead A, Bachoon DS. Spatiotemporal assessment of pathogenic Leptospira in subtropical coastal watersheds. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2024; 22:923-938. [PMID: 38822470 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2024.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
The World Health Organization classifies leptospirosis as a significant public health concern, predominantly affecting impoverished and unsanitary regions. By using the Pensacola Bay System as a case study, this study examines the underappreciated susceptibility of developed subtropical coastal ecosystems such as the Pensacola Bay System to neglected zoonotic pathogens such as Leptospira. We analyzed 132 water samples collected over 12 months from 44 distinct locations with high levels of Escherichia coli (>410 most probable number/100 mL). Fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) concentrations were assessed using IDEXX Colilert-18 and Enterolert-18, and an analysis of water physiochemical characteristics and rainfall intensity was conducted. The LipL32 gene was used as a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) indicator to identify the distribution of Leptospira interrogans. The results revealed 12 instances of the presence of L. interrogans at sites with high FIB over various land cover and aquatic ecosystem types. Independent of specific rainfall events, a seasonal relationship between precipitation and elevated rates of fecal bacteria and leptospirosis was found. These findings highlight qPCR's utility in identifying pathogens in aquatic environments and the widespread conditions where it can be found in natural and developed areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronell Bridgemohan
- Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences Department, University of Florida IFAS West Florida Research and Education Center, Milton, FL, USA E-mail:
| | - Matthew J Deitch
- Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences Department, University of Florida IFAS West Florida Research and Education Center, Milton, FL, USA
| | - Emily Harmon
- Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences Department, University of Florida IFAS West Florida Research and Education Center, Milton, FL, USA
| | - Matt R Whiles
- Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences Department 2181 McCarty Hall, University of Florida, P.O. Box 110290, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - P Christopher Wilson
- Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences Department 2181 McCarty Hall, University of Florida, P.O. Box 110290, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Eban Bean
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida Main Office, Room 120 Frazier Rogers Hall1741 Museum Road, Building. 474, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Puran Bridgemohan
- Tropical Research and Education Center, IFAS Research, University of Florida, Homestead, FL 33031, USA
| | - Joseph H Bisesi
- Department of Environmental and Global Health and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jodel Nicholas
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Georgia College and State University, Campus Box 81, Milledgeville, GA 31061, USA
| | - Aaden Redhead
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Georgia College and State University, Campus Box 81, Milledgeville, GA 31061, USA
| | - Dave S Bachoon
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Georgia College and State University, Campus Box 81, Milledgeville, GA 31061, USA
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25
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Cartwright A, Dooley JSG, McGonigle CD, Arnscheidt J. How suitable is freshwater sponge Ephydatia fluviatilis (Linnaeus, 1759) for time-integrated biomonitoring of microbial water quality? Access Microbiol 2024; 6:000691.v4. [PMID: 38737804 PMCID: PMC11083428 DOI: 10.1099/acmi.0.000691.v4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Faecal pollution of water by bacteria has a negative effect on water quality and can pose a potential health hazard. Conventional surveillance of microbial water quality relies on the analysis of low-frequency spot samples and is thus likely to miss episodic or periodic pollution. This study aimed to investigate the potential of filter-feeding sponges for time-integrated biomonitoring of microbial water quality. Laboratory trials tested the effects of different ratios of bacterial abundance and the sequence of exposure on bacterial retention by the freshwater sponge Ephydatia fluviatilis (Linnaeus, 1759) to establish its potential to indicate bacterial exposure. Gemmule grown sponges were simultaneously exposed to Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis but at different ratios (Trial 1) or individually exposed to each bacterial species but in different sequential order (Trial 2). The E. coli and E. faecalis retained in each sponge was quantified by culture on selective agars. Data analysis was conducted using the Kruskal-Wallis test and/or the Mann-Whitney U test to compare between the numbers of bacteria retained in each treatment. Additionally, the Wilcoxon matched-paired signed-rank test was used for comparison of the different bacterial abundances retained within each individual sponge. Sponges from all trials retained E. coli and E. faecalis in small numbers relative to the exposure (<0.05 % Trial 1 and <0.07 % Trial 2) but exhibited higher retention of E. coli. Higher abundance of either bacterial species resulted in significantly lower (P<0.005) retention of the same species within sponges (Trial 1). An initial exposure to E. coli resulted in significantly higher (P=0.040) retention of both bacterial species than when sponges were exposed to E. faecalis first (Trial 2).Bacterial retention by sponges was neither quantitatively representative of bacterial abundance in the ambient water nor the sequence of exposure. This implies either selective filtration or an attempt by sponges to prevent infection. However, freshwater sponges may still be useful in biomonitoring as qualitative time-integrated samplers of faecal indicator bacteria as they detect different bacteria present in the water even if their quantities cannot be estimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Cartwright
- Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, BT52 1SA, UK
| | - James S. G. Dooley
- Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Chris D. McGonigle
- Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Joerg Arnscheidt
- Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, BT52 1SA, UK
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26
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Bachoon DS, Redhead ASZ, Mead AJ. Mitochondrial DNA marker: A PCR approach for tracking rat (Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus) fecal pollution in surface water systems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 921:171164. [PMID: 38402984 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Rats act as reservoirs for a wide range of zoonotic pathogens and can negatively impact human health. In this study, we developed a novel dye base mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) PCR-assay (RatMt) specifically targeting a 180 bp fragment of the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 gene for detecting fecal pollution from two species of rats (Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus) in environmental samples. Estimation of Escherichia coli concentrations in Rattus norvegicus fecal pellets suggested that there were approximately 2.24 × 10 4 ± 4.86 × 103 MPN/g of fecal pellet. The RatMt PCR assay was robust, had a detection limit of rat feces in water of 0.274 ± 0.14 mg/100 mL and was 100 % specific for detecting Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus fecal mtDNA. Fecal Indicator Bacteria (FIB) along an urbanized gradient in Pensacola-Bay was assessed by the IDEXX Colilert™ - 18 and indicated that the majority of the fifteen sampling sites in the Pensacola-Bay area had E. coli concentrations >410 MPN/100 mL. Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus mtDNA were detected in all the urban marine sites, three of the urban freshwater sampling areas, and three of the forested sampling sites. The RatMt PCR assay is a useful tool for rapidly detecting Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus fecal pollution in environmental samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dave S Bachoon
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Georgia College & State University, Campus Box 81, Milledgeville, GA 31061-0490, USA.
| | - Aaden S Z Redhead
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Georgia College & State University, Campus Box 81, Milledgeville, GA 31061-0490, USA
| | - Alfred J Mead
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Georgia College & State University, Campus Box 81, Milledgeville, GA 31061-0490, USA
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27
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Hinds JB, Garg T, Hutmacher S, Nguyen A, Zheng Z, Griffith J, Steele J, González Fernández A, Schiff K. Assessing the defecation practices of unsheltered individuals and their contributions to microbial water quality in an arid, urban watershed. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 920:170708. [PMID: 38336079 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170708] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Outdoor defecation by people experiencing homelessness is frequently perceived as a potentially large source of human fecal pollution and a significant source of health risk in urban waterbodies with recreational contact. The goal of this study was to count the number of people experiencing homelessness and quantifies their sanitation habits in an urban river corridor setting, then use this information for estimating human fecal pollutant loading on a watershed scale. Two types of census counts were conducted including periodic point-in-time counts over six years and weekly counts of encampments. While the population census varied from count-to-count, the range of population estimates in the river corridor varied from 109 to 349 individuals during the six-year span, which mirrored the weekly counts of encampments. A face-to-face survey of people experiencing homelessness assessed the sanitation habits of the unsheltered population (N = 63), including outdoor defecation frequency and containment practices. Overall, 95 % of survey respondents reported defecating outdoors; 36 % practiced outdoor defecation between 4 and 7 days/week and 27 % practiced outdoor defecation <1 day/week. Of those that did practice outdoor defecation, 75 % contained their feces in a bucket or bag, thereby limiting fecal material contributions to the river; 6.7 % reported defecating on low ground near the river that could wash off when flood waters rise during a storm event. Only a single survey respondent reported defecating directly into the river. Based on literature values for average HF183 output for an adult human, and the average rainfall in the urban watershed, the total watershed contribution of HF183 averaged 1.2 × 1010 gene copies per storm event (95 % CI: 0.9 × 1010-1.6 × 1010) along the 41 km stretch of river in this study. This human fecal loading estimate is at least two orders of magnitude less than cumulative HF183 loading from all human sources measured at the bottom of the watershed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J B Hinds
- Department of Urban Studies and Planning, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Teevrat Garg
- School of Global Policy and Strategy, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Andrew Nguyen
- Department of Urban Studies and Planning, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Zhongqi Zheng
- Department of Urban Studies and Planning, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - John Griffith
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, Costa Mesa, CA, USA
| | - Joshua Steele
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, Costa Mesa, CA, USA
| | | | - Kenneth Schiff
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, Costa Mesa, CA, USA.
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28
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Parkins MD, Lee BE, Acosta N, Bautista M, Hubert CRJ, Hrudey SE, Frankowski K, Pang XL. Wastewater-based surveillance as a tool for public health action: SARS-CoV-2 and beyond. Clin Microbiol Rev 2024; 37:e0010322. [PMID: 38095438 PMCID: PMC10938902 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00103-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) has undergone dramatic advancement in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The power and potential of this platform technology were rapidly realized when it became evident that not only did WBS-measured SARS-CoV-2 RNA correlate strongly with COVID-19 clinical disease within monitored populations but also, in fact, it functioned as a leading indicator. Teams from across the globe rapidly innovated novel approaches by which wastewater could be collected from diverse sewersheds ranging from wastewater treatment plants (enabling community-level surveillance) to more granular locations including individual neighborhoods and high-risk buildings such as long-term care facilities (LTCF). Efficient processes enabled SARS-CoV-2 RNA extraction and concentration from the highly dilute wastewater matrix. Molecular and genomic tools to identify, quantify, and characterize SARS-CoV-2 and its various variants were adapted from clinical programs and applied to these mixed environmental systems. Novel data-sharing tools allowed this information to be mobilized and made immediately available to public health and government decision-makers and even the public, enabling evidence-informed decision-making based on local disease dynamics. WBS has since been recognized as a tool of transformative potential, providing near-real-time cost-effective, objective, comprehensive, and inclusive data on the changing prevalence of measured analytes across space and time in populations. However, as a consequence of rapid innovation from hundreds of teams simultaneously, tremendous heterogeneity currently exists in the SARS-CoV-2 WBS literature. This manuscript provides a state-of-the-art review of WBS as established with SARS-CoV-2 and details the current work underway expanding its scope to other infectious disease targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D. Parkins
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- O’Brien Institute of Public Health, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Bonita E. Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nicole Acosta
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Maria Bautista
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Casey R. J. Hubert
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Steve E. Hrudey
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kevin Frankowski
- Advancing Canadian Water Assets, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Xiao-Li Pang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Provincial Health Laboratory, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, 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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Karunakaran E, Battarbee R, Tait S, Brentan BM, Berney C, Grinham J, Herrero MA, Omolo R, Douterelo I. Integrating molecular microbial methods to improve faecal pollution management in rivers with designated bathing waters. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168565. [PMID: 37979848 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Rivers are at risk from a variety of pollution sources. Faecal pollution is of particular concern since it disperses pathogenic microorganisms in the aquatic environment. Currently, faecal pollution levels in rivers is monitored using faecal indicator bacteria (FIB) that do not offer information about pollution sources and associated risks. This study used a combined molecular approach, along with measurements of water quality, to gain information on pollution sources, and risk levels, in a newly designated recreational bathing site in the River Wharfe (UK). Physico-chemical parameters were monitored in situ, with water quality multiparameter monitoring sondes installed during the 2021 bathing season. The molecular approach was based on quantitative PCR (qPCR)-aided Microbial Source Tracking (MST) and 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding to obtain a fingerprint of bacterial communities and identify potential bioindicators. The analysis from the water quality sondes showed that ammonium was the main parameter determining the distribution of FIB values. Lower faecal pollution levels were detected in the main river when compared to tributaries, except for samples in the river located downstream of a wastewater treatment plant. The faecal pollution type (anthropogenic vs. zoogenic) changed the diversity and the structure of bacterial communities, giving a distinctive fingerprint that can be used to inform source. DNA-based methods showed that the presence of human-derived bacteria was associated with Escherichia coli spikes, coinciding with higher bacterial diversity and the presence of potential pathogenic bacteria mainly of the genus Mycobacterium, Aeromonas and Clostridium. Samples collected after a heavy rainfall event were associated with an increase in Bacteroidales, which are markers of faecal pollution, including Bacteroides graminisolvens, a ruminant marker associated with surface run-off from agricultural sources. The combined use of qPCR and 16S rRNA sequencing was able to identify pollution sources, and novel bacterial indicators, thereby aiding decision-making and management strategies in recreational bathing rivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Karunakaran
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK
| | - Rick Battarbee
- Environmental Change Research Centre, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK; Addingham Environment Group, Addingham, West Yorkshire LS29 0PD, UK
| | - Simon Tait
- Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK
| | - Bruno Melo Brentan
- Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resource Department, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270, Brazil
| | - Cathal Berney
- Addingham Environment Group, Addingham, West Yorkshire LS29 0PD, UK
| | - James Grinham
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK
| | - Maria Angeles Herrero
- Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK
| | - Ronex Omolo
- Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK
| | - Isabel Douterelo
- Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK.
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Hart JJ, Jamison MN, Porter AM, McNair JN, Szlag DC, Rediske RR. Fecal Impairment Framework, A New Conceptual Framework for Assessing Fecal Contamination in Recreational Waters. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 73:443-456. [PMID: 37658902 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-023-01878-x] [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: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Fecal pollution of surface water is a pervasive problem that negatively affects waterbodies concerning both public health and ecological functions. Current assessment methods monitor fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) to identify pollution sources using culture-based quantification and microbial source tracking (MST). These types of information assist stakeholders in identifying likely sources of fecal pollution, prioritizing them for remediation, and choosing appropriate best management practices. While both culture-based quantification and MST are useful, they yield different kinds of information, potentially increasing uncertainty in prioritizing sources for management. This study presents a conceptual framework that takes separate human health risk estimates based on measured MST and E. coli concentrations as inputs and produces an estimate of the overall fecal impairment risk as its output. The proposed framework is intended to serve as a supplemental screening tool for existing monitoring programs to aid in identifying and prioritizing sites for remediation. In this study, we evaluated the framework by applying it to two primarily agricultural watersheds and several freshwater recreational beaches using existing routine monitoring data. Based on a combination of E. coli and MST results, the proposed fecal impairment framework identified four sites in the watersheds as candidates for remediation and identified temporal trends in the beach application. As these case studies demonstrate, the proposed fecal impairment framework is an easy-to-use and cost-effective supplemental screening tool that provides actionable information to managers using existing routine monitoring data, without requiring specialized expertize.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J Hart
- Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute, 740 West Shoreline Dr, Muskegon, MI, 49441, USA.
| | - Megan N Jamison
- Department of Chemistry, Oakland University, 146 Library Dr., Rochester, MI, 48309, USA
- The Ohio State University, 281 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Alexis M Porter
- Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute, 740 West Shoreline Dr, Muskegon, MI, 49441, USA
| | - James N McNair
- Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute, 740 West Shoreline Dr, Muskegon, MI, 49441, USA
| | - David C Szlag
- Department of Chemistry, Oakland University, 146 Library Dr., Rochester, MI, 48309, USA
| | - Richard R Rediske
- Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute, 740 West Shoreline Dr, Muskegon, MI, 49441, USA
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Mangueina D, Awuah E, Fonteh MF, Antwi-Agyei P, Nadji ET. Assessment of current water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices in the third and ninth districts of N'Djamena, Chad. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2024; 22:414-435. [PMID: 38421634 PMCID: wh_2024_324 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2024.324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene in Chad's cities, especially N'Djamena, is a persistent and significant challenge. This study aimed to assess current practices in water, sanitation, and hygiene in N'Djamena's third and ninth districts. We surveyed 395 households, conducted water source identification, and analyzed seven water samples at the National Water Laboratory. Temperature, ammonium, total coliforms, and aerobic flora values exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Ammonium and temperature averaged 0.7 mg/L and 30.1-31.93 °C, respectively. Bacterial contamination (>100 MPN/100 mL) exceeded the WHO's 0 MPN/100 mL guidelines, rendering the water unfit for consumption. Survey results indicate that 78.7% use hand pumps, 21.1% have tap water access, and 0.2% rely on rivers for water. Regarding toilets, 92.8% have traditional models, 2.9% have modern facilities, and 4.3% practice open defecation. 95% dispose of untreated wastewater into nature, with only 5% using septic tanks. For solid waste, 72% use illegal dumpsites, 18% rely on public services, and 10% burn waste. Finally, 95.5% of households wash their hands with clean water and soap after using the toilet. It is crucial to treat drinking water and implement proper hygiene and sanitation measures to safeguard the population's health in the studied area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Mangueina
- Regional Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability (RCEES), School of Engineering, University of Energy and Natural Resources, P.O. Box 214, Sunyani, Ghana; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), P.O. Box 214, Sunyani, Ghana E-mail:
| | - Esi Awuah
- Department of Civil Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Mathias Fru Fonteh
- College of Technology, University of Bamenda, P.O. Box 811, Mankon-Bamenda, Mezam Division, North West Region, Bamenda, Cameroon
| | - Prince Antwi-Agyei
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), P.O. Box 214, Sunyani, Ghana
| | - Emmanuel Tao Nadji
- Sub-Regional Institute of Statistics and Applied Economics, Yaoundé, Cameroon
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Bowen M, Farag IF, Main CR, Biddle JF. Reference library for microbial source tracking in the mid-Atlantic United States. Microbiol Resour Announc 2024; 13:e0067423. [PMID: 38032239 DOI: 10.1128/mra.00674-23] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial source tracking can determine fecal contamination but requires a relevant, sizable reference library for analysis. We provide a reference library of 100+ fecal microbiome samples relevant to mid-Atlantic United States ecosystems. Included are wild and domesticated fauna, wastewater, and septic samples applicable to Delaware source tracking studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malique Bowen
- School of Marine Science and Policy, University of Delaware , Lewes, Delaware, USA
| | - Ibrahim F Farag
- School of Marine Science and Policy, University of Delaware , Lewes, Delaware, USA
| | - Christopher R Main
- Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control , Dover, Delaware, USA
| | - Jennifer F Biddle
- School of Marine Science and Policy, University of Delaware , Lewes, Delaware, USA
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Saleem F, Li E, Edge TA, Tran KL, Schellhorn HE. Identification of potential microbial risk factors associated with fecal indicator exceedances at recreational beaches. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOME 2024; 19:4. [PMID: 38225663 PMCID: PMC10790499 DOI: 10.1186/s40793-024-00547-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fecal bacterial densities are proxy indicators of beach water quality, and beach posting decisions are made based on Beach Action Value (BAV) exceedances for a beach. However, these traditional beach monitoring methods do not reflect the full extent of microbial water quality changes associated with BAV exceedances at recreational beaches (including harmful cyanobacteria). This proof of concept study evaluates the potential of metagenomics for comprehensively assessing bacterial community changes associated with BAV exceedances compared to non-exceedances for two urban beaches and their adjacent river water sources. RESULTS Compared to non-exceedance samples, BAV exceedance samples exhibited higher alpha diversity (diversity within the sample) that could be further differentiated into separate clusters (Beta-diversity). For Beach A, Cyanobacterial sequences (resolved as Microcystis and Pseudanabaena at genus level) were significantly more abundant in BAV non-exceedance samples. qPCR validation supported the Cyanobacterial abundance results from metagenomic analysis and also identified saxitoxin genes in 50% of the non-exceedance samples. Microcystis sp and saxitoxin gene sequences were more abundant on non-exceedance beach days (when fecal indicator data indicated the beach should be open for water recreational purposes). For BAV exceedance days, Fibrobacteres, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, and Clostridium sequences were significantly more abundant (and positively correlated with fecal indicator densities) for Beach A. For Beach B, Spirochaetes (resolved as Leptospira on genus level) Burkholderia and Vibrio sequences were significantly more abundant in BAV exceedance samples. Similar bacterial diversity and abundance trends were observed for river water sources compared to their associated beaches. Antibiotic Resistance Genes (ARGs) were also consistently detected at both beaches. However, we did not observe a significant difference or correlation in ARGs abundance between BAV exceedance and non-exceedance samples. CONCLUSION This study provides a more comprehensive analysis of bacterial community changes associated with BAV exceedances for recreational freshwater beaches. While there were increases in bacterial diversity and some taxa of potential human health concern associated with increased fecal indicator densities and BAV exceedances (e.g. Pseudomonas), metagenomics analyses also identified other taxa of potential human health concern (e.g. Microcystis) associated with lower fecal indicator densities and BAV non-exceedances days. This study can help develop more targeted beach monitoring strategies and beach-specific risk management approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faizan Saleem
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W., Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Enze Li
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W., Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Thomas A Edge
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W., Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Kevin L Tran
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W., Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Herb E Schellhorn
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W., Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada.
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Ahmed W, Korajkic A, Smith WJ, Payyappat S, Cassidy M, Harrison N, Besley C. Comparing the decay of human wastewater-associated markers and enteric viruses in laboratory microcosms simulating estuarine waters in a temperate climatic zone using qPCR/RT-qPCR assays. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:167845. [PMID: 37879463 PMCID: PMC11070876 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the decay rates of wastewater-associated markers and enteric viruses in laboratory microcosms mimicking estuarine water environments in temperate Sydney, NSW, Australia using qPCR and RT-qPCR assays. The results demonstrated the reduction in concentrations of Bacteroides HF183, Lachnospiraceae Lachno3, cross-assembly phage (crAssphage), pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV), human adenovirus (HAdV 40/41), and enterovirus (EV) over a span of 42 days under spring/summer temperatures, presence/absence of microbiota, and different light conditions. The study found that HF183, Lachno3, crAssphage, PMMoV, HAdV 40/41, and EV exhibited varying decay rates depending on the experimental conditions. The average T90 values ranged from a few days to several months, indicating the rapid decay or prolonged persistence of these markers and enteric viruses in the estuarine environment. Furthermore, the study examined the effects of indigenous microbiota and spring/summer temperatures on wastewater-associated markers and enteric viruses decay rates. It was found that the presence of microbiota and temperature significantly influenced the decay rates of HF183 and PMMoV. Additionally, the study compared the effects of artificial sunlight and spring/summer temperatures on marker decay rates. Bacterial markers decayed faster than viral markers, although among viral markers crAssphage decay rates were relatively faster when compared to PMMoV. The exposure to artificial sunlight significantly accelerated the decay rates of bacterial markers, viral markers, and enteric viruses. Temperature also had an impact on the decay rates of Lachno3, crAssphage, and HAdV 40/41. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the decay rates of wastewater-associated markers and enteric viruses under different experimental conditions that mimicked temperate environmental conditions. The findings contribute to our understanding of the fate and persistence of these markers in the environment which is crucial for assessing and managing risks from contamination by untreated human wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Environment, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Asja Korajkic
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, 26W Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
| | - Wendy J Smith
- 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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Mao L, Kim C, Mustapha A, Zheng G. The host specificity of pilus gene traA in Escherichia coli and its use in tracking human fecal pollution. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167543. [PMID: 37804980 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167543] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
A reliable and accurate fecal source tracking (FST) approach is important in water quality management and preventing foodborne and waterborne diseases. In this study, a genetic marker of Escherichia coli (E. coli) was identified and utilized to differentiate between human and animal sources of fecal contamination. Nucleotide polymorphisms of 14 genes coding for cellular surface proteins, mainly fimbriae, were analyzed using the 22 draft genomes of E. coli strains from human and three domestic animal sources in Japan. A signature sequence, traAh, within the pilin gene traA, was found to be highly associated with E. coli of human origin. Subsequently, an end-point polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, namely PCR-Htra, was developed, specifically targeting traAh. The high association between traAh and E. coli of human origin was validated through the PCR-Htra amplification. This encompassed 1045 E. coli strains isolated from surface water, human feces or sewages, and feces from 12 animal species, including domestic and wild animals in the states of Missouri and Virginia in the United States of America (USA). The data suggested that the sensitivity and specificity of PCR-Htra assay were 49.0 % and 99.5 % respectively in distinguishing human-origin E. coli from nonhuman-source ones. Furthermore, the result of our in silico analysis of GenBank® data suggests that traAh may have a global distribution as the sequence was found in human-origin E. coli isolated from at least 14 countries around the world. Thus, the PCR-Htra may provide a new FST tool for rapid and accurate detection of human-origin E. coli, serving as a means to identify human fecal contamination in water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Mao
- Department of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Cooperative Research Program, Lincoln University in Missouri, Jefferson City, MO 65101, USA; Food Science Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Chyer Kim
- Agricultural Research Station, Virginia State University, 1 Hayden Dr, Petersburg, VA 23806, USA
| | - Azlin Mustapha
- Food Science Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Guolu Zheng
- Department of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Cooperative Research Program, Lincoln University in Missouri, Jefferson City, MO 65101, USA.
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Glassmeyer ST, Burns EE, Focazio MJ, Furlong ET, Gribble MO, Jahne MA, Keely SP, Kennicutt AR, Kolpin DW, Medlock Kakaley EK, Pfaller SL. Water, Water Everywhere, but Every Drop Unique: Challenges in the Science to Understand the Role of Contaminants of Emerging Concern in the Management of Drinking Water Supplies. GEOHEALTH 2023; 7:e2022GH000716. [PMID: 38155731 PMCID: PMC10753268 DOI: 10.1029/2022gh000716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
The protection and management of water resources continues to be challenged by multiple and ongoing factors such as shifts in demographic, social, economic, and public health requirements. Physical limitations placed on access to potable supplies include natural and human-caused factors such as aquifer depletion, aging infrastructure, saltwater intrusion, floods, and drought. These factors, although varying in magnitude, spatial extent, and timing, can exacerbate the potential for contaminants of concern (CECs) to be present in sources of drinking water, infrastructure, premise plumbing and associated tap water. This monograph examines how current and emerging scientific efforts and technologies increase our understanding of the range of CECs and drinking water issues facing current and future populations. It is not intended to be read in one sitting, but is instead a starting point for scientists wanting to learn more about the issues surrounding CECs. This text discusses the topical evolution CECs over time (Section 1), improvements in measuring chemical and microbial CECs, through both analysis of concentration and toxicity (Section 2) and modeling CEC exposure and fate (Section 3), forms of treatment effective at removing chemical and microbial CECs (Section 4), and potential for human health impacts from exposure to CECs (Section 5). The paper concludes with how changes to water quantity, both scarcity and surpluses, could affect water quality (Section 6). Taken together, these sections document the past 25 years of CEC research and the regulatory response to these contaminants, the current work to identify and monitor CECs and mitigate exposure, and the challenges facing the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan T. Glassmeyer
- U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyOffice of Research and DevelopmentCincinnatiOHUSA
| | | | - Michael J. Focazio
- Retired, Environmental Health ProgramEcosystems Mission AreaU.S. Geological SurveyRestonVAUSA
| | - Edward T. Furlong
- Emeritus, Strategic Laboratory Sciences BranchLaboratory & Analytical Services DivisionU.S. Geological SurveyDenverCOUSA
| | - Matthew O. Gribble
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental HealthRollins School of Public HealthEmory UniversityAtlantaGAUSA
| | - Michael A. Jahne
- U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyOffice of Research and DevelopmentCincinnatiOHUSA
| | - Scott P. Keely
- U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyOffice of Research and DevelopmentCincinnatiOHUSA
| | - Alison R. Kennicutt
- Department of Civil and Mechanical EngineeringYork College of PennsylvaniaYorkPAUSA
| | - Dana W. Kolpin
- U.S. Geological SurveyCentral Midwest Water Science CenterIowa CityIAUSA
| | | | - Stacy L. Pfaller
- U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyOffice of Research and DevelopmentCincinnatiOHUSA
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Denissen J, Reyneke B, Barnard T, Khan S, Khan W. Risk assessment of Enterococcus faecium, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in environmental water sources: Development of surrogate models for antibiotic resistance genes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 901:166217. [PMID: 37604372 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
The presence of Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium), Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), and the aminoglycoside resistance genes, aac(6')-Ib and aac(6')-aph(2″), was investigated in environmental water sources obtained from informal settlements in the Western Cape (South Africa). Using ethidium monoazide bromide quantitative polymerase chain reaction (EMA-qPCR) analysis, E. faecium, K. pneumoniae, and P. aeruginosa were detected in 88.9 %, 100 %, and 93.3 % of the samples (n = 45), respectively, with a significantly higher mean concentration recorded for K. pneumoniae (7.83 × 104 cells/100 mL) over the sampling period. The aac(6')-Ib gene was detected in 95.6 % (43/45) of the environmental water samples [mean concentration of 7.07 × 106 gene copies (GC)/100 mL], while the aac(6')-aph(2″) gene was detected in 100 % (n = 45) of the samples [mean concentration of 6.68 × 105 GC/100 mL]. Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) subsequently indicated that the risks posed by K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa were linked to intentional drinking, washing/bathing, cleaning of the home, and swimming, in the samples collected from the various sampling sites. Surrogate risk assessment models were then designed and applied for Gram-positive [aac(6')-aph(2″) gene] and Gram-negative [aac(6')-Ib gene] pathogens that may exhibit aminoglycoside resistance. The results indicated that only the Gram-negative pathogens posed a risk (>10-4) in all the samples for cleaning of the home and intentional drinking, as well as for washing laundry by hand, garden hosing, garden work, washing/bathing, accidental consumption, and swimming at the stream and marsh sites. Thus, while environmental waters may pose a health risk of exposure to pathogenic bacteria, the results obtained indicate that screening for antibiotic resistant genes, associated with multiple genera/species, could serve as a surrogate model for estimating risks with the target group under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Denissen
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
| | - Brandon Reyneke
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
| | - Tobias Barnard
- Water and Health Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 17011, Doornfontein 7305, South Africa
| | - Sehaam Khan
- Water and Health Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 17011, Doornfontein 7305, South Africa
| | - Wesaal Khan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa.
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Ren W, Feng Y. Persistence of human- and cattle-associated Bacteroidales and mitochondrial DNA markers in freshwater mesocosms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 899:165742. [PMID: 37487899 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165742] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Accurate identification of the origins of non-point source pollution is essential for the effective control of fecal pollution. Host-associated Bacteroidales and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers have been developed to identify the sources of human and cattle fecal pollution. However, the differences in persistence between these two types of markers under different environmental conditions are still poorly understood. Here, we conducted mesocosm experiments to investigate the influence of indigenous microbiota and nutrients on the decay of Bacteroidales and mtDNA markers associated with humans and cattle. Raw sewage or cattle feces were inoculated into mesocosms containing natural eutrophic water, sterile eutrophic water or artificial freshwater. The Bacteroidales markers HF183 (human) and CowM3 (cattle) and mtDNA markers HcytB (human) and QMIBo (cattle) were quantified using the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays. All markers but HF183 decreased the fastest in the presence of indigenous microbiota. Nutrients caused a decrease in the persistence of HF183; however, no significant nutrient effects were observed for HcytB, CowM3, and QMIBo. The time to reach one log reduction (T90) for HF183 and HcytB was similar; CowM3 reached T90 earlier than QMIBo in all the treatments but eutrophic water. E. coli persisted longer than both Bacteroidales and mtDNA markers in the mesocosms regardless of inoculum type. Additionally, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was used to determine the changes in bacterial communities accompanying the marker decay. Analysis using the SourceTracker software showed that bacterial communities in the mesocosms became more dissimilar to those in the corresponding inoculants over time. Our results indicate that environmental factors are important determinants of genetic markers' persistence, but their impact can vary depending on the genetic markers. The cattle Bacteroidales markers may be more suitable for determining recent fecal contamination than cattle mtDNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Ren
- Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Yucheng Feng
- Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
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Mao Y, Zeineldin M, Usmani M, Jutla A, Shisler JL, Whitaker RJ, Nguyen TH. Local and Environmental Reservoirs of Salmonella enterica After Hurricane Florence Flooding. GEOHEALTH 2023; 7:e2023GH000877. [PMID: 37928215 PMCID: PMC10624599 DOI: 10.1029/2023gh000877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
In many regions of the world, including the United States, human and animal fecal genetic markers have been found in flood waters. In this study, we use high-resolution whole genomic sequencing to examine the origin and distribution of Salmonella enterica after the 2018 Hurricane Florence flooding. We specifically asked whether S. enterica isolated from water samples collected near swine farms in North Carolina shortly after Hurricane Florence had evidence of swine origin. To investigate this, we isolated and fully sequenced 18 independent S. enterica strains from 10 locations (five flooded and five unflooded). We found that all strains have extremely similar chromosomes with only five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and possessed two plasmids assigned bioinformatically to the incompatibility groups IncFIB and IncFII. The chromosomal core genome and the IncFIB plasmid are most closely related to environmental Salmonella strains isolated previously from the southeastern US. In contrast, the IncFII plasmid was found in environmental S. enterica strains whose genomes were more divergent, suggesting the IncFII plasmid is more promiscuous than the IncFIB type. We identified 65 antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in each of our 18 S. enterica isolates. All ARGs were located on the Salmonella chromosome, similar to other previously characterized environmental isolates. All isolates with different SNPs were resistant to a panel of commonly used antibiotics. These results highlight the importance of environmental sources of antibiotic-resistant S. enterica after extreme flood events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Mao
- Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignILUrbanaUSA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic BiologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignILUrbanaUSA
| | - Mohamed Zeineldin
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic BiologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignILUrbanaUSA
| | - Moiz Usmani
- Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure & EnvironmentUniversity of FloridaFLGainesvilleUSA
| | - Antarpreet Jutla
- Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure & EnvironmentUniversity of FloridaFLGainesvilleUSA
| | - Joanna L. Shisler
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic BiologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignILUrbanaUSA
- Department of MicrobiologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignILUrbanaUSA
| | - Rachel J. Whitaker
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic BiologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignILUrbanaUSA
- Department of MicrobiologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignILUrbanaUSA
| | - Thanh H. Nguyen
- Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignILUrbanaUSA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic BiologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignILUrbanaUSA
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaILUSA
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Zhang Z, Qi J, Yu Q, Wang S, Wang H. Fecal-related anthropogenic sources are key determinants of lake microbiomes through microbial source tracking. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 336:122507. [PMID: 37673318 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Lake microbiomes are essential indicators of lake health and are strongly influenced by allochthonous microbial communities from various sources within the watershed. However, quantifying the contributions of multiple inputs to lake microbiomes is challenging because of the complex nature of river‒lake systems and the presence of many untraceable sources. Here, Jianhu Lake‒‒a geographically simple and closed plateau lake in southwestern China, was surveyed to disentangle the contributions of five distinct sources (three input rivers that receive town sewage, stormwater runoff, and creek spring water, as well as two nonpoint sources, duck ponds and dry farmland) to the overall lake microbiomes. We found that feces-loading sources, namely town sewage and duck aquaculture, accounted for 48.7% of the total variations in lake microbiomes. In contrast, the combined contribution of the remaining three sources amounted to 13.21%, despite these less-influential sources (e.g., stormwater runoff) may introduce an even larger volume of allochthonous materials into the lake. In addition, approximately 38.1% of the variations in the lake microbiomes were attributed to unknown sources. Sewage effluents also caused a significant loss of lake microbial diversity, and there was a tendency for large-scale microbial homogeneity in lake sediments that resembled those from duck ponds. We then used a targeted approach to track host-specific fecal pollution, and found that human feces were the primary source, followed by ruminant and chicken/duck feces, all of which can be successfully traced back to the feces-loading sources. In our further modelling of sediment transport from three rivers into the whole lake, we observed a significant relationship between sediment accumulation and adsorbed microorganisms only for the sewage-receiving river. Together, lines of evidence indicate that both point and nonpoint fecal-related anthropogenic sources possess discriminatory power for shaping microbial geographic patterns of the lake, posing threats to the survival of local indigenous lake microbiomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongfu Zhang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Plateau Wetland Conservation, Restoration and Ecological Services, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, 650224, People's Republic of China; Yunnan Key Laboratory for Integrative Conservation of Plant Species with Extremely Small Populations, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinfeng Qi
- Department of Economic Plants and Biotechnology, Yunnan Key Laboratory for Wild Plant Resources, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingguo Yu
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Plateau Wetland Conservation, Restoration and Ecological Services, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, 650224, People's Republic of China
| | - Shenglong Wang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Plateau Wetland Conservation, Restoration and Ecological Services, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, 650224, People's Republic of China
| | - Hang Wang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Plateau Wetland Conservation, Restoration and Ecological Services, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, 650224, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, People's Republic of China.
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Shahirnia M, Vidrio-Sahagún CT, He J, Valeo C, van Duin B, Beaudry M, Neumann NF. Land use and rainfall influences on bacterial levels and sources in stormwater ponds. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:112236-112251. [PMID: 37831263 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30264-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Urban stormwater runoff is a known source of microbial contamination of stormwater ponds. However, less is known about the influences of land use and rainfall on microbial quality over time in these receiving waters. In this study, two fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), namely Escherichia coli and thermotolerant coliforms, were monitored in three stormwater ponds in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The stormwater ponds were selected due to their potential as water sources for beneficial uses such as irrigation, which requires lower water quality than drinking water, thereby alleviating the pressure on the city's potable water demands. The selected stormwater ponds vary in size and shape, contribution catchment size, and percentages of several primary land use types. Microbial source tracking for human, dog, seagull, Canada goose, ruminant, and muskrat was also conducted to determine sources of bacterial contamination in the stormwater ponds. Sampling was conducted near the pond surface and adjacent to the shoreline, specifically near the outfalls that discharge stormwater runoff into the ponds and the inlets that convey water out of the ponds. Overall, the FIB concentrations in the vicinity of pond outfalls were significantly or relatively higher than those near pond inlets. The contamination in the McCall Lake and the Country Hills stormwater ponds showed higher amounts of human markers (40 to 60%) compared to the Inverness stormwater pond (< 20%), which coincided with their higher FIB concentration medians. The results revealed that stormwater drained from catchments with a higher percentage of commercial land use was more contaminated than those with primary residential land use, while the impacts of residential development on the FIB levels in the Inverness stormwater pond were not obvious. Furthermore, FIB concentrations in the ponds increased in response to both rain events and inter-event dry periods, with human-specific markers being predominant despite the high levels of animal markers during inter-event dry periods. Human-origin sources might be among the main microbial loading contributors in the pond catchments in general. All these findings can inform the development or improvement of measures for mitigating microbial pollution, strategies for reusing stormwater, and maintenance programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Shahirnia
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | | | - Jianxun He
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Caterina Valeo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Bert van Duin
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
- City of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Megan Beaudry
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Norman F Neumann
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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Liu Z, Lin Y, Ge Y, Zhu Z, Yuan J, Yin Q, Liu B, He K, Hu M. Meta-analysis of microbial source tracking for the identification of fecal contamination in aquatic environments based on data-mining. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 345:118800. [PMID: 37591102 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118800] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Microbial source tracking (MST) technology represents an innovative approach employed to trace fecal contamination in environmental water systems. The performance of primers may be affected by amplification techniques, target primer categories, and regional differences. To investigate the influence of these factors on primer recognition performance, a meta-analysis was conducted on the application of MST in water environments using three databases: Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed (n = 2291). After data screening, 46 studies were included in the final analysis. The investigation encompassed Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)/quantitative PCR (qPCR) methodologies, dye-based (SYBR)/probe-based (TaqMan) techniques, and geographical differences of a human host-specific (HF183) primer and other 21 additional primers. The results indicated that the primers analyzed were capable of differentiating host specificity to a certain degree. Nonetheless, by comparing sensitivity and specificity outcomes, it was observed that virus-based primers exhibited superior specificity and recognition capacity, as well as a stronger correlation with human pathogenicity in water environments compared to bacteria-based primers. This finding highlights an important direction for future advancements. Moreover, within the same category, qPCR did not demonstrate significant benefits over conventional PCR amplification methods. In comparing dye-based and probe-based techniques, it was revealed that the probe-based method's advantage lay primarily in specificity, which may be associated with the increased propensity of dye-based methods to produce false positives. Furthermore, the heterogeneity of the HF183 primer was not detected in China, Canada, and Singapore respectively, indicating a low likelihood of regional differences. The variation among the 21 other primers may be attributable to regional differences, sample sources, detection techniques, or alternative factors. Finally, we identified that economic factors, climatic conditions, and geographical distribution significantly influence primer performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zejun Liu
- School of Civil Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510070, China
| | - Yingying Lin
- School of Civil Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, China
| | - Yanhong Ge
- Guangdong Infore Technology Co., Ltd, Foshan, 528322, China
| | - Ziyue Zhu
- School of Civil Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, China
| | - Jinlong Yuan
- School of Civil Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, China
| | - Qidong Yin
- School of Civil Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, China
| | - Bingjun Liu
- School of Civil Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, China
| | - Kai He
- School of Civil Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, China.
| | - Maochuan Hu
- School of Civil Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510070, China.
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Ahmed W, Payyappat S, Cassidy M, Harrison N, Besley C. Reduction of human fecal markers and enteric viruses in Sydney estuarine waters receiving wet weather overflows. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 896:165008. [PMID: 37348731 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165008] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
The current microbial source tracking (MST) study tracked the reduction of the culturable fecal indicator bacteria enterococci, four human fecal markers (Bacteroides HF183, Lachnospiraceae Lachno3, cross-assembly phage (CrAssphage) and pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV)) along with four enteric viruses - human adenovirus 40/41 (HAdV 40/41), enterovirus (EV), human norovirus GI (HNoV GI) and GII (HNoV GII) post wet weather overflows (WWOs) at two estuarine water sites from two depths under separate six-day sampling campaigns over seven and 12 days in Sydney, NSW, Australia. Neither HNoV GI nor GII was detected, while 13.9 % (10/72) of estuarine water samples had detections of EV. Quantifiable concentrations (0.64 to 2.00 log10 gene copies (GC)/100 mL) for HAdV 40/41 were returned from 65.2 % (47/72) of samples collected across the two sites and two depths with 30 quantifications recorded in the surface layer samples. In contrast the presence of HF183, Lachno3, CrAssphage, and PMMoV markers was observed in all 36 (100 %) estuarine water samples collected from the surface layer from both sites. Detection frequencies of these markers were slightly lower at 1 m above the bottom surface. The concentrations of the human fecal markers were compared to established gastrointestinal (GI) risk benchmarks. The concentrations of HF183, Lachno3 and CrAssphage marker only exceeded the GI risk benchmark until day 3, while concentrations of PMMoV marker were indicative of exceedance of the GI risk benchmark on day 7 post WWOs that was much longer than indicated by culturable enterococci concentrations that were within this GI risk benchmark by day 2 and day 4 for the two sites, respectively.
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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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Gitter A, Gidley M, Mena KD, Ferguson A, Sinigalliano C, Bonacolta A, Solo-Gabriele H. Integrating microbial source tracking with quantitative microbial risk assessment to evaluate site specific risk based thresholds at two South Florida beaches. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1210192. [PMID: 37901823 PMCID: PMC10602684 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1210192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) can be used to evaluate health risks associated with recreational beach use. This study developed a site-specific risk assessment using a novel approach that combined quantitative PCR-based measurement of microbial source tracking (MST) genetic markers (human, dog, and gull fecal bacteria) with a QMRA analysis of potential pathogen risk. Water samples (n = 24) from two recreational beaches were collected and analyzed for MST markers as part of a broader Beach Exposure And Child Health Study that examined child behavior interactions with the beach environment. We report here the measurements of fecal bacteria MST markers in the environmental DNA extracts of those samples and a QMRA analysis of potential health risks utilizing the results from the MST measurements in the water samples. Human-specific Bacteroides was enumerated by the HF183 Taqman qPCR assay, gull-specific Catellicoccus was enumerated by the Gull2 qPCR assay, and dog-specific Bacteroides was enumerated by the DogBact qPCR assay. Derived reference pathogen doses, calculated from the MST marker concentrations detected in recreational waters, were used to estimate the risk of gastrointestinal illness for both children and adults. Dose-response equations were used to estimate the probability of the risk of infection (Pinf) per a swimming exposure event. Based on the QMRA simulations presented in this study, the GI risk from swimming or playing in water containing a mixture of human and non-human fecal sources appear to be primarily driven by the human fecal source. However, the estimated median GI health risk for both beaches never exceeded the U.S. EPA risk threshold of 32 illnesses per 1,000 recreation events. Our research suggests that utilizing QMRA together with MST can further extend our understanding of potential recreational bather risk by identifying the source contributing the greatest risk in a particular location, therefore informing beach management responses and decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Gitter
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center Houston School of Public Health, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Maribeth Gidley
- Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
- Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Kristina D. Mena
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center Houston School of Public Health, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Alesia Ferguson
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC, United States
| | - Christopher Sinigalliano
- Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Anthony Bonacolta
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Helena Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States
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46
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Basili M, Perini L, Zaggia L, Luna GM, Quero GM. Integrating culture-based and molecular methods provides an improved assessment of microbial quality in a coastal lagoon. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 334:122140. [PMID: 37414126 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Faecal pollution in aquatic environments is a worldwide public health concern, yet the reliability and comprehensiveness of the methods used to assess faecal contamination are still debated. We compared three approaches, namely a culture-based method to enumerate Faecal Indicator Bacteria (FIB), a FIB-targeting qPCR assay, and High-Throughput Sequencing (HTS) to detect faeces- and sewage-associated taxa in water and sediment samples of an impacted model lagoon and its adjacent sea across one year. Despite at different levels, all approaches agreed in showing a higher contamination in the lagoon than in the sea, and higher in sediments than water. FIB significantly correlated when considering separately sediment and water, and when using both cultivation and qPCR. Similarly, FIB correlated between cultivation and qPCR, but qPCR provided consistently higher estimates of FIB. Faeces-associated bacteria positively correlated with cultivated FIB in both compartments, whereas sewage-associated bacteria did only in water. Considering their benefits and limitations, we conclude that, in our study site, improved quali-quantitative information on contamination is provided when at least two approaches are combined (e.g., cultivation and qPCR or HTS data). Our results provide insights to move beyond the use of FIB to improve faecal pollution management in aquatic environments and to incorporate HTS analysis into routine monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Basili
- CNR IRBIM, National Research Council - Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies, Largo Fiera della Pesca, 60125, Ancona, Italy
| | - Laura Perini
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Luca Zaggia
- CNR IGG, National Research Council - Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources, Via G. Gradenigo 6, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Gian Marco Luna
- CNR IRBIM, National Research Council - Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies, Largo Fiera della Pesca, 60125, Ancona, Italy
| | - Grazia Marina Quero
- CNR IRBIM, National Research Council - Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies, Largo Fiera della Pesca, 60125, Ancona, Italy.
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Hill ER, Chun CL, Hamilton K, Ishii S. High-Throughput Microfluidic Quantitative PCR Platform for the Simultaneous Quantification of Pathogens, Fecal Indicator Bacteria, and Microbial Source Tracking Markers. ACS ES&T WATER 2023; 3:2647-2658. [PMID: 37593240 PMCID: PMC10428101 DOI: 10.1021/acsestwater.3c00169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Contamination of water with bacterial, viral, and protozoan pathogens can cause human diseases. Both humans and nonhumans can release these pathogens through their feces. To identify the sources of fecal contamination in the water environment, microbial source tracking (MST) approaches have been developed; however, the relationship between MST markers and pathogens is still not well understood most likely due to the lack of comprehensive datasets of pathogens and MST marker concentrations. In this study, we developed a novel microfluidic quantitative PCR (MFQPCR) platform for the simultaneous quantification of 37 previously validated MST markers, two fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), 22 bacterial, 11 viral, and five protozoan pathogens, and three internal amplification/process controls in many samples. The MFQPCR chip was applied to analyze pathogen removal rates during the wastewater treatment processes. In addition, multiple host-specific MST markers, FIB, and pathogens were successfully quantified in human and avian-impacted surface waters. While the genes for pathogens were relatively infrequently detected, positive correlations were observed between some potential pathogens such as Clostridium perfringens and Mycobacterium spp., and human MST markers. The MFQPCR chips developed in this study, therefore, can provide useful information to monitor and improve water quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth R Hill
- Water Resource Science Graduate Program, University of Minnesota, 173 McNeal Hall, 1985 Buford Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108, United States
| | - Chan Lan Chun
- Water Resource Science Graduate Program, University of Minnesota, 173 McNeal Hall, 1985 Buford Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108, United States
- Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota, 5013 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, Minnesota 55811, United States
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Minnesota, 221 Swenson Civil Engineering, 1405 University Drive, Duluth, Minnesota 55812, United States
| | - Kerry Hamilton
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, 660 S. College Avenue, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
- Biodesign Center for Environmental Health Engineering, Arizona State University, 727 E. Tyler Street, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
| | - Satoshi Ishii
- Water Resource Science Graduate Program, University of Minnesota, 173 McNeal Hall, 1985 Buford Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108, United States
- BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, 140 Gortner Laboratory, 1479 Gortner Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108, United States
- Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, University of Minnesota, 439 Borlaug Hall, 1991 Upper Buford Circle, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108, United States
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48
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Caetano S, Correia C, Vidal AFT, Matos A, Ferreira C, Cravo A. Fate of microbial contamination in a South European Coastal Lagoon (Ria Formosa) under the influence of treated effluents dispersal. J Appl Microbiol 2023; 134:lxad166. [PMID: 37516448 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxad166] [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: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
AIM Assessment of the fate of microbial contamination driven from treated wastewater disposal at a highly productive zone on a South European coastal lagoon (Ria Formosa). METHODS AND RESULTS Microbial indicators of contamination (Total coliforms, Escherichia coli, and Enterococci) were evaluated monthly during September 2018-September 2020 at three study areas (Faro, Olhão, and Tavira) under different wastewater discharge flows and hydrodynamic conditions. Additional data on E. coli monitoring in bivalves, available from the national institution responsible for their surveillance was also considered. The maximum microbial contamination was found at Faro, the highest-load and less-flushed study area, contrasting the lowest contamination at Olhão, a lower-load and strongly flushed area. The wastewater impact decreased along the spatial dispersal gradients and during high water, particularly at Faro and Tavira study areas, due to a considerable dilution effect. Microbial contamination at Olhão increased during the summer, while at the other study areas seasonal evidence was not clear. Data also indicate that E. coli in bivalves from bivalve production zones next to the three study areas reflected the differentiated impact of the wastewater treatment plants effluents on the water quality of those areas. CONCLUSIONS Effluent loads together with local hydrodynamics, water temperature, solar radiation, precipitation, and land runoff as well as seabirds populations and environmentally adapted faecal or renaturelized bacterial communities, contributed to microbial contamination of the study areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Caetano
- CIMA, Centre of Marine and Environmental Research/ARNET-Infrastructure Network in Aquatic Research, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8000-139 Faro, Portugal
- School of Health (ESS), University of Algarve, Escola Superior de Saúde da Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Edifício 1, Piso 3, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Cátia Correia
- CIMA, Centre of Marine and Environmental Research/ARNET-Infrastructure Network in Aquatic Research, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8000-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Ana Flor Torres Vidal
- CIMA, Centre of Marine and Environmental Research/ARNET-Infrastructure Network in Aquatic Research, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8000-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - André Matos
- CIMA, Centre of Marine and Environmental Research/ARNET-Infrastructure Network in Aquatic Research, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8000-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Cristina Ferreira
- CIMA, Centre of Marine and Environmental Research/ARNET-Infrastructure Network in Aquatic Research, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8000-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Alexandra Cravo
- CIMA, Centre of Marine and Environmental Research/ARNET-Infrastructure Network in Aquatic Research, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8000-139 Faro, Portugal
- Sciences and Technology Faculty (FCT), University of Algarve, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Campus de Gambelas, Edifício 7, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
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49
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Tornabene BJ, Smalling KL, Givens CE, Oja EB, Hossack BR. Energy-related wastewater contamination alters microbial communities of sediment, water, and amphibian skin. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 880:163160. [PMID: 37003337 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
To inform responsible energy development, it is important to understand the ecological effects of contamination events. Wastewaters, a common byproduct of oil and gas extraction, often contain high concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl) and heavy metals (e.g., strontium and vanadium). These constituents can negatively affect aquatic organisms, but there is scarce information for how wastewaters influence potentially distinct microbiomes in wetland ecosystems. Additionally, few studies have concomitantly investigated effects of wastewaters on the habitat (water and sediment) and skin microbiomes of amphibians or relationships among these microbial communities. We sampled microbiomes of water, sediment, and skin of four larval amphibian species across a gradient of chloride contamination (0.04-17,500 mg/L Cl) in the Prairie Pothole Region of North America. We detected 3129 genetic phylotypes and 68 % of those phylotypes were shared among the three sample types. The most common shared phylotypes were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes. Salinity of wastewaters increased dissimilarity within all three microbial communities, but not the diversity or richness of water and skin microbial communities. Strontium was associated with lower diversity and richness of sediment microbial communities, but not those of water or amphibian skin, likely because metal deposition occurs in sediment when wetlands dry. Based on Bray Curtis distance matrices, sediment microbiomes were similar to those of water, but neither had substantial overlap with amphibian microbiomes. Species identity was the strongest predictor of amphibian microbiomes; frog microbiomes were similar but differed from that of the salamander, whose microbiome had the lowest richness and diversity. Understanding how effects of wastewaters on the dissimilarity, richness, and diversity of microbial communities also influence the ecosystem function of communities will be an important next step. However, our study provides novel insight into the characteristics of, and associations among, different wetland microbial communities and effects of wastewaters from energy production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Tornabene
- U.S. Geological Survey, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Missoula, MT 59812, USA.
| | - Kelly L Smalling
- U.S. Geological Survey, New Jersey Water Science Center, 3450 Princeton Pike, Suite 110, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648, USA
| | - Carrie E Givens
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, 5840 Enterprise Drive, Lansing, MI 48911, USA
| | - Emily B Oja
- U.S. Geological Survey, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
| | - Blake R Hossack
- U.S. Geological Survey, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Missoula, MT 59812, USA; Wildlife Biology Program, W. A. Franke College of Forestry & Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
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50
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Bridgemohan RSH, Deitch MJ, Gebremicael T, Whiles MR, Wilson PC, Bachoon D, Tharpe I. Environmental risk assessment for fecal contamination sources in urban and peri-urban estuaries, in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, FL, USA. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:867. [PMID: 37341799 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11478-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Fecal pollution of estuaries and adjacent creeks and streams is of significant concern along the Gulf of Mexico. The prospective threat to human life and water quality impairment via fecal pollution is a substantial danger to the strength and resistance of coastline areas. Pensacola, FL, has a prosperous coastal tourism industry that is utilized for numerous other uses, such as recreational watersports and boating, seafood, and shellfish harvesting. However, the frequency and severity of fecal contamination present possible socio-economic issues, specifically financial hardships. Therefore, understanding the source, abundance, and fate of fecal microbial pollutants in aquatic systems signifies an imperative initial stage for detecting the host sources and techniques to lessen their transport from the landscape. This research aimed to quantify the fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), Escherichia coli, and perform microbiological fecal source tracking to verify if the fecal inputs are of either animal or human host origin. Surface water samples were taken from urban and peri-urban creeks for two sampling periods (February 2021 and January 2022), and IDEXX Colilert-18 (USEPA Standard Method 9223) was used for E. coli enumeration. DNA extractions were obtained from each sample, and quantitative PCR was utilized for fecal microbial source tracking (MST) to detect human, dog, ruminant, and bird host-specific Bacteroides DNA. The result indicates elevated quantities of FIB, E. coli, that surpass the threshold considered safe regarding human health. E. coli at six sites over the two sampling periods exceeded the impairment threshold, reaching as high as 866.4 MPN/100 ml. Fecal source tracking identified human host fecal contamination at four of nine sites, dogs at three of nine, and birds at one site. However, those sites with sources identified via MST all had E. coli levels below impairment thresholds. No sites were determined to be positive for ruminant as a source or for the pathogen Helicobacter pylori. No canine host fecal inputs were found in January 2022, and only one site with human sewage. Our results highlight the utility of MST in assessing bacterial inputs to water bodies and the challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronell S H Bridgemohan
- Soil and Water Sciences Department, IFAS/West Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 5988 Hwy 90, Building 4900, Milton, FL, 32583, USA.
- , Pensacola, USA.
| | - Matthew J Deitch
- Soil and Water Sciences Department, IFAS/West Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 5988 Hwy 90, Building 4900, Milton, FL, 32583, USA
| | - Tesfay Gebremicael
- Soil and Water Sciences Department, IFAS/West Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 5988 Hwy 90, Building 4900, Milton, FL, 32583, USA
| | - Matthew R Whiles
- Soil and Water Sciences Department, University of Florida, 2181 McCarty Hall, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - P Christopher Wilson
- Soil and Water Sciences Department, University of Florida, 2181 McCarty Hall, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Dave Bachoon
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Georgia College and State University, Campus Box 81, Milledgeville, GA, 31061-0490, USA
| | - Israel Tharpe
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Georgia College and State University, Campus Box 81, Milledgeville, GA, 31061-0490, USA
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