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Capps KA, Bateman McDonald JM, Gaur N, Parsons R. Assessing the Socio-Environmental Risk of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems to Inform Management Decisions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:14843-14853. [PMID: 33190486 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c03909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Quantifying the risk that failing onsite waste treatment systems (OWTS), such as septic systems, present to human health and the environment is a key component in natural resource management. We integrated environmental and socio-demographic data to assess the potential environmental risk and environmental justice concerns related to septic infrastructure. We used this process to develop a framework that can be applied in other jurisdictions. We found only 8% of the registered OWTS presented potential environmental risk due to the topographic, hydrologic, or edaphic characteristics of their placement. In contrast, almost 70% of the OWTS presented potential environmental risk due to their age (25 years or older). Approximately 60% of the OWTS we estimated to be at risk from age or placement were found in census blocks with more than 30% of the population living below the poverty line, had a population that was more than 50% nonwhite, or was predominantly nonwhite and impoverished. Our work suggests that jurisdictions with limited information about septic infrastructure may be able to use geospatial data that they do have to predict the parcel-level locations of OWTS. These locations can then be used to inform environmental monitoring to proactively address environmental justice concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista A Capps
- Odum School of Ecology and the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, 140 E. Green Street, Athens, Georgia 30602-0002, United States
| | - Jacob M Bateman McDonald
- Institute for Environmental and Spatial Analysis, Watkins Academic Building, University of North Georgia, 3820 Mundy Mill Road, Gainesville, Georgia 30503-1358, United States
| | - Nandita Gaur
- Crop and Soil Sciences, University of Georgia, Carlton Street, Athens, Georgia 30602-0002, United States
| | - Rebecca Parsons
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, 140 E. Green Street, Athens, Georgia 30602-0002, United States
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Mattioli MC, Benedict KM, Murphy J, Kahler A, Kline KE, Longenberger A, Mitchell PK, Watkins S, Berger P, Shanks OC, Barrett CE, Barclay L, Hall AJ, Hill V, Weltman A. Identifying septic pollution exposure routes during a waterborne norovirus outbreak - A new application for human-associated microbial source tracking qPCR. J Microbiol Methods 2020; 180:106091. [PMID: 33137355 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2020.106091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In June 2017, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) was notified of multiple norovirus outbreaks associated with 179 ill individuals who attended separate events held at an outdoor venue and campground over a month period. Epidemiologic investigations were unable to identify a single exposure route and therefore unable to determine whether there was a persistent contamination source to target for exposure mitigation. Norovirus was detected in a fresh recreational water designated swimming area and a drinking water well. A hydrogeological site evaluation suggested a nearby septic leach field as a potential contamination source via ground water infiltration. Geological characterization revealed a steep dip of the bedrock beneath the septic leach field toward the well, providing a viral transport pathway in a geologic medium not previously documented as high risk for viral ground water contamination. The human-associated microbial source tracking (MST) genetic marker, HF183, was used as a microbial tracer to demonstrate the hydrogeological connection between the malfunctioning septic system, drinking water well, and recreational water area. Based on environmental investigation findings, venue management and local public health officials implemented a series of outbreak prevention strategies including discontinuing the use of the contaminated well, issuing a permit for a new drinking water well, increasing portable toilet and handwashing station availability, and promoting proper hand hygiene. Despite the outbreaks at the venue and evidence of ground water contamination impacting nearby recreational water and the drinking water well, no new norovirus cases were reported during a large event one week after implementing prevention practices. This investigation highlights a new application for human-associated MST methods to trace hydrological connections between multiple fecal pollutant exposure routes in an outbreak scenario. In turn, pollutant source information can be used to develop effective intervention practices to mitigate exposure and prevent future outbreaks associated with human fecal contaminated waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia C Mattioli
- Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA.
| | - Katharine M Benedict
- Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA
| | - Jennifer Murphy
- Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA
| | - Amy Kahler
- Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA
| | - Kelly E Kline
- Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, USA
| | - Allison Longenberger
- Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, USA
| | - Patrick K Mitchell
- Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, USA; Epidemic Intelligence Service, Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development, Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sharon Watkins
- Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, USA
| | - Philip Berger
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Orin C Shanks
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Catherine E Barrett
- Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA
| | - Leslie Barclay
- Viral Gastroenteritis Branch, Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA
| | - Aron J Hall
- Viral Gastroenteritis Branch, Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA
| | - Vincent Hill
- Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA
| | - Andre Weltman
- Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, USA
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Microbial Water Quality Conditions Associated with Livestock Grazing, Recreation, and Rural Residences in Mixed-Use Landscapes. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12125207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Contamination of surface waters with microbial pollutants from fecal sources is a significant human health issue. Identification of relative fecal inputs from the mosaic of potential sources common in rural watersheds is essential to effectively develop and deploy mitigation strategies. We conducted a cross-sectional longitudinal survey of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) concentrations associated with extensive livestock grazing, recreation, and rural residences in three rural, mountainous watersheds in California, USA during critical summer flow conditions. Overall, we found that 86% to 87% of 77 stream sample sites across the study area were below contemporary Escherichia coli-based microbial water quality standards. FIB concentrations were lowest at recreation sites, followed closely by extensive livestock grazing sites. Elevated concentrations and exceedance of water quality standards were highest at sites associated with rural residences, and at intermittently flowing stream sites. Compared to national and state recommended E. coli-based water quality standards, antiquated rural regional policies based on fecal coliform concentrations overestimated potential fecal contamination by as much as four orders of magnitude in this landscape, hindering the identification of the most likely fecal sources and thus the efficient targeting of mitigation practices to address them.
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Campos CJA, Goblick G, Lee R, Wittamore K, Lees DN. Determining the zone of impact of norovirus contamination in shellfish production areas through microbiological monitoring and hydrographic analysis. WATER RESEARCH 2017; 124:556-565. [PMID: 28810227 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2017.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Norovirus (NoV) contamination of filter feeding bivalve shellfish is a well-recognised human health threat when shellfish are grown in sewage polluted waters. To date, the identification of high risk zones around sewage discharges in shellfish production areas (SPAs) has not been based on NoV data. This study utilised molecular methods for NoV analysis, combined with hydrographic studies, to determine the relationship between NoV concentrations in shellfish and sewage effluent dilution. Cages with mussels and oysters were placed at different distances downstream of sewage discharges in two coastal sites in England. The shellfish were tested for concentrations of NoV (genogroups I and II) and E. coli. Drogue tracking and dye tracing studies were conducted to quantify the dispersion and dilution of sewage effluent in the SPAs. Significant negative associations were found between both total concentrations of NoV (GI + GII) and E. coli and sewage effluent dilution in the SPAs. The total NoV concentrations predicted by the model at 300:1, 1000:1 and 5000:1 ratios of estuarine water to sewage effluent were 1200; 600; and 200 copies/g, respectively. The estimated area of NoV contamination varied according with local pollution source impacts and hydrographic characteristics. The results help to inform the derivation of sewage discharge buffer zones as a control measure for mitigating risk from human NoV contamination in SPAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos J A Campos
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth Laboratory, Weymouth DT48UB, UK.
| | - Gregory Goblick
- US Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740-3835, USA
| | - Ron Lee
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth Laboratory, Weymouth DT48UB, UK; MicroSeaSafe, 33 Franklin Road, Weymouth DT4 0JW, UK
| | - Ken Wittamore
- Triskel Marine Ltd., 12 St Fimbarrus Road, Fowey PL23 1JJ, UK
| | - David N Lees
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth Laboratory, Weymouth DT48UB, UK
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Sowah RA, Habteselassie MY, Radcliffe DE, Bauske E, Risse M. Isolating the impact of septic systems on fecal pollution in streams of suburban watersheds in Georgia, United States. WATER RESEARCH 2017; 108:330-338. [PMID: 27847149 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2016.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Revised: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The presence of multiple sources of fecal pollution at the watershed level presents challenges to efforts aimed at identifying the influence of septic systems. In this study multiple approaches including targeted sampling and monitoring of host-specific Bacteroidales markers were used to identify the impact of septic systems on microbial water quality. Twenty four watersheds with septic density ranging from 8 to 373 septic units/km2 were monitored for water quality under baseflow conditions over a 3-year period. The levels of the human-associated HF183 marker, as well as total and ruminant Bacteroidales, were quantified using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Human-associated Bacteroidales yield was significantly higher in high density watersheds compared to low density areas and was negatively correlated (r = -0.64) with the average distance of septic systems to streams in the spring season. The human marker was also positively correlated with the total Bacteroidales marker, suggesting that the human source input was a significant contributor to total fecal pollution in the study area. Multivariable regression analysis indicates that septic systems, along with forest cover, impervious area and specific conductance could explain up to 74% of the variation in human fecal pollution in the spring season. The results suggest septic system impact through contributions to groundwater recharge during baseflow or failing septic system input, especially in areas with >87 septic units/km2. This study supports the use of microbial source tracking approaches along with traditional fecal indicator bacteria monitoring and land use characterization in a tiered approach to isolate the influence of septic systems on water quality in mixed-use watersheds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Sowah
- Crop and Soil Sciences, The University of Georgia Griffin Campus, 1109 Experiment St, Griffin, GA, 30223, USA.
| | - Mussie Y Habteselassie
- Crop and Soil Sciences, The University of Georgia Griffin Campus, 1109 Experiment St, Griffin, GA, 30223, USA
| | - David E Radcliffe
- Crop and Soil Sciences, The University of Georgia, 3111 Carlton St, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Ellen Bauske
- Center for Urban Agriculture, The University of Georgia Griffin Campus, 1109 Experiment St, Griffin, GA, 30223, USA
| | - Mark Risse
- The University of Georgia, Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, 1030 Chicopee Building, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
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Linking fecal bacteria in rivers to landscape, geochemical, and hydrologic factors and sources at the basin scale. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:10419-24. [PMID: 26240328 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1415836112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Linking fecal indicator bacteria concentrations in large mixed-use watersheds back to diffuse human sources, such as septic systems, has met limited success. In this study, 64 rivers that drain 84% of Michigan's Lower Peninsula were sampled under baseflow conditions for Escherichia coli, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron (a human source-tracking marker), landscape characteristics, and geochemical and hydrologic variables. E. coli and B. thetaiotaomicron were routinely detected in sampled rivers and an E. coli reference level was defined (1.4 log10 most probable number⋅100 mL(-1)). Using classification and regression tree analysis and demographic estimates of wastewater treatments per watershed, septic systems seem to be the primary driver of fecal bacteria levels. In particular, watersheds with more than 1,621 septic systems exhibited significantly higher concentrations of B. thetaiotaomicron. This information is vital for evaluating water quality and health implications, determining the impacts of septic systems on watersheds, and improving management decisions for locating, constructing, and maintaining on-site wastewater treatment systems.
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Humphrey C, Finley A, O'Driscoll M, Manda A, Iverson G. Groundwater and stream E. coli concentrations in coastal plain watersheds served by onsite wastewater and a municipal sewer treatment system. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2015; 72:1851-1860. [PMID: 26540548 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2015.411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The goal of this study was to determine if onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWS) were influencing groundwater and surface water Escherichia coli concentrations in a coastal plain watershed. Piezometers for groundwater monitoring were installed at four residences served by OWS and five residences served by a municipal wastewater treatment system (MWS). The residences were located in two different, but nearby (<3 km), watersheds. Effluent from the four septic tanks, groundwater from piezometers, and the streams draining the OWS and MWS watersheds were sampled on five dates between September 2011 and May 2012. Groundwater E. coli concentrations and specific conductivity were elevated within the flow path of the OWS and near the stream, relative to other groundwater sampling locations in the two watersheds. Groundwater discharge in the OWS watershed could be a contributor of E. coli to the stream because E. coli concentrations in groundwater at the stream bank and in the stream were similar. Stream E. coli concentrations were higher for the OWS in relation to MWS watersheds on each sampling date. Water quality could be improved by ensuring OWS are installed and operated to maintain adequate separation distances to water resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Humphrey
- Environmental Health Sciences Program, East Carolina University, 3408 Carol Belk Building, Greenville, NC 27858, USA E-mail:
| | - Algernon Finley
- Environmental Health Sciences Program, East Carolina University, 3400 Carol Belk Building Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Michael O'Driscoll
- Department of Geological Sciences, East Carolina University, 204 Graham, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Alex Manda
- Department of Geological Sciences, Institute for Coastal Science and Policy, East Carolina University, 387 Flanagan, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Guy Iverson
- Coastal Resources Management Program, East Carolina University, 379 Flanagan, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
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Sowah R, Zhang H, Radcliffe D, Bauske E, Habteselassie M. Evaluating the influence of septic systems and watershed characteristics on stream faecal pollution in suburban watersheds in Georgia, USA. J Appl Microbiol 2014; 117:1500-12. [DOI: 10.1111/jam.12614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Revised: 07/13/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. Sowah
- Crop and Soil Sciences; University of Georgia Griffin Campus; Griffin GA USA
| | - H. Zhang
- Crop and Soil Sciences; University of Georgia Griffin Campus; Griffin GA USA
| | - D. Radcliffe
- Crop and Soil Sciences; University of Georgia; Athens GA USA
| | - E. Bauske
- Georgia Center for Urban Agriculture; University of Georgia Griffin Campus; Griffin GA USA
| | - M.Y. Habteselassie
- Crop and Soil Sciences; University of Georgia Griffin Campus; Griffin GA USA
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Spatial Distribution of Fecal Indicator Bacteria in Groundwater beneath Two Large On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems. WATER 2014. [DOI: 10.3390/w6030602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Preliminary Study on the Effect of Wastewater Storage in Septic Tank on E. coli Concentration in Summer. WATER 2013. [DOI: 10.3390/w5031141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Conn K, Habteselassie M, Denene Blackwood A, Noble R. Microbial water quality before and after the repair of a failing onsite wastewater treatment system adjacent to coastal waters. J Appl Microbiol 2011; 112:214-24. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2011.05183.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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