This review summarizes key studies published in 2011 related to the detection and occurrence of fecal indicators and pathogens. The first section is a summary of the key findings and developments in detection methods for fecal indicators using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), microarrays, label-free detection methods, isothermal amplification methods, immunoassays, microfluidics, and also advances in sample processing. The second section focuses on key studies in microbial source tracking (MST) and includes genotypic and phenotypic methods. The third section deals with studies on the occurrence, persistence and transport of conventional and alternative indicators.

This review summarizes the literature published in 2012 pertaining to the occurrence and detection of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) and pathogens. It is organized into the following sections: i) methods for the detection and quantification of waterborne fecal indicators and pathogens including polymerase chain reaction (PCR), isothermal amplification, label-free methods, microarrays, immunoassay-based methods, microfluidic-based methods, and advances in sample processing and concentration at the limit of detection (LOD), ii) microbial source tracking (MST) using both genotypic and phenotypic-based methods, iii) environmental occurrence, persistence, and transport of fecal indicators and pathogens.

This review summarizes some key literature published in 2013 that pertains to the detection and occurrence of pathogens and indicators of waterborne pathogens. Particular emphasis was placed on emerging detection methods that when fully developed may have an impact on the application of molecular tools to characterize the microbial quality of water. As such, this review is organized into the following topics: i) nucleic acids‐based detection methods, ii) sequencing‐based detection methods, iii) culturing combined to molecular methods, and iv) sample processing.

This review summarizes the studies related to detection and occurrence of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) and pathogens published during 2010. The first section of this review summarizes various detection methods for waterborne pathogens including endpoint, reverse transcriptase, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), microarrays, and immunoassays. Relevant literature on sample processing is also included. The second section focuses on phenotypic and genotypic methods for microbial source tracking. The third section summarizes studies related to occurrence, persistence, and transport with emphasis on microbial quality of recreational beaches and watersheds.