The microbial status of natural waters in a protected wilderness area

Faecal Coliform Levels in Mountain Streams of Winter Recreation Zones in the Cairngorms National Park, Scotland

“…In conjunction with the findings of McDonald et al (2008), these data not only indicate where E. coli occur, but also offer an insight into the patterns that would be seen throughout a typical Cairngorm year. During both winter seasons, a pattern seems to have emerged, which shows that no E. coli were detected above 635 m. An important caveat, however, is that the data may be recording the 'disappearance' and not the 'die off' of bacteria (Foppen & Schijven 2006).…”

“…In that study, samples were collected between March and October, and McDonald et al suggested that wild camping activity in the study area might have affected bacterial levels. Whilst it is tempting to compare our data with those reported by McDonald et al (2008) There could be several reasons for the detection of E. coli at sites 8-10. The presence of tourist and visitor infrastructure could be influential.…”

“…This does not necessarily mean that E. coli were not present; it could be that any contaminated water bypassed the sampling location during flush events, which occurred between the monthly sampling times. In comparison, McDonald et al (2008) presented E. coli detection rates for the Mar Lodge Estate, Cairngorms, where % detection for E. coli ranged from 59% to 93%. In that study, samples were collected between March and October, and McDonald et al suggested that wild camping activity in the study area might have affected bacterial levels.…”

“…Previous research has reported the microbial status of watercourses in remote areas for example: Schueler (2000); Foppen and Schijven (2006); Kay et al (2008) and McDonald et al (2008). Youn-Joo and Breindenbach (2005) for TC.…”

“…However, few data are available for specific upland recreational areas. This paper is a response to the work of Bryan (2002) and McDonald et al (2008), but focuses on the FC status of watercourses in the main winter recreation areas of the Northern Corries. Consequently, the aim of the study reported here is to establish the spatial distribution of stream water bacterial concentrations under a variety of winter recreational user intensities in the Northern Corries of the Cairngorms National Park.…”