Variation in the diversity of bacterial communities and potential sources of fecal contamination of beaches in the Huron to Erie corridor

Chaganti, Subba Rao; Plouff, Claire; Madani, Mohammad; Shahraki, Abdolrazagh Hashemi; Vasquez, Adrian A.; Seth, Rajesh; Heath, Daniel D.; Ram, Jeffrey L.

doi:10.1016/j.watres.2022.118913

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

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“…In fact, the variability of CFU data tracked on a weekly basis was substantial. This is likely not surprising as other studies have also shown high variability of FIB levels at freshwater beaches on a daily basis (Chaganti et al, 2022; McPhedran et al, 2013). These comparisons further highlight the inaccuracies of relying on DNA and culture‐based methods for waterborne pathogen assessments in recreational waters.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 60%

Microbe–sediment interactions in Great Lakes recreational waters: Implications for human health risk

VanMensel

Chaganti

Droppo

et al. 2023

Environmental Microbiology

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Microbial assessments of recreational water have traditionally focused on culturing or DNA‐based approaches of the planktonic water column, omitting influence from microbe–sediment relationships. Sediment (bed and suspended) has been shown to often harbour levels of bacteria higher than the planktonic phase. The fate of suspended sediment (SS) bacteria is extensively related to transport dynamics (e.g., deposition) of the associated sediment/floc. When hydraulic energy allows, SS will settle, introducing new (potentially pathogenic) organisms to the bed. With turbulence, including waves, currents and swimmers, the risk of human ingestion is elevated due to resuspension of bed sediment and associated microbes. This research used multiplex nanofluidic reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR on RNA of bacteria associated with bed and SS to explore the active bacteria in freshwater shorelines. Bacterial genes of human health concern regarding recreational water use were targeted, such as faecal indicator bacteria (FIB), microbial source tracking genes and virulence factors from waterborne pathogens. Results indicate avian sources (i.e., gulls, geese) to be the largest nonpoint source of FIB associated with sediment in Great Lakes shorelines. This research introduces a novel approach to microbial water quality assessments and enhances our understanding of microbe–sediment dynamics and the quality of freshwater beaches.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 60%