Relationship Between Fecal Indicators in Sediment and Recreational Waters in a Danish Estuary

The European Union has introduced a new bathing water directive where future classification of recreational waters will be based on the microbial parameters Escherichia coli, and intestinal enterococci. Introduction of enterococci as a new quality parameter may pose a challenge in some areas because relatively less is known about these organisms compared to E. coli. In the present study, the relative abundance of intestinal enterococci, E. coli, and ten fecal sterol and stanol biomarkers were investigated in water and sediment at two estuarine beach sites affected by fecal pollution. In the bathing water, enterococci were relatively more abundant at low E. coli concentrations. In the sediment, enterococci were generally more abundant than E. coli with surface concentrations between 1.0?×?10² and 4.5?×?10³ CFU cm^?3. Enterococci populations were relatively similar in water and sediment, and were phenotypically different from that of nearby pollution sources. The putative human specific genetic marker esp in Enterococcus faecium was not detected in water or sediment samples despite occasional inputs of human waste from storm water overflows. Sterol and stanol profiles suggested a direct link between water and sediment pollution profiles on days with wind conditions that facilitated resuspension. Sediment resuspension may occur at wind speeds exceeding 6–8 m s^?1, and could contribute significantly to enterococci concentrations in the overlying water. The study emphasized that recontamination of the water column due to wind induced resuspension should be considered when evaluating indicator levels and microbial hazards in estuarine recreational waters.     

Influence of Freshwater Sediment Characteristics on Persistence of Fecal Indicator Bacteria

Extended persistence of enteric bacteria in coastal sediments and potential remobilization of pathogens during natural turbulence or human activities may induce an increased risk of human infections. In this study, the effect of sediment characteristics such as particle grain size and nutrient and organic matter contents on the survival of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) including total coliforms, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus was investigated. The experimentation was carried out for 50 days in microcosms containing lake water and different contaminated freshwater sediments in continuous-flow and batch conditions. Results of this study revealed: (1) extended FIB survival in sediments up to 50 days, (2) higher growth and lower decay rates of FIB in sediments with high levels of organic matter and nutrients and small (mainly silt) grain size, and (3) longer survival of Enterococcus sp. compared to E. coli and total coliforms. FIB survival in sediments and possible resuspension are of considerable significance for the understanding of permanent microbial pollution in water column and therefore human risk during recreational activities.     

Development of Regression-Based Models to Predict Fecal Bacteria Numbers at Select Sites within the Illinois River Watershed, Arkansas and Oklahoma, USA

The Illinois River Watershed is a multi-facet basin with ecological and economic importance to its local stakeholders in northwest Arkansas and northeast Oklahoma, USA. The numbers, transport and sources of fecal bacteria in streams was identified as a research priority of the USDA NRI Water and Watershed Program in 2006, and the objective of this study was to evaluate the relation between fecal bacteria and other measured physicochemical parameters in water samples collected from selected sites throughout the Illinois River Watershed. An existing database (i.e., National Water Information Systems, NWIS) from the US Geological Survey (USGS) was used in this project. The data obtained includes discharge, pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, Escherichia coli (E. coli), fecal coliform, and fecal streptococci among several other physic-chemical parameters. A synthetic model, based on multi-regression analysis, was developed to predict fecal bacteria numbers at these selected sites based on available USGS NWIS data, and the multiple regressions were significant at almost every site for all three bacteria groups. However, the physicochemical parameters used in the equations were very different across sites and fecal bacteria groups, suggesting that the development of such predictive models is site and bacteria group specific even within one watershed.     

Transport Of Fecal Bacteria From Poultry Litter and Cattle Manures Applied to Pastureland

Land applications of manure from confined animal systems and direct deposit by grazing animals are both major sources of bacteria in streams. An understanding of the overland transport mechanisms from land applied waste is needed to improve design of best management practices (BMPs) and modeling of nonpoint source (NPS) pollution. Plots were established on pasturelands receiving phosphorus-based livestock waste applications to measure the concentrations of Escherichia coli (E. coli), fecal coliform (FC), and Enterococcus present in overland flow at the edge of the field. The flow-weighted bacteria concentrations were highest in runoff samples from the plots treated with cowpies (1.37×10⁵ colony forming units (cfu)/100 ml of E. coli) followed by liquid dairy manure (1.84×10⁴ cfu/100 ml of E. coli) and turkey litter (1.29×10⁴ cfu/100 ml of E. coli). The temporal distribution of fecal bacterial concentrations appeared to be dependent upon both the animal waste treatment and the indicator species, with peak concentrations occurring either at the beginning of the runoff event or during peak flow rates. BMPs could be selected to reduce peak flows or first flush effects depending upon the litter or manure applied to the land. The commercial Biolog System was used to identify the dominant species of Enterococcus present in the cowpie source manure (Enterococcus mundtii 55%) and in the runoff collected from the transport plots treated with cowpies (Enterococcus faecalis 37%). The identification of predominant species of Enterococcus that are associated with specific sources of fecal pollution could greatly assist with identifying the origins of NPS pollution.     

Fecal coliform and E. coli estimates,tip of the iceberg

Pure cultures of E. coli, Klebsiella and Enterobacter, obtained from hospital patients and from natural waters were tested for their growth patterns by spread plate and membrane filtration procedures at the following temperatures; 35°, 41.5°, 43°, 44.5°, and 35°C for 4 h followed by 18 h at 44.5°C. Results indicated that 44.5°C incubation produces the lowest population estimate and that the application of the membrane filtration technique also reduced the potential population. Three water samples collected during June, August and November were tested for fecal coliform and E. coli populations, with 11 different media (broth and agar) and incubation temperatures of 35°, 41.5°, 43°, 44.5°, and 35°C for 4 h followed by 18 h at 44.5°C. During the study, isolates were collected from all positive MPN tubes at each temperature and from each MF medium-temperature regime, 24 to 50 isolates were collected. From the isolate data corrected coliform (oxidase negative), fecal coliform and E. coli population estimates were made. A sample of feces was diluted in lake water and maintained at 20°C for 56 days. Samples were collected at various times and tested for fecal coliform densities using five media and the same temperature regime as for the lake water samples. Data from these studies indicate that, depending on the age of the population being measured, the temperature of the water sample, and the temperature-media-procedure combination used, fecal coliform and E. coli population estimate techniques measure from 5 to 100% of the potential population.     

Discharge of Escherichia Coli from Agricultural Surface and Subsurface Drainage Water: Tillage Effects

Drainage water from agricultural fields with applied manure can degrade the bacterial quality of surface and groundwater. The impact of conventional tillage (CT) and zero tillage (ZT) practices on Escherichia coli (E.coli) discharge through artificially drained soils is not well understood. Consequently, two field trials were conducted during 2002–2004. The first trial involved fall applications of beef manure while the second involved spring applications of dairy manure. Both surface and subsurface drainage water were monitored in the first trial while only subsurface drainage water was monitored in the second. Under fall applied beef manure (trial 1), no differences (p?>?0.05) were observed in E.coli concentrations (cfu/100 ml) in combined drainage water under both tillage systems. However, during 2003–2004, subsurface drainage water under ZT had higher E.coli concentrations and loads than drainage water under CT. When the combined (surface + subsurface) annual E.coli loads were considered, CT loads were greater than ZT during 2002–2003 with an opposite situation during 2003–2004. Overall, annual E.coli loads were similar under ZT (4.7?×?10¹⁰ cfu/ha) and CT (4.8?×?10¹⁰ cfu/ha). Spring dairy manure application (trial 2) produced significant (p?>?0.03) tillage effect on E.coli loads in subsurface drainage water only during the second year. During the study period, ZT plots (1.55?×?10¹⁰ cfu/ha) discharged 5× more E.coli than CT (0.23?×?10¹⁰ cfu/ha). A longer duration of ZT practices resulted in higher subsurface flow volumes and subsequently greater loads of E.coli discharge in both trials.     

Quantitatively tracing bacterial transport in saturated soil systems

Three isolates of Escherichia coli were labeled by their resistance to sodium azide and, separately, to novobiocin, nalidixic acid, and tetracycline. The strains exhibited a high degree of persistence in the soil environment and were recoverable on strain specific media at levels within the 95% confidence interval of the numbers covered on nonselective media. The E. coli strains were subsequently used to evaluate the events which would occur when a septic tank drainfield became submerged in a perched water table and effluentborne bacteria escaped into the groundwater. Field experiments were conducted by introducing the strains into horizontal lines installed into the A, B, and C horizons of a soil profile and transport was evaluated by collecting groundwater samples from 5 rows of piezometers (sampling six separate depth zones/row) located downslope from the injection lines. The major portion of subsurface transport of the bacterial populations occurred in specific zones in the soil profile and at an apparent maximum velocity of 17.0 cm min^?1. The maximum bacterial density in the groundwater, observed at each sampling distance downslope, was used to produce a mathematical relationship which described the overall decrease in numbers of organisms with increased distance through the soil. The potential health hazards which could occur by the subsurface transport of fecal organisms in relation to these experiments are discussed.     

Fecal Indicator and Pathogen Reduction in Vegetation Microcosms

Municipal wastewater has been applied as a fertilizer to coniferous forest in northern Sweden with the additional aims to purify the wastewater and reduce the treatment costs. This practice has the potential to introduce pathogenic microorganisms from the applied wastewater or sludge to the environment, with a subsequent risk of transmission to exposed humans or animals. Seasonality and climatological conditions, in particular low temperature, humidity and low sun intensity will furthermore affect the persistence of pathogens in the forest in northern Scandinavia and may therefore enhance the survival and thereby the exposure risk. The survival of two pathogens (Salmonella senftenberg and Campylobacter coli) and four fecal indicator organisms; bacteria strains (E. coli and E. fecalis) and bacteriophages (S. typhimurium phage 28 B and ?x174), used here as viral models, was evaluated in microcosms (60 Litre terrariums) with two vegetation regimes (characterized as moss and lichen) at selected temperatures (+3^?C to +27^?C) and artificial light exposure (light and dark). Salmonella persisted in high numbers after 35 days in the vegetation, indicating a potential risk for further transmission. Neither the vegetation regime nor temperature or light exposure as independent factors governed the reduction of the indicator bacteria and the bacteriophages. The persistence of the indicator organisms was generally best supported in the moss vegetation at low temperature in the dark, where the time for a 90% reduction (T₉₀) was in the range from 8 days (E. coli) to 31 days (Salmonella phage). The die-off characteristics found in this study provide baseline values for further validations in the field and verify that the purification and reuse of municipal wastewater in coniferous forest could potentially be responsible for transmission of fecal pathogens to humans and animals.     

Influence of pH on the elimination of fecal coliform bacteria in waste stabilization ponds

From the results of in vitro studies carried out on wastewater from a stabilization pond it can be concluded that pH values close to 9, as a single factor, do not play any essential role in the die-off of fecal coliform bacteria. The percentage of elmination that occurs in pond water inoculated with 1.1×10¹⁰ cells of E. coli mL^?1 where the pH is maintained at 8.2 (original pH) is 99.997%, a much greater reduction than that observed (94.1%) in distilled water inoculated with the same concentration of E. coli and where pH is increased up to 9.     

A comparison of fluorescein dye and antibiotic-resistantEscherichia coli as indicators of pollution in groundwater

Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of antibiotic-resistanceEscherichia coli and yellow fluorescein dye as tracers of subsurface water flow. These materials were released into three horizontal lines installed in the A, B, and C horizons of a western Oregon hillslope soil. Movement was evaluated by collecting groundwater samples from rows of modified piezometers (6 piezometers/row) placed at various depths and distances downslope from the injection lines. TheE. coli cells were transported rapidly through the experimental site and were recovered from piezometers 15 m dowslope only 1 h after inoculation while the rate by which the bacteria were moved was at least 1500 cm h^?1 in the B-horizon. The strains ofE. coli survived in large numbers for the duration of the 12 h sampling periods and appeared to be satisfactory as tracers of subsurface water flow. In contrast, the fluorescein dye was never visually detectable in any of the piezometers during any of the sampling periods although very small, residual amounts could be fluorometrically measured. The widespread use of dyes as water tracers and the potential for incorporating antibiotic-resistant fecal bacteria to this effect is discussed.     

The Influence of Sediment Sources and Hydrologic Events on the Nutrient and Metal Content of Fine-Grained Sediments (Attert River Basin, Luxembourg)

Nutrient (C, N and P) and metal (Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) content and dynamics of suspended and channel bed sediments were analysed within the rural Attert River basin (Luxembourg). This basin is representative of the main physiographic characteristics of the country, where there is currently little information available on the composition and dynamics of fluvial sediment. Stream bed fine-grained sediment samples (n?=?139) collected during low flow conditions and time-integrated suspended sediment samples (n?=?183) collected during storm runoff events (October 2005 to April 2008) in seven nested basins ranging from 0.45 to 247?km² were analysed. Nutrient and metal spatial patterns, temporal trends and the relationship between their content and storm runoff characteristics (e.g. maximum discharge and sediment concentration) were assessed. Results showed a high spatial and temporal variability, mainly associated with basin characteristics and local inputs. Higher values of total C were measured in the highly forested basins located in the northern part of the Attert River basin, whereas the highest values of total P were mainly associated with material coming from grassland and with the inflow of wastewater treatment plants (i.e. higher values of total P were measured in the southern part of the basin). The abundance of metals, not only in suspended but also in channel bed sediments, was generally as follows: Zn > Cr > Ni > Pb > Cu. Both nutrient and metal concentrations were at a maximum at the beginning of the wet season, after having been accumulated during the summer. These values tended to decrease during autumn and winter due to sediment mobilisation, and a higher flow capacity to transport coarser particle fractions from the sources. In general, concentrations of nutrients and metals on suspended sediment were negatively correlated with antecedent precipitation, total precipitation, total specific discharge and maximum discharge, which has been previously associated to a ??dilution?? effect during storm runoff events. Results show that both sediment sources and hydrologic events play an important role on the spatial and temporal variability of sediment-associated nutrient and metal contents.     

The use of clams as bioindicator of fecal pollution in seawater

The coastal waters of Kuwait are widely used for bathing during the long summer season. In order to assess the water quality along the beaches, a new approach was developed. It involves the use of clam, Circenita callipyga, as a bioindicator for seawater pollution by fecal coliform bacteria (FC), antibotic resistant fecal coliform (ABR-FC) and Salmonella spp. These organisms were detected in clam and water samples and the efficiency of clam in concentrating Salmonella was confirmed. The number of FC and ABR-FC in clam and water samples were compared and a higher number was detected in clams than in water. Five isolates of Salmonella from clams were also multidrug resistant. The data suggests that clam can be used as a bioindicator of seawater pollution and is preferable to direct testing of water. The resistance to antibiotics in E. coli isolated from water and clams collected at the same time and site was of similar pattern and was determined by R-plasmid.     

Metal fluxes at the sediment–water interface in rivers in the Turvo/Grande drainage basin, S?o Paulo State, Brazil

Purpose

The Turvo/Grande drainage basin (TGDB), located in the northwestern region of S?o Paulo state, covers an area of 15,983?km². The region is typically regarded as agricultural by the S?o Paulo State Environmental Agency, but the industrial area is expanding, and some studies have shown that metal concentrations in water can be higher than the values regulated by Brazilian law. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the role of sediments as a source or a sink of metals for drainage basin management.

Materials and methods

Interstitial water from different sediment depths (0?C42?cm) and the sediment?Cwater interface and sediment core samples were collected in February and July 2010 from the Preto, Turvo, and Grande rivers. Quantification of Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Pb in these samples was performed by graphite furnace or flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Metal diffusive flux estimation from sediment into the overlying water was calculated by Fick??s First Law of Diffusion.

Results and discussion

The fluxes of all metals for the three rivers were positive, indicating diffusion into the overlying water. Ni and Pb showed the lowest diffusive fluxes, which ranged from 2.4 to 3,978???g?m^?2?day^?1 for Ni and from ?0.1 to 1,597???g?m^?2?day^?1 for Pb. In turn, Cu and Cr were subject to the largest transfer to water, especially in the dry season (Cr, 4.5?C7,673???g?m^?2?day^?1; Cu, 1.3?C14,145???g?m^?2?day^?1). The Preto River (urban area) showed smaller fluxes than the Grande River (agricultural area), and the values of the latter were higher than those found in other impacted areas of the world.

Conclusions

The diffusive fluxes indicate that sediments from the TGDB act as a source of metals for the water column, with increased export of metals, particularly Cr and Ni, from the sediment into the overlying water during the dry season.     

Effect of heavy metals on growth population of a fecal coliform bacterium Escherichia coli in aquatic environment

The data on the effects of the concentrations (0.5, l, 2, 5 mg L^?1) of the heavy metals, Hg, As, Pb, Cu, Cd, and Cr on changes in growth population of a fecal coliform bacterium Escherichia coli (in term of number of E. coli per 100 mL water) showed a gradual decline in growth population of the fecal coliform bacterium with the increase of exposure time, as well as concentrations of the metals over control data. The effects were markedly recorded with the treatment of 5 mg L^?1. In general, the harmful effects of the metals on growth population of E. coli were found by the treatments in the order: Cd>Ph>Cu>As>Hg>Cr.     

Predation by protozoa on Escherichia coli K12 in soil and transfer of resistance plasmid RP4 to indigenous bacteria in soil

Escherichia coli K12 strain (J5-3/RP4) persisted in sandy loam for more than 70 days when incubated at 10°C or 4°C. It decreased to below the level of detection within 20 days when incubated at 25°C. No loss of multi-resistance plasmid RP4 from the E. coli cells was detected during incubation in soil. There was a positive relation between the bacterial inoculum size and the following increase of the protozoan numbers in the soil. When soil microcosms were amended with an eukaryotic inhibitor, the period of survival was increased. These observations indicate a direct involvement of protozoa in the decline of E. coli in soil. Transfer of plasmid RP4 from E. coli donor bacteria to indigenous bacteria in soil was detected already 24 h after addition of the E. coli K12 donor strain. The efficiency of transfer during the first 48 h was approximately 10⁻⁶ transconjugants per donor. Inhibition of protozoan predation increased the number of transconjugants appearing in the soil, but the transfer efficiency per donor was not affected by the decreased predation. No transfer could be detected when the donor strain was washed and resuspended in saline before addition to the soil, but transconjugants were detected in this experiment when nutrients (LB) were supplemented after two days of incubation. Plasmid RP4 was maintained in the transconjugant soil bacteria throughout the experiment. The data presented here indicate that the indigenous bacteria in soil may serve as a sink for plasmidborne traits.     

Inactivation of Escherichia coli in soil by solarization

Abstract

Contamination of agricultural soil by fecal pathogenic bacteria poses a potential risk of infection to humans. For the biosafety control of field soil, soil solarization in an upland field was examined to determine the efficiency of solarization on the inactivation of Escherichia coli inoculated into soil as a model microorganism for human pathogenic bacteria. Soil solarization, carried out by sprinkling water and covering the soil surface with thin plastic sheets, greatly increased the soil temperature. The daily average temperature of the solarized soil was 4–10°C higher than that of the non-solarized soil and fluctuated between 31 and 38°C. The daily highest temperature reached more than 40°C for 8 days in total in the solarized soil during the second and third weeks of the experiment. Escherichia coli in the solarized soil became undetectable (< 0.08 c.f.u. g^?1 dry soil) within 4 weeks as a result, whereas E. coli survived for more than 6 weeks in the non-solarized soil. Soil solarization, however, had little influence on the total direct count and total viable count of bacteria in the soil. These results indicate that soil solarization would be useful for the biosafety control of soil contaminated by human pathogens via immature compost or animal feces.     

Effect of Anaerobic Digestion and Application Method on the Presence and Survivability of <Emphasis Type="Italic">E. coli</Emphasis> and Fecal Coliforms in Dairy Waste Applied to Soil

Animal wastes are commonly used in a sustainable manner to fertilize crops. However, manures contain numerous pathogenic bacteria that can impact animal and human health. Treatment of animal waste by anaerobic digestion has the potential to reduce pathogen loading to land. This study was conducted to determine the fate of bacteria applied in raw and anaerobically digested dairy slurries that were broadcast and subsurface applied in a field of forage grasses. Digested slurry had significantly fewer indicator bacteria, Escherichia coli and fecal coliform at time of application. Anaerobic digestion did not increase the survivability of indicator bacteria. Waste treatment and application method did not affect the rate of bacteria die-off. There were fewer E. coli and fecal coliform at the end of each trial in the soils that received digested slurry. Anaerobic digestion of dairy waste has the potential to reduce pathogenic bacteria loading to cropland.     

Contaminated soil and sediments in a highly developed catchment-estuary system (Sydney estuary,Australia): an innovative stormwater remediation strategy

Purpose  

The objective of the current research was to provide a strategy to remediate stormwater from an old, high-developed catchment dominated (94%) by diffuse sources. Contaminated catchment soils, a dense road network and extensive residential development have resulted in degraded sediments in the receiving basin. Retrofitting stormwater remedial devices in such catchment-estuarine systems is difficult, costly and long term.     

Impact of Urban Stormwater on Sediment Quality in an Enclosed Bay of the Lule River, Northern Sweden

Sediment and porewater samples from an enclosed bay receiving stormwater discharge (Skutviken) near the centre of Lule?, northern Sweden were analysed for major and trace elements and 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Among the studied metals Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn were enriched at Skutviken. Also, the PAH content was enriched, in particular for phenantrene, anthracene, fluoranthene and pyrene which are regarded as common constituents in stormwater. The use of trace metal ratios provided indications about pollutant sources for the sediment. Cs-137 dating was used to determine historical changes in metal and PAH fixation in the sediment. The bay Skutviken is enclosed through the construction of a road bank since 1962. The enclosure led to reduced water circulation in the bay that promotes the occurrence of anoxic conditions with sulphate reduction within the bay. As a consequence of these conditions, metals are trapped in the sediments as sulphides. This study suggests that enclosed bays with restricted water circulation may be efficient traps for urban pollutants, reducing the present-day input of pollutants to the sea. In areas with postglacial land uplift, where such bays are common, bay sediments are a potential future source of pollutants when uplift results in erosion and oxidation of the sediments.