Abstract
Recently developed methods for the detection of source-specific genetic markers by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) offer new opportunities in the field of fecal source tracking. In this study, the large scale applicability of the recently developed human-specific QMST BacH method was tested on samples taken along the whole Danube River and its important tributaries with a catchment area of approx. 800,000 km 2 and 81 million inhabitants. Human feces-specific BacH marker sequences could be detected all over the investigated area. A high correlation between the marker concentrations and classical microbiological parameters was apparent. Regression analysis with fecal coliform (FC) data showed that 62 % (complete data set), 70 % (tributaries) and 40 % (Danube River samples) of the variations in FC were explainable by the respective variations in QMST BacH data. The results demonstrate the applicability of modern DNA-based QMST methods on the investigated large scale and recommend their use in future strategies for quantitative faecal source tracking.
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