Abstract
Understanding land use practice induced increases in Escherichia (E.) coli and suspended particulate matter (SPM) concentrations is necessary to improve water quality. Weekly stream water samples were collected from 22 stream gauging sites with varying land use practices in a representative contemporary mixed-land use watershed of the eastern USA. Over the period of one annual year, Escherichia (E.) coli colony forming units (CFU per 100 mL) were compared to suspended particulate matter (SPM) concentrations (mg/L) and land use practices. Agricultural land use sub-catchments comprised elevated E. coli concentrations (avg. 560 CFU per 100 mL) compared to proximate mixed development (avg. 330 CFU per 100 mL) and forested (avg. 206 CFU per 100 mL) sub-catchments. Additionally, agricultural land use showed statistically significant relationships (p < 0.01) between annual E. coli and SPM concentration data. Quarterly PCA biplots displayed temporal variability in land use impacts on E. coli and SPM concentrations, with agricultural land use being closely correlated with both pollutants during Quarters 2 and 3 but not Quarters 1 and 4. The data collected during this investigation advance the understanding of land use impacts on fecal contamination in receiving waters, thereby informing land use managers on the best management practices to reduce exposure risks.
Highlights
Fecal pollution is the greatest contributor to water borne disease human morbidity and mortality rates globally [1]
E. coli concentrations in a mixed land use watershed in the Appalachian region of the eastern United
Specific focus was given to the relationship between E. coli concentrations, suspended particulate matter (SPM) concentrations and land use practices, including an evaluation of the potential use of SPM concentrations as a proxy for
Summary
Fecal pollution is the greatest contributor to water borne disease human morbidity and mortality rates globally [1]. Freshwater fecal pollution and subsequent increases in pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Escherichia (E) coli), cause disease outbreaks, including diarrhea, urinary tract infections, respiratory illness and pneumonia [2,3]. The World Health Organization reported that 2.2 million deaths are caused by diarrhea annually, due to the consumption of fecal contaminated water [1]. An improved understanding of factors leading to increased fecal contamination in receiving waters will be useful in reducing outbreaks of waterborne disease and improving water quality. Understanding the factors impacting the health and exposure risks of fecal pollution can be used to decrease the threat posed by fecal organisms.
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