Fecal Coliform Concentrations Research Articles

Integrated approach to the understanding of the degradation of an urban river: local perceptions, environmental parameters and geoprocessing.

BackgroundThe use of interdisciplinary approaches such as the proposed report provides a broad understanding of the relationship between people and the environment, revealing reliable aspects not previously considered in the study of this relationship. This study compiled evidence on the environmental degradation of an urbanized river over the past few decades, providing a diagnosis of the consequences of this process for the river, its ichthyofauna, and the local human population.MethodsThe study was focused on the Beira Rio community on the Capibaribe River in the municipality of São Lourenço da Mata, Pernambuco, Brazil. Data were collected using geoprocessing and ethnobiological approaches, as well as environmental parameters. This research was conducted with the most experienced long-term residents in the local community, through interviews and participatory methodologies to recovering information about the river environment, its ichthyofauna and its environmental services for the last decades.ResultsAccording to the GIS analysis, the study area was subject to an accelerated process of urbanization, with the total urban area increasing from 73 565, 98 m2 in 1974 to 383 363, 6 m2 in 2005. The informants perceived the urban growth, especially in the late twentieth century, being this period recognized as the phase of greatest negative changes in the river environment. The perceived decline of fish stocks was indicated by the community as one of the effects of river degradation. According to the interviews, the deterioration of the river affected the ecosystem services and the relationship of the adjacent human community with this ecosystem. The environmental data indicated that the river is suffering eutrophization and has fecal coliform concentrations 160 times higher than the maximum level permitted by Brazilian legislation.ConclusionsThe interdisciplinary approach used in this research allowed the understanding of the degradation process of an urban river and some negative effects through the integration of environmental data, GIS and the local knowledge, revealing the complementarity of obtained data and the effectiveness of implementation of this approach.

Epidemiological study for the assessment of health risks associated with graywater reuse for irrigation in arid regions

Graywater reuse is rapidly gaining popularity as a viable source of reclaimed water, mainly for garden irrigation and toilet flushing. The purpose of this study was to determine, by epidemiological survey, the risk for gastroenteritis symptoms associated with graywater reuse. The study comprised a weekly health questionnaire answered by both graywater users and non-graywater users (control group) regarding their health status over a period of 1year, and periodic sampling for graywater quality. Participants were also asked to respond to a one-time lifestyle questionnaire to assess their level of exposure to graywater or potable water used in garden irrigation. Graywater quality was typical and comparable to previous studies, with average fecal coliform concentration of 103CFU 100ml−1. A Cox Proportional Hazards model indicated a somewhat higher health risk for the control group (P<0.05), suggesting that there was practically no difference in the prevalence of water-related diseases between users of graywater and potable water. Since the concentration of pathogens in the current study was higher than that suggested by quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA), yet there was no difference in the prevalence of water-related diseases between control and graywater users, it was postulated that QMRA is conservative and can safely be used toward the establishment of regulations governing graywater reuse.

‘Technology transfer-oriented research and development in the wastewater sector – validation at industrial-scale plants’ (EXPOVAL) – Subgroup 6: solar sewage sludge drying: first results from investigations with a pilot plant

Drying sewage sludge is a major aspect of biosolids management. Several investigations were performed in a pilot-scale solar dryer for the subsequent development of design rules for solar dryers. The pilot dryer was operated outside simultaneously with a full-scale dryer and, later, in a building. Total solids in the sludge and climate data were analyzed and logged regularly during drying. The fecal coliform and ammonium content was measured as well. Operation next to the full-scale plant was intended to enable comparison of their evaporation rates. The pilot plant was operated in a building in order to assess the influence of external heat input on the drying process. The results showed constant drying progress and that drying was feasible. Although differences in evaporation rates arising from operation, aeration and scaling existed, evaporation rates comparable to full-scale dryers were observed. Under floor heating improved evaporation rates by 25%. More than 50% of total Kjeldahl nitrogen was degraded, and this could be detected as NH3 in the discharged air. Reduction in fecal coliforms could be achieved without reaching secure disinfection, as required by USEPA standard 503 (USEPA 2007).

English

Water quality is a critical factor affecting human health and welfare. This study aimed at examining the physico-chemical and bacteriological quality of drinking water in Adama town. A total of 107 triplicate water samples were examined; 1 from inlet point (raw water), 1 from outlet (the water after treatment, 1 from reservoir (treated water stored), 52 from pipe water and 52 from systematically selected household’s containers. Six physico-chemical parameters namely temperature, turbidity, pH, free chlorine residual (FCR), nitrate, fluoride and three bacteriological parameters: total coliform (TC), fecal coliform (FC) and fecal streptococci (FS) were analyzed. Temperature was average of 23.30, 21.23 and 22.57°C at the inlet, outlet and reservoir sampling points, respectively, which were above WHO and national standard limits of <15°C. Concerning FCR, at the outlet, FCR was 0.78 mg/l which was in the WHO recommended limit of 0.6-1 mg/L and at reservoir sampling point, the FCR was 0.35 mg/l which was in the WHO and national standard limit of 0.2-0.5 mg/L. The average concentration of TC, FC and FS at the inlet point was 196, 142 and 117 cfu/100 ml, respectively. On the other hand, at the outlet and reservoir sampling points, no indicator bacteria were found. In all pipe water samples, pH values were within the recommended limit (6.5-8). In the pipeline, 82.7 and 92.3% of sampling sites were found acceptable based on WHO and National standard for FC and FS counts, respectively. In household water container, 55.8 and 71.1% were in the acceptable limit of WHO and National standard for FC and FS, respectively. Pearson correlation analysis indicates that a significant positive correlation between TC/temperature (r = 0.809063) and a significant negative correlation exist between TC and FCR (r = -0.689336) in tap water samples. Using Pearson’s correlation coefficient, TC was found to be positively and significantly related to FC (r = 0.836887) and FS (r = 0.674766), FC was found to be positively and significantly correlated to FS (r = 0.84345) in household water. Key words: Physico-chemical parameter, bacteriological quality, pipe water, household water, total coliform (TC), fecal coliform (FC), fecal streptococci (FS).

Land use and land cover changes in Zêzere watershed (Portugal) — Water quality implications

To understand the relations between land use allocation and water quality preservation within a watershed is essential to assure sustainable development. The land use and land cover (LUC) within Zêzere River watershed registered relevant changes in the last decades. These land use and land cover changes (LUCCs) have impacts in water quality, mainly in surface water degradation caused by surface runoff from artificial and agricultural areas, forest fires and burnt areas, and caused by sewage discharges from agroindustry and urban sprawl. In this context, the impact of LUCCs in the quality of surface water of the Zêzere watershed is evaluated, considering the changes for different types of LUC and establishing their possible correlations to the most relevant water quality changes. The results indicate that the loss of coniferous forest and the increase of transitional woodland-shrub are related to increased water's pH; while the growth in artificial surfaces and pastures leads mainly to the increase of soluble salts and fecal coliform concentration. These particular findings within the Zêzere watershed, show the relevance of addressing water quality impact driven from land use and should therefore be taken into account within the planning process in order to prevent water stress, namely within watersheds integrating drinking water catchments.

Cross-Sectional Survey of Indicator and Pathogenic Bacteria on Vegetables Sold from Asian Vendors at Farmers’ Markets in Northern California

A cross-sectional survey was conducted during summer 2013 to determine the occurrence of Escherichia coli, fecal coliforms (FCs), E. coli O157:H7, and Salmonella on raw vegetable commodities common to Asian cuisine from 21 vendors or farmers at six farmers' markets in northern California. Based on 242 samples from six commodities (basil, yardlong beans, bitter squash, okra, squash stems and leaves, cilantro), 100% of samples had detectable FCs and 20% had detectable E. coli. The mean concentrations were 0.67 log CFU/g and 1.26 log CFU per bundle for E. coli and 4.00 log CFU/g and 6.26 log CFU per bundle for FCs. Vegetables irrigated with ground versus surface water contained lower concentrations of FCs, but this difference was not observed for E. coli. Yardlong beans, bitter squash, and okra had lower levels of FCs compared with basil, cilantro, and squash stems and leaves. Sixteen (6.6%) samples had detectable levels of Salmonella serovars (Newport, Enteritidis, Agona, and Worthington), with the majority of positives found in cilantro and squash stems and leaves. There was a twofold higher probability of Salmonella contamination in samples from growers or vendors who stated that they used organic farming practices compared with samples from those using conventional farming practices. Lastly, the concentrations of FC and E. coli bacteria were significantly associated with Salmonella contamination: for each additional 100 CFU/g or bundle, the probability of Salmonella contamination increased by ∼15 and ∼30%, respectively. None of the samples had detectable E. coli O157:H7.

Fresh Steam-Flaked Corn in Cattle Feedlots Is an Important Site for Fecal Coliform Contamination by House Flies

House flies are a common pest at food animal facilities, including cattle feedlots. Previously, house flies were shown to play an important role in the ecology of Escherichia coli O157:H7; house flies in cattle feedlots carried this zoonotic pathogen and were able to contaminate cattle through direct contact and/or by contamination of drinking water and feed. Because house flies aggregate in large numbers on fresh ( # 6 h) steam-flaked corn (FSFC) used in cattle feed, the aim of this study was to assess FSFC in a cattle feedlot as a potentially important site of fecal coliform contamination by house flies. House flies and FSFC samples were collected, homogenized, and processed for culturing of fecal coliforms on membrane fecal coliform agar. Selected isolates were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and representative isolates from each phylogenetic group were genotyped by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Fecal coliforms were undetectable in FSFC shortly (0 h) after flaking; however, in summer, after 4 to 6 h, the concentrations of fecal coliforms ranged from 1.9 × 10(3) to 3.7 × 10(4) CFU/g FSFC (mean, 1.1 ± 3.0 × 10(4) CFU/g). House flies from FSFC carried between 7.6 × 10(2) and 4.1 × 10(6) CFU of fecal coliforms per fly (mean, 6.0 ± 2.3 × 10(5) CFU per fly). Fecal coliforms were represented by E. coli (85.1%), Klebsiella spp. (10.6%), and Citrobacter spp. (4.3%). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis demonstrated clonal matches of E. coli and Klebsiella spp. between house flies and FSFC. In contrast, in winter and in the absence of house flies, the contamination of corn by fecal coliforms was significantly (∼10-fold) lower. These results indicate that FSFC is an important site for bacterial contamination by flies and possible exchange of E. coli and other bacteria among house flies. Further research is needed to evaluate the potential use of screens or blowers to limit the access of house flies to FSFC and therefore their effectiveness in preventing bacterial contamination.

Quantifying the Fecal Coliform Loads in Urban Watersheds by Hydrologic/Hydraulic Modeling: Case Study of the Beauport River Watershed in Quebec

A three-step method for the identification of the main sources of fecal coliforms (FC) in urban waters and for the analysis of remedial actions is proposed. The method is based on (1) The statistical analysis of the relationship between rainfall and FC concentrations in urban rivers; (2) The simulation of hydrology and hydraulics; and (3) Scenario analysis. The proposed method was applied to the Beauport River watershed, in Canada, covering an area of 28.7 km2. FC loads and concentrations in the river, during and following rainfall events, were computed using the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) hydrological/hydraulic simulation model combined with event mean concentrations. It was found that combined sewer overflows (CSOs) are the main FC sources, and that FC from stormwater runoff could still impair recreational activities in the Beauport River even if retention tanks were built to contain CSOs. Thus, intervention measures should be applied in order to reduce the concentration of FC in stormwater outfalls. The proposed method could be applied to water quality components other than FC, provided that they are present in stormwater runoff and/or CSOs, and that the time of concentration of the watershed is significantly lower than their persistence in urban waters.

Surface water quality in the Sinos River basin, in Southern Brazil: tracking microbiological contamination and correlation with physicochemical parameters

Around the world, enteric viruses are often found in surface waters. This study set out to evaluate the occurrence of adenoviruses (AdVs) in water samples, and its relation to different physical, chemical, and bacteriological parameters [total coliform (TC) and fecal coliform (FC), represented by Escherichia coli]. Monthly samples of 500ml of raw water were collected from May 2011 to June 2013 in eight abstraction points water treatment stations along three stretches of the Sinos River Basin (SRB), in Southern Brazil and, subsequently, were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). AdVs from different species, from human (HAdV), and from other animals (CAV1-2, BAdV, PAdV, and AvAdV) were detected along the three stretches of the basin, indicating fecal contamination from different sources and proving the inefficiency of the wastewater treatment in the waters of the SRB and intensifying the strong influence of human activities that can contribute to the presence of inhibitory substances such as organic acids in surface of these waters. Statistical analyses revealed no significant correlations between the concentrations of TC and FC and the concentrations of AdVs. We observed a small, nonconstant, and unstable correlation between viruses and physicochemical parameters. These correlations were not sufficiently consistent to establish a reliable association; therefore, this study corroborates that only the viral assay itself is reliable for the diagnosis of fecal contamination by viruses in environmental samples.

Concentrations of faecal coliforms, Escherichia coli, enterococci and Campylobacter spp. in equine faeces

AIMS: To determine the concentration of Campylobacter spp. as well as faecal indicator bacteria; faecal coliforms, Escherichia coli and enterococci in the faeces of healthy adult horses in a sample of properties in the Canterbury region of New Zealand.METHODS: The faeces of healthy adult horses (n=59), including ponies, pleasure horses and Thoroughbreds, were collected from eight properties around Christchurch, New Zealand. The faeces were analysed for concentrations of Campylobacter spp and faecal indicator bacteria; faecal coliforms, Escherichia coli and enterococci. The presence of other animals on the properties sampled as well as the age, feed and health of the horses at the time of sampling was recorded.RESULTS: Enterococci and faecal coliforms were isolated from all samples, and E. coli was isolated from 58/59 samples. Mean concentrations of faecal coliforms and E. coli did not differ between properties, but there was a significant difference in mean concentration of enterococci between properties. Campylobacter spp. were detected in two faecal samples with one isolate being determined by PCR analysis to be a thermotolerant Campylobacter species, the other C. jejuni.CONCLUSIONS: This is the first known report quantifying the concentration of Campylobacter spp. present in healthy adult horses in New Zealand. The presence of equine faecal material in water could elevate concentrations of faecal bacteria and therefore needs to be considered as a source of water contamination. The access of horses to waterways and coastal environments may also need to be restricted to prevent transmission of faecal indicator bacteria and potentially zoonotic agents.

Contamination of Lettuce Plants Irrigated with Waste Water in Yaounde, Cameroon

Aims: To evaluate the effects of various treatment combinations of water contaminated with faecal sludge on the growth and microbiological characteristics of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) cultivated around the river Avo'o discharged zone. Study Design: We used randomized plots in which young lettuce plants obtained from a nursery were planted in four sites (S0, S1, S2 and S3) situated 3000, 810, 100 and 350 m from the raw discharge area along river Avo'o. Place and Duration: Field studies were carried out in Nomayos (Yaounde) during the 2009-2010 growing seasons while laboratory analysis were effected at the waste water research unit of the Department of Plant Biology at the University of Yaounde I. Original Research Article Tsama et al; AJEA, 6(6): 402-409, 2015; Article no.AJEA.2015.097 403 Methodology: Faecal streptococci, faecal coliforms and parasitic characteristics were determined in raw discharged sludge from river Avo’o water samples collected at three different points (P1, P2, P3) and in lettuce using standard protocols. Growth parameters of the lettuce plants were also evaluated. Results: Faecal sludge, water from river Avo'o and L. sativa showed high levels of bacteriological and parasitological pollutants. The results also revealed high concentrations of faecal coliforms and faecal streptococci (6092 and 3390 CFU/100 ml respectively), and helminth eggs (> 273 eggs / L) in water. Treatment 3 (S3) showed the largest number of leaves with an average of 34.63 leaves in the ninth week for site 1 and 40.33 leaves for site 2. Plant height increased gradually with time and treatments. The mean values of leaf surfaces obtained after nine weeks were 11.5 cm2 and 13.99 cm2 for treatment S3 in sites 1 and 2 respectively. Conclusion: Though the best growth of lettuce was observed in plots irrigated with water from river Avo’o, the high levels of parasite concentrations on their leaves (43 eggs/100 g) highlight the necessity for a better management of faecal sludge in Yaounde city.

Faecal Coliforms (FC) and Faecal Streptococci (FS) Ratio as Tool for Assessment of Water Contamination: A Case Study of River Sokoto, Northwestern Nigeria

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) set limit of 200 faecal coliforms/ 100ml for bacterial contamination of surface water has frequently been exceeded due to agricultural runoff as nonpoint pollution. The study evaluated the effects of cattle rearers and or farmers, and cattle rearing on faecal contamination of water from River Sokoto. Water samples from six designated points on River Sokoto were assessed on monthly basis for faecal coliform and faecal streptococci from January to December, 2014 using faecal coliform/faecal streptococci ratio (FC/FS). The six points studied were namely P1, a point 5 metres away from farmland; P2, a point close to farmland; P3, a point close to residents along the riverside; P4, a point on stream drainage immediately from Sokoto Cement factory; P5, a point on the stream close to the river and P6, a point 5 metres away on the river. Very high mean concentrations of FC and FS were recorded at all sampling points with values exceeding surface water standards of 200 faecal coliform/100ml. While the highest mean FC value of 18,525 MPN/100ml (29.1%) was recorded at P3, the least value of 7,592 MPN/100ml (11.9%) was obtained at P2. Mean FS was recorded highest (2,350 MPN/100ml) at P5 (21.8%) and lowest (625 MPN/100ml) at P4 (5.8%). Mean FC/FS ratios of sampled water P1, P5 and P6 were 4 (11.53) indicating human contamination; P2 and P3 also had values > 4 (5.66 and 7.34 respectively) also pointing to human contamination. The FC/FS ratio identified domestic animal contamination sources but did not differentiate between domestic animal and human sources of contamination. Thus the limitatation of its use more as a regulatory tool than a diagnostic tool in identifying contamination sources.

Spatiotemporal distribution of the bacterial contamination of agricultural and domestic wastewater discharged to a drainage ditch (Sinaloa, Mexico)

The agricultural drainage water from the Sinaloa valley (Mexico) is often reused in agriculture and aquaculture before reaching coastal water bodies. Discharged water must be of good quality to maintain the health of ecosystems and prevent damage to the organisms that compose them. This research determined the occurrence of coliforms in a drainage ditch known as La Michoacana (Sinaloa) that receives contaminated water from agricultural and urban sources. A section of 3.6 km was studied during 2013 and samples were obtained monthly from five equidistant sampling sites. Each water sample was analyzed for total coliform (TC) and fecal coliform (FC) content, pH, salinity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen percentage (%DO). The sampling sites with the highest bacterial contamination were associated with direct discharges of domestic wastewater and those with the lowest to the output drain. The performance of this agricultural ditch decreased the concentration of coliforms, with median and average values of 96% and 87% for TC, and 98% and 85% for FC, respectively. The most common bacteria were Escherichia coli (67.7%), Kluyvera cryocrescens (10.2%), and Enterobacter agglomerans (6.3%). Coliform concentration was positively correlated with temperature and negatively with %DO. The ditch improved the microbiological quality of the water, demonstrating remediation activities in the system. Proper management and maintenance of agricultural drainage ditches would favorably impact the health and biodiversity, as well as the intensive aquaculture and agricultural activities of the Sinaloa valley.

미처리하수지구 논에서의 수질 및 토양 특성 분석

The objectives of this study were to monitor and analyse water quality and soil property in paddy fields where untreated wastewater is irrigated. Three paddy fields where streamflow mixed with untreated wastewater has been irrigated (untreated wastewater district, UWD) were selected for monitoring, and five paddy fields in Yongin area (Yongin district, YID) where water from Idong agricultural reservoir (well-managed) has been irrigated were selected for comparative evaluation. Electronic conductivity (EC), suspended solids (SS), total nitrogen (T-N), total phosphorous (T-P), <TEX>$NO_3-N$</TEX>, <TEX>$Ca^{2+}$</TEX>, <TEX>$Mg^{2+}$</TEX>, <TEX>$Na^+$</TEX>, total coliform (TC), fecal coliform (FC), and E. coli of the irrigation water in the UWD were significantly higher than those in the YID. Relatively high concentrations of EC, T-N, T-P, TC, FC, E. coli, copper (Cu), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and aluminium (Al) were shown in the irrigation water of the UWD especially during May to June. In general, the paddy soil in the UWD contained more Pb, Zn, and Cu than in the YID although the soil heavy metal contents in the UWD still meet the Korean soil contamination warning standards. No temporal trends in the heavy metal concentrations were found in paddy soils of the UWD. This study showed that the use of untreated wastewater to paddy fields has the possibility of negative impacts on water quality and soil, although long-term monitoring is needed to fully evaluate its effects.

On the performance of real grey water treatment using a submerged membrane bioreactor system

The performance of a submerged membrane bioreactor (SMBR) system for grey water (GW) treatment was evaluated in terms of effluent quality and membrane fouling. The SMBR was operated for 42 days at constant transmembrane pressure (13kPa) in six consecutive stages. A hollow fibre ultrafiltration membrane module (ZW-1) was used to treat real GW with the aim of producing effluent that meets reuse guidelines for non-potable standards. A complete retention for activated sludge was maintained in the bioreactor to minimize the amount of sludge disposed into the environment. The results demonstrated that the SMBR system was able to reduce effectively the COD, NH3–N, turbidity, and colour to have values of 45mg/L, 0.26mg/L, 3FTU and 18 PtCo in the effluent, respectively. Furthermore, a complete removal of total suspended solids (TSS) was achieved and faecal coliform concentration was below the determination threshold. In terms of membrane permeability, the results showed that the cake layer contributed significantly (86%) in reducing the permeation flux. The time-dependent permeation flux was modelled adequately according to an exponential expression. Ultimately, the treated GW by SMBR system can be considered as a good source for the most stringent non-potable reuse standards in arid areas.

Modeling historical fecal coliform loadings to large European rivers and resulting in-stream concentrations

Information on fecal coliform (FC) concentrations in European rivers is scarce. The objective of this study was to identify hotspots of water pollution in Europe and provide information on the different FC sources and their contributions to the loads that lead to concentrations in rivers. Model simulations were carried-out with the large-scale water quality model WorldQual to assess the calculated loads regarding to its associated sources and to further estimate the related in-stream concentration. For the year 1995, model results indicated that FC loadings were higher in central Europe with 500 to above 2000 1010 cfu km−2 a−1 than in northern and eastern Europe where loadings ranged between 0 and 200 1010 cfu km−2 a−1. Major sources of FC loadings are domestic sewage, followed by scattered settlements (private treatment), urban surface runoff and manure application. Concentrations showed similar regional patterns as loadings, with high concentrations in central Europe and low concentrations in northern and eastern Europe.

Analysis of Shellfish Growing Areas of Alabama, Florida and Georgia, USA - Using the Pearl Shellfish Sanitation Model

According to the United States (U.S.), National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP) standards, the shellfish growing areas in modeling, shellfish sanitation, water quality, shellfish closure rules the U.S. must be closed for harvest when the estimated 90th percentile of fecal coliform concentrations exceeds the NSSP limit of 14/43 Most Probable Number/100 mL (NSSP, 2009, NSSP, 2011). Pearl is a model that identifies harvest areas at risk for fecal coliform contamination (Conte and Ahmadi, 2012). Once the risk areas are identified, the Aquarius model can be used to adjust closure rules (Conte and Ahmadi, 2011). In multi-state analyses using the Pearl model, we have developed a hypothesis that state agencies are inadvertently applying the model's Pearl Limit of 8/26 MPN/100 mL in place of the NSSP limit of 14/43 MPN/100 mL for a 5-tube test to guard against shellfish-related illnesses (Conte and Ahmadi, 2012; 2013; 2014). The datasets used to develop the hypothesis were from Oakland Bay, Washington (Pacific Northwest), Arcata Bay, California (Pacific Northern California), and seven shellfish bays of the Texas Gulf Coast (Western Gulf of Mexico). The main purpose of this paper is to test this hypothesis using different datasets from shellfish growing areas in the states of Alabama (Eastern Gulf of Mexico), Florida (Eastern Gulf of Mexico and south Atlantic Coast) and Georgia (South Atlantic Coast), all located in the southeastern United States. An additional objective is to use the state’s datasets in Pearl analyses to detect the shellfish growing areas that pose a possible health risk to shellfish consumers during some periods

Modeling fecal coliform contamination in a tidal Danshuei River estuarine system

A three-dimensional fecal coliform transport model was developed and incorporated into a hydrodynamic model to obtain a better understanding of local microbiological water quality in the tidal Danshuei River estuarine system of northern Taiwan. The model was firstly validated with the salinity and fecal coliform data measured in 2010. The concentration comparison showed quantitatively good agreement between the simulation and measurement results. Further, the model was applied to investigate the effects of upstream freshwater discharge variation and fecal coliform loading reduction on the contamination distributions in the tidal estuarine system. The qualitative and quantitative analyses clearly revealed that low freshwater discharge resulted in higher fecal coliform concentration. The fecal coliform loading reduction considerably decreased the contamination along the Danshuei River–Tahan Stream, the Hsintien Stream, and the Keelung River.

Neonatal calf diarrhea

Due to concerns about the human health impacts of agricultural antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), alternatives to conventional antimicrobials are being sought. As a natural component of colostrum, lactoferrin has antimicrobial and anti-LPS capabilities and may have a role for the treatment of calf diarrhea. Diaque™ (Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc., St. Joseph, Missouri) is an oral electrolyte and energy supplement that can be mixed with milk to administer to calves. Diaque may impact the intestinal flora, or may also be a viable option to aid mixture of lactoferrin with milk. This study measured the effects of supplemental lactoferrin and Diaque on concentrations of total and AMR fecal coliforms in two-week-old, Holstein dairy heifers. We hypothesized that supplementation of lactoferrin and/or Diaque would decrease the concentration of total and/or AMR coliforms. Additional objectives of this research included 1) validating a novel technique for measuring AMR coliform concentrations, 2) understanding the dynamics of AMR coliforms early in the calf’s life, and 3) determining the association between passive transfer of IgG on shedding of AMR coliforms.

Predicting water quality at Santa Monica Beach: Evaluation of five different models for public notification of unsafe swimming conditions

Bathing beaches are monitored for fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) to protect swimmers from unsafe conditions. However, FIB assays take ∼24 h and water quality conditions can change dramatically in that time, so unsafe conditions cannot presently be identified in a timely manner. Statistical, data-driven predictive models use information on environmental conditions (i.e., rainfall, turbidity) to provide nowcasts of FIB concentrations. Their ability to predict real time FIB concentrations can make them more accurate at identifying unsafe conditions than the current method of using day or older FIB measurements. Predictive models are used in the Great Lakes, Hong Kong, and Scotland for beach management, but they are presently not used in California – the location of some of the world's most popular beaches. California beaches are unique as point source pollution has generally been mitigated, the summer bathing season receives little to no rainfall, and in situ measurements of turbidity and salinity are not readily available. These characteristics may make modeling FIB difficult, as many current FIB models rely heavily on rainfall or salinity. The current study investigates the potential for FIB models to predict water quality at a quintessential California Beach: Santa Monica Beach. This study compares the performance of five predictive models, multiple linear regression model, binary logistic regression model, partial least square regression model, artificial neural network, and classification tree, to predict concentrations of summertime fecal coliform and enterococci concentrations. Past measurements of bacterial concentration, storm drain condition, and tide level are found to be critical factors in the predictive models. The models perform better than the current beach management method. The classification tree models perform the best; for example they correctly predict 42% of beach postings due to fecal coliform exceedances during model validation, as compared to 28% by the current method. Artificial neural network is the second best model which minimizes the number of incorrect beach postings. The binary logistic regression model also gives promising results, comparable to classification tree, by adjusting the posting decision thresholds to maximize correct beach postings. This study indicates that predictive models hold promise as a beach management tool at Santa Monica Beach. However, there are opportunities to further refine predictive models.