Recreational Water Quality Investigation
Most beaches have water quality problems at times from high numbers of fecal indicator bacteria like E. coli or enterococci. While E. coli can come from a human sewage source, they can also come from diverse animal fecal sources including gulls, Canada geese, dogs, and cows. They can even come from environmental sources like beach sand after resuspension by waves. E. coli detection alone does not provide information on the source of fecal pollution.
Edge-Water DNA can determine if high E. coli numbers are associated with fecal pollution from a human or animal source. Knowing the correct fecal pollution source can guide the most cost-effective way to reduce human health risks and beach postings.
Some recreational water microbial source tracking studies:
