Applying Microbial Community Analysis to Identify Fecal Pollution in Surface and Groundwater Flowing

Session: 14. - Microbial Dynamics and Human Health Risks in the Beach Sand

Lauren Sassoubre, University at Buffalo (SUNY), [email protected]
Christopher Lowry, University at Buffalo (SUNY), [email protected]
Brandon Durant, University at Buffalo (SUNY), [email protected]

Abstract

Microbial pollution in the Great Lakes has important implications for human and ecosystem health. Pathogens are transported to coastal waters through contaminated surface and groundwater. To assess and remediate health risks, the sources of fecal-associated microorganisms need to be determined. Traditionally used bacterial indicators of fecal pollution are not source-specific. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) provides microbial community composition and abundance that can be used to identify fecal pollution sources. Our research (1) compares culture-based and NGS methods at Woodlawn Beach, a Lake Erie beach frequently closed to recreational use due to impaired water quality, (2) investigates the potential of NGS as a tool to identify human fecal pollution in Lake Erie, and (3) evaluates microbial community similarity between surface water, groundwater and Lake Erie. We also sequenced Lake Erie water seeded with 5%, 10%, 25% and 50% sewage to evaluate the detection limit for identifying human fecal pollution by NGS. We found unique microbial communities at all sites and in Lake Erie water seeded with varying sewage inputs. Results will further our understanding of the influence of surface and groundwater on Lake Erie and inform the use of NGS to identify human fecal pollution in the Great Lakes. 

1. Keyword
human health

2. Keyword
Lake Erie

3. Keyword
microbiological studies

4. Additional Keyword
pollution sources

5. Additional Keyword
water quality