Metatranscriptomics to assess Great Lakes near shore sediment contribution to human pathogenicity

Session: 15. - Environmental 'omics: New Tools for Aquatic Ecosystem Science and Management

Danielle VanMensel, Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, [email protected]
Subba Rao Chaganti, University of Windsor, [email protected]
Ian Droppo, Environment and Climate Change Canada, [email protected]
Chris Weisener, University of Windsor, [email protected]

Abstract

Recreational water usage is a major tourist attraction within the Laurentian Great Lakes, where pathogenic bacterial levels have increased substantially compared to historic trends. Freshwater quality assessments commonly rely on CFUs of broad or ambiguous taxa (i.e. enterococci) found within the water column and are only performed occasionally. Further, sampling protocols do not take into account the energy dynamics of the system (waves, currents, swimmer density) and often rely on assessments of planktonic populations sampled during calm low activity periods. It has been shown that sediment resuspension, transport, and deposition influence both the temporal and spatial variation in microbial communities within both the sediments and water compartments. We hypothesize that near shore bed sediments act as a sink for biological contaminants. With resuspension, this sediment has potential to reintroduce these biohazards into recreational waters increasing public health risks. Research presented provides a representation of the active microbial community within beach sediment for public beaches along Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie. Results have identified the novel microbial gene function complementing taxonomic identification for evaluating health risk potential. This comprehensive approach will link aspects of biogeochemical regulation to pathogen emergence in these systems.

1. Keyword
biogeochemistry

2. Keyword
microbiological studies

3. Keyword
sediments

4. Additional Keyword
pathogens

5. Additional Keyword
metatranscriptomics