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MICROBIAL SOURCE TRACKING - 2005
Citation:
SHANKS, O. C. MICROBIAL SOURCE TRACKING - 2005. Presented at US EPA Region 5, Genomics Training Workshop, Chicago, IL, April 28, 2005.
Impact/Purpose:
To inform the public
Description:
Fecal contamination of surface waters used for recreation, drinking water and aquaculture are a continuous environmental problem and pose significant human health risks. An alarming amount of the United States rivers/streams (39%), lakes (45%), and estuaries (51%) are not safe for fishing and swimming according to the National Water Quality Inventory 2000 Report. The problem is often difficult to correct because the source of the contamination cannot be determined with certainty. Run-off from non-point sources (e.g., manure from dairy pastures), failing septic tanks, and overloads from sewage treatment facilities are primary candidates. Molecular methods are currently being investigated to match bacterial genotypic traits with the origin of fecal pollution. These methods, collectively referred to as microbial source tracking, may provide the critical information needed to identify specific sources responsible for contamination, assess health risks, and develop management plans to restore and protect aquatic resources. This presentation will review several genomic-based methods used in microbial source tracking, provide a brief overview of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development Microbial Source Tracking Guide Document, and highlight current Office of Research and Development research projects.