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MICROBIAL SOURCE TRACKING
Citation:
Shanks*, O. MICROBIAL SOURCE TRACKING. Presented at EPA Science Forum 2004: Healthy Communities and Ecosystems, Washington, DC, June 01 - 03, 2004.
Impact/Purpose:
To inform the public.
Description:
Fecal contamination of waters used for recreation, drinking water, and aquaculture is an environmental problem and poses significant human health risks. The problem is often difficult to correct because the source of the contamination cannot be determined with certainty. Run-off from non-point sources (i.e. manure from dairy pastures, failing septic tanks, and overloads from sewage treatment facilities are primary candidates. In order to adequately assess health risks and develop management plans to minimize specific contributions, it is necessary to know the sources of fecal contamination. This presentation will review several microbial source tracking projects supported by the Water Supply and Water Resources Division of the National Risk Management Research Laboratory in Cincinnati, OH.