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Fecal non-point source characterization at Chicago area Lake Michigan recreational beaches
Citation:
Shrestha, A., Mano Sivaganesan, C. Kelty, O. Shanks, AND S. Dorevitch. Fecal non-point source characterization at Chicago area Lake Michigan recreational beaches. Great Lakes Water Quality & Water Safety Annual Meeting, Independent, OH, October 24, 2018.
Impact/Purpose:
Lake Michigan beaches play an important role in supporting recreational industry in the Chicago area. Unfortunately, fecal pollution in these waters are at times too high to allow for safe use leading to economic loss and poor conditions. In partnership with University of Illinois-Chicago and the Chicago Park District, we report the implementation of quantitative genetic methods for human, canine, and avian fecal pollution characterization combined general indicator bacteria measurements to elucidate water quality spatial and temporal trends in the study area. Results demonstrate clear advantages of combining genetic methods and general fecal indicator bacteria water quality monitoring data to better characterize sources of fecal pollution at recreational beaches. This effort will serve as a blueprint for the application of genetic host-associated technologies in other local communities that rely on clean and safe recreational waters across the country. Research was conducted under the EPA Research Action Plan (SSWR project 3.02).
Description:
Lake Michigan beaches play an important role in supporting recreational industry in the Chicago area. Unfortunately, fecal pollution in these waters are at times too high to allow for safe use leading to economic loss and poor conditions. In partnership with University of Illinois-Chicago and the Chicago Park District, we report the implementation of quantitative genetic methods for human, canine, and avian fecal pollution characterization combined general indicator bacteria measurements to elucidate water quality spatial and temporal trends in the study area. Results demonstrate clear advantages of combining genetic methods and general fecal indicator bacteria water quality monitoring data to better characterize sources of fecal pollution at recreational beaches. This effort will serve as a blueprint for the application of genetic host-associated technologies in other local communities that rely on clean and safe recreational waters across the country. Research was conducted under the EPA Research Action Plan (SSWR project 3.02).