Work

Human-Associated Lachnospiraceae Genetic Markers Improve Detection of Fecal Pollution Sources in Urban Waters

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: Traditional fecal indicator bacteria do not distinguish animal from human fecal pollution, which is necessary to evaluate health risks and mitigate pollution sources. Assessing water in urban areas is challenging, since the water can be impacted by sewage, which has a high likelihood of carrying human pathogens, as well as pet and urban wildlife waste. We demonstrate that the Lachno3 and Lachno12 markers are human associated and highly specific for the detection of human fecal pollution from urban sources, offering reliable identification of fecal pollution sources in urban waters.

Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology

DOI: 10.1128/aem.00309-18

Authors: Shuchen Feng, Melinda Bootsma, Sandra L. McLellan

Institution: University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee

Language: English

Topic: Fecal contamination and water quality

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases