Work

Influence of Physiographic Region on Pathogen Concentrations Between Stream Types

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Predicting public health risk associated with exposure to and recreational use of surface waters is often challenging due to substantial variability in concentrations of pathogenic bacteria, even among seemingly similar streams. In this study, we document significant differences in the surface water concentrations of the common bacteria indicators Escherichia coli and fecal coliform between two major stream types—blackwater and redwater streams (p < 0.001). We propose and present evidence that these findings result from natural biogeochemical variation between physiographic regions (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that physiographic stream type may influence the degree of exposure to waterborne pathogens and risk of waterborne disease. Future research is needed to assess whether the inclusion of stream type in risk assessments can improve public health modeling and mapping.

Source: Water

DOI: 10.3390/w16223218

Authors: E. A. Bradley, B. Graeme Lockaby, Todd Steury, Steven Madere

Institutions: University of Alabama in Huntsville, Auburn University, Louisiana State University, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center

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: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,955