Identifying the primary sources of fecal contamination along the beaches and rivers of Trinidad.
J Water Health
; 18(2): 229-238, 2020 Apr.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-32300095
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to identify the main sources of fecal pollution at popular beaches and rivers in the island of Trinidad. Escherichia coli enumeration and microbial source tracking (MST) were used to identify the primary sources of fecal bacteria contamination at the sites. Nineteen sites exceeded USEPA water quality standards for safe recreational use. Highest levels of fecal contamination were recorded on the central and west coasts of the island and included Brickfield River (4,839 MPN 100 ml-1), Orange Valley Bay (2,406.6 MPN 100 ml-1) and Chaguaramas Bay (1,921.2 MPN 100 ml-1). MST detected human (HF183) fecal pollution at â¼63%, birds at â¼67%, chicken at â¼36% and cattle (BacCow) at â¼34% of the sites. MST is a useful and rapid method for identifying major sources of fecal pollution in rivers and beaches. In Trinidad water bodies, the main sources of fecal pollution were humans and birds. The large number of sites with elevated levels of fecal pollution detected is particularly alarming and represents a serious public health risk.
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Praias
/
Poluição da Água
/
Monitoramento Ambiental
/
Rios
/
Fezes
Limite:
Animals
/
Humans
País como assunto:
Caribe ingles
/
Trinidad y tobago
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2020
Tipo de documento:
Article