Fecal Impairment Framework, A New Conceptual Framework for Assessing Fecal Contamination in Recreational Waters.

Fecal pollution of surface water is a pervasive problem that negatively affects waterbodies concerning both public health and ecological functions. Current assessment methods monitor fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) to identify pollution sources using culture-based quantification and microbial source tracking (MST). These types of information assist stakeholders in identifying likely sources of fecal pollution, prioritizing them for remediation, and choosing appropriate best management practices.

Frequency and degradation of SARS-CoV-2 markers N1, N2, and E in sewage.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that is mainly spread through aerosolized droplets containing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and is excreted in feces by infected individuals. Sewage surveillance has been applied widely to obtain data on the prevalence of COVID-19 in whole communities. We used SARS-CoV-2 gene targets N1, N2, and E to determine the prevalence of COVID-19 at both municipal and building levels.

Using watershed characteristics to enhance fecal source identification.

Fecal pollution is one of the most prevalent forms of pollution affecting waterbodies worldwide, threatening public health and negatively impacting aquatic environments. Microbial source tracking (MST) applies polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology to help identify the source of fecal pollution. In this study, we combine spatial data for two watersheds with general and host-associated MST markers to target human (HF183/BacR287), bovine (CowM2), and general ruminant (Rum2Bac) sources.

Validity assessment of Michigan's proposed qPCR threshold value for rapid water-quality monitoring of E. coli contamination.

Michigan's water-quality standards specify that E. coli concentrations at bathing beaches must not exceed 300 E. coli per 100 mL, as determined by the geometric mean of culture-based concentrations in three or more representative samples from a given beach on a given day.