Non-Point Source Pollution: Determination of Replication Versus Persistence of Escherichia coli in Surface Water and Sediments with Correlation of Levels to Readily Measurable Environmental Patterns

• Published in: Journal of water and health Vol. 2; no. 2; p. 103
• Main Authors: Kinzelman, Julie, McLellan, Sandra L, Daniels, Annette D, Cashin, Susan, Singh, Ajaib, Gradus, Stephen, Bagley, Robert
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.06.2004
• ISSN: 1477-8920

The city of Racine, WI, is located on the banks of Lake Michigan. Waters around the city often experience recreational water quality advisories despite the fact that planners have not identified any significant point source of pollution causing these problems. A study evaluated the environmental distribution of Escherichia coli in waters around Racine. The analysis investigating factors that influence levels of E. coli found in surface waters considered a range of parameters, including rainfall, turbidity, wave height, wind direction, wind speed, and the presence of algae. Tests indicated that the highest levels of E. coli occurred in core samples collected from foreshore sands. Scientists concluded that transport of accumulated E. coli from foreshore sands to surface waters via wave action was largely responsible for episodes of poor water quality.