scholarly journals Quantifying Escherichia coli and Suspended Particulate Matter Concentrations in a Mixed-Land Use Appalachian Watershed

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 532 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fritz Petersen ◽  
Jason A. Hubbart
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Suspended Particulate Matter ◽  
Stream Water ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Suspended Particulate ◽  
Mixed Land Use ◽  
Research Stream ◽  
Land Use Practices

The relationships between Escherichia (E) coli concentration, suspended particulate matter (SPM) particle size class, and land use practices are important in reducing the bacterium’s persistence and health risks. However, surprisingly few studies have been performed that quantify these relationships. Conceivably, such information would advance mitigation strategies for practices that address specific SPM size classes and, by proxy, E. coli concentration. To advance this needed area of research, stream water was sampled from varying dominant land use practices in West Run Watershed, a representative mixed-land use Appalachian watershed of West Virginia in the eastern USA. Water samples were filtered into three SPM intervals (<5 µm; 5 µm to 60 μm; and >60 μm) and the E. coli concentration (colony forming units, CFU) and SPM of each interval was quantified. Statistically significant relationships were identified between E. coli concentrations and size intervals (α < 0.0001), and SPM (α = 0.05). The results show a predominance (90% of total) of E. coli CFUs in the <5 μm SPM interval. The results show that land use practices impact the relationships between SPM and E. coli concentrations. Future work should include additional combined factors that influence bacterial CFUs and SPM, including hydrology, climate, geochemistry and nutrients.

scholarly journals Spatial and Temporal Characterization of Escherichia coli, Suspended Particulate Matter and Land Use Practice Relationships in a Mixed-Land Use Contemporary Watershed

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1228
Author(s):  
Fritz Petersen ◽  
Jason A. Hubbart
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Suspended Particulate Matter ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Agricultural Land Use ◽  
Land Use Impacts ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Suspended Particulate ◽  
Mixed Land Use ◽  
Land Use Practices

Understanding land use practice induced increases in Escherichia (E.) coli and suspended particulate matter (SPM) concentrations is necessary to improve water quality. Weekly stream water samples were collected from 22 stream gauging sites with varying land use practices in a representative contemporary mixed-land use watershed of the eastern USA. Over the period of one annual year, Escherichia (E.) coli colony forming units (CFU per 100 mL) were compared to suspended particulate matter (SPM) concentrations (mg/L) and land use practices. Agricultural land use sub-catchments comprised elevated E. coli concentrations (avg. 560 CFU per 100 mL) compared to proximate mixed development (avg. 330 CFU per 100 mL) and forested (avg. 206 CFU per 100 mL) sub-catchments. Additionally, agricultural land use showed statistically significant relationships (p < 0.01) between annual E. coli and SPM concentration data. Quarterly PCA biplots displayed temporal variability in land use impacts on E. coli and SPM concentrations, with agricultural land use being closely correlated with both pollutants during Quarters 2 and 3 but not Quarters 1 and 4. The data collected during this investigation advance the understanding of land use impacts on fecal contamination in receiving waters, thereby informing land use managers on the best management practices to reduce exposure risks.

scholarly journals Advancing Understanding of Land Use and Physicochemical Impacts on Fecal Contamination in Mixed-Land-Use Watersheds

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 1094 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fritz Petersen ◽  
Jason A. Hubbart
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Land Use ◽  
Quality Management ◽  
Water Quality Management ◽  
Fecal Contamination ◽  
Concentration Data ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Mixed Land Use ◽  
Land Use Practices

Understanding mixed-land-use practices and physicochemical influences on Escherichia (E.) coli concentrations is necessary to improve water quality management and human health. Weekly stream water samples and physicochemical data were collected from 22 stream gauging sites representing varying land use practices in a contemporary Appalachian watershed of the eastern USA. Over the period of one annual year, Escherichia (E.) coli colony forming units (CFU) per 100 mL were compared to physicochemical parameters and land use practices. Annual average E. coli concentration increased by approximately 112% from acid mine drainage (AMD) impacted headwaters to the lower reaches of the watershed (approximate averages of 177 CFU per 100 mL vs. 376 CFU per 100 mL, respectively). Significant Spearman’s correlations (p < 0.05) were identified from analyses of pH and E. coli concentration data representing 77% of sample sites; thus highlighting legacy effects of historic mining (AMD) on microbial water quality. A tipping point of 25–30% mixed development was identified as leading to significant (p < 0.05) negative correlations between chloride and E. coli concentrations. Study results advance understanding of land use and physicochemical impacts on fecal contamination in mixed-land-use watersheds, aiding in the implementation of effective water quality management practices and policies.

Physical and bacterial processes affecting suspended particulate matter in a tidal river

1998 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 327-335
Author(s):  
Yasunori Kozuki ◽  
Yoshihiko Hosoi ◽  
Hitoshi Murakami ◽  
Katuhiro Kawamoto
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Suspended Particulate Matter ◽  
River Mouth ◽  
Tidal River ◽  
Natural Soil ◽  
Size Change ◽  
Run Off ◽  
Suspended Particulate ◽  
And Behavior

In order to clarify the origin and behavior of suspended particulate matter (SPM) in a tidal river, variation of SPM in a tidal river was investigated with regard to its size and constituents. SPM was separated into three groups according to size. Change of contents of titanium and organic substances of each group of SPM was examined. SPM which was discharged by run-off was transported with decomposition and sedimentation in a tidal river. Concentration of SPM with a particle size greater than 0.45 μm increased due to resuspension in a tidal river. Origin of SPM with a size of less than 0.45 μm at upstream areas was from natural soil and most of such SPM which had been transported settled near a river mouth. It was determined from examination of the CN ratio and the ratio of the number of attached bacteria to free bacteria that SPM with a size greater than 1.0 μm at upstream areas was decomposing intensively. At the downstream areas, SPM with a size of less than 0.45 μm came from the sea. SPM with particle size greater than 1.0 μm consisted of plankton and substances which were decomposed sufficiently while flowing.

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