Novel bacterial ratio for predicting fecal age

J. Nieman, G. M. Brion

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

This study presents an extension of ongoing research into the utility of the ratio of bacterial colonies isolated on membrane filters during the total coliform test using m-Endo broth media for the prediction of fecal age. Analysis of the relative shifts in concentrations of indicator bacterial populations in Kentucky River water quality data collected from the inlet of a local water treatment plant showed a correlation between raw concentrations of atypical colonies (AC) and total coliform colonies (TC) formed on m-Endo membrane filter tests, and fecal age. Visual analysis of plant treatment records showed that low values of the AC/TC ratio were related to periods of high flow, when runoff added fresh fecal material to the river. A more detailed analysis of 2 years of Kentucky River water quality data showed the average AC/TC ratio during months with high river flow (rain) to be 3.4, rising to an average of 27.6 during months with low flow. The average AC/TC ratio during high flow months compared to that found in other studies for raw human sewage (3.9) and the ratio increased to values associated with animal impacted urban runoff (18.9) during low flow months.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationConference Proceedings - Joint 2002 CSCE/ASCE International Conference on Environmental Engineering - An International Perspective on Environmental Engineering
EditorsW.H. Stiver, R.G. Zytner
Pages89-92
Number of pages4
StatePublished - 2002
EventJoint 2002 CSCE/ASCE International Conference on Environmetal Engineering - An International Perspective on Enviromental Engineering - Niagara Falls, Ont., Canada
Duration: Jul 21 2002Jul 24 2002

Publication series

NameConference Proceedings - Joint 2002 CSCE/ASCE International Conference on Environmental Engineering - An International Perspective on Environmental Engineering

Conference

ConferenceJoint 2002 CSCE/ASCE International Conference on Environmetal Engineering - An International Perspective on Enviromental Engineering
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityNiagara Falls, Ont.
Period7/21/027/24/02

Keywords

  • Atypicals
  • Bacteria
  • Coliforms
  • Indicators
  • Ratios
  • Water quality

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering

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