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Bacterial contamination associated with estuarine shoreline development
1Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences, Marine Laboratory, Duke University, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA. wwks@duke.edu
Journal of Applied Microbiology
|March 24, 2006
Summary
Estuarine shoreline development, including marinas and residential areas, increases bacterial contamination, leading to shellfish harvesting closures. Elevated bacteria levels are linked to shoreline flooding and runoff, impacting shellfish safety.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Marine Biology
- Public Health
Background:
- Estuarine shellfish harvesting is crucial for local economies and ecosystems.
- Bacterial contamination frequently leads to shellfish harvesting area closures.
- Shoreline development and land use changes can impact water quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between estuarine shellfish closures, bacterial contamination, and adjacent shoreline land uses.
- To assess the impact of different types of shoreline development on bacterial levels in estuarine waters.
- To identify environmental variables influencing bacterial contamination in shellfish habitats.
Main Methods:
- A one-year study was conducted in a central North Carolina estuary.
- Faecal coliform bacteria levels were monitored at six near-shore sites with varying land uses.
- Water samples were collected bi-weekly and monthly, with paired samples analyzed for bacterial counts.
- Environmental variables, including water levels and proximity to docking facilities, were considered.
Main Results:
- Old developed shorelines exhibited the highest bacterial counts, followed by newly developed shores and marinas.
- Three sites (old developed, newly developed, and marina) consistently failed to meet North Carolina shellfishing water standards.
- Pseudomarina sites showed lower, but still significant, failure rates compared to full marinas.
- Increased water levels due to wind tides positively correlated with higher bacteria counts at several sites.
Conclusions:
- All forms of estuarine shoreline development can contribute to shellfish water contamination and closures.
- Newly developed shores, even with buffers, showed high bacterial counts, necessitating caution with private oyster gardening.
- Marinas consistently failed to meet water quality standards, supporting automatic closure practices.
- Rainfall-induced runoff and flooding are significant factors in increasing bacterial loads, likely from animal feces.
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