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Published on: March 9, 2016
Faecal indicator impacts on recreational waters: budget studies and diffuse source modelling
1Centre for Research into Environment and Health, University of Wales, Aberystwyth, UK. dvk@aber.ac.uk
Journal of Applied Microbiology
|December 25, 2010
Summary
Coastal water pollution from sewerage systems and rivers is dynamic. Riverine inputs often dominate after rainfall, impacting bathing beach compliance and infrastructure planning.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Water Quality Management
- Coastal Studies
Background:
- Faecal indicators are crucial for assessing coastal water quality.
- Understanding pollution sources is vital for effective management and regulatory compliance.
- Previous studies have focused on specific locations, necessitating broader investigations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify faecal indicator contributions from sewerage and riverine sources to coastal waters.
- To develop predictive models for faecal indicator delivery from diffuse catchment sources.
- To evaluate the adequacy of current data for infrastructure planning and regulatory compliance.
Main Methods:
- Quantification of faecal indicator delivery during high and low flow conditions.
- Construction of nonpoint source models for diffuse pollution prediction.
- Comparative analysis of sewerage versus riverine inputs at various coastal sites.
Main Results:
- A dynamic balance exists between sewerage and catchment faecal indicator inputs.
- Riverine inputs frequently surpass sewerage inputs during high flow events post-rainfall.
- Many bathing beaches fail compliance standards after rainfall due to stream inputs.
Conclusions:
- Current routine monitoring may not inform effective infrastructure planning for bathing beach compliance.
- Existing scientific data is insufficient for UK infrastructure investments aimed at meeting EU Directive standards.
- Management strategies must expand to include diffuse pollution sources, presenting new challenges.
