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Updated: Apr 23, 2026
11:29
Cost-effective Method for Microbial Source Tracking Using Specific Human and Animal Viruses
Published on: December 3, 2011
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Multiple approaches to microbial source tracking in tropical northern Australia
Matthew Neave1, Heidi Luter, Anna Padovan
1Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Northern Territory, Australia.
Microbiologyopen
|September 17, 2014
Summary
Sewage outfalls and urban runoff are key sources of bacterial contamination impacting Darwin
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Water quality assessment
- Microbial source tracking
Background:
- Recreational water quality in Darwin, Australia, is affected by elevated Escherichia coli and enterococci levels.
- Dry-season beach closures are a concern, with bacterial sources currently unidentified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the sources of bacterial contamination impacting Darwin's recreational beaches.
- To assess the contribution of sewage outfalls and urban runoff to water pollution.
Main Methods:
- Utilized microbial source tracking techniques.
- Analyzed genetic fingerprints of E. coli and enterococci communities.
- Employed fecal markers and 454 pyrosequencing for source identification.
Main Results:
- A specific sewage outfall (Larrakeyah discharge) was identified as a significant source of bacterial contamination.
- Urban rivers and creeks contributed fecal indicator bacteria to several beaches.
- Two other treated effluent discharges had minimal impact beyond adjacent areas.
Conclusions:
- Local sources, including sewage discharge and urban runoff, are the primary drivers of bacterial contamination on Darwin beaches.
- Bacterial contamination was largely confined to distinct geographical areas, indicating localized pollution events.
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