Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 8, 2026
Cost-effective Method for Microbial Source Tracking Using Specific Human and Animal Viruses
Published on: December 3, 2011
Source tracking of Enterococcus moraviensis and E. haemoperoxidus
Maja Taučer-Kapteijn1, Wim Hoogenboezem2, Remco Hoogenboezem3
1Het Waterlaboratorium, J.W. Lucasweg 2, Haarlem 2031 BE, The Netherlands E-mail: maja.taucer@hetwaterlaboratorium.nl; Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences, Department of Water Management, Delft University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, Delft 2628 CN, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Enterococci were detected occasionally in 100 L samples of water abstracted from a shallow aquifer in a natural dune infiltration area for drinking water production. Enterococcus moraviensis was the species most frequently identified in these samples. Because there are no existing reports of faecal sources of E. moraviensis and the closely related E. hemoperoxidus, this study aimed to find such sources of these two species in the dunes. Faecal samples from various animal species living in the vicinity of abstraction wells, were analysed for enterococci on Slanetz and Bartley Agar. From these samples, enterococci isolates (1,386 in total) were subsequently identified using matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. E. moraviensis was found in the faeces of geese, foxes and rabbits. Also, E. haemoperoxidus was isolated from goose faeces. Using hierarchical clustering, the species composition of Enterococcus spp. isolated from abstracted water formed one cluster with the species composition found in geese droppings. A sanitary survey supported the indication that feral geese may provide a substantial faecal load in particular parts of this dune infiltration area, close to the water abstraction system. This study confirms the faecal origin of E. moraviensis and E. haemoperoxidus from specific animals, which strengthens their significance as faecal indicators.
Insights
Enterococcus moraviensis and Enterococcus haemoperoxidus, commonly found in drinking water, originate from animal feces, particularly geese. This study identifies geese as a significant source, confirming their role as fecal indicators.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Water quality assessment
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Enterococci are detected in drinking water sources, with Enterococcus moraviensis frequently identified.
- The fecal origins of E. moraviensis and the related E. hemoperoxidus are not well-documented.
- Identifying fecal sources is crucial for ensuring drinking water safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the animal fecal sources of Enterococcus moraviensis and Enterococcus hemoperoxidus in a dune infiltration area.
- To determine the significance of these enterococci species as fecal indicators.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of enterococci in 100 L water samples from a shallow aquifer.
- Collection and analysis of fecal samples from various local animal species.
- Identification of enterococci isolates using matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry.
- Hierarchical clustering to compare enterococci species composition in water and fecal samples.
Main Results:
- Enterococcus moraviensis was isolated from the feces of geese, foxes, and rabbits.
- Enterococcus haemoperoxidus was isolated from goose feces.
- Enterococci species composition in abstracted water clustered with that found in goose droppings.
- A sanitary survey indicated feral geese contribute significantly to fecal contamination.
Conclusions:
- This study confirms the animal fecal origin of E. moraviensis and E. haemoperoxidus.
- Geese are identified as a substantial source of these enterococci in the studied dune infiltration area.
- The findings strengthen the significance of E. moraviensis and E. haemoperoxidus as valuable fecal indicators for water quality monitoring.
