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Microcosms for evaluating microbial indicator persistence and mobilization in fluvial sediments during rainfall
Julia Martín-Díaz1, Cristina García-Aljaro1, Míriam Pascual-Benito1
1Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; The Water Research Institute, University of Barcelona, C/ Montalegre 6, 08001 Barcelona, Spain.
Water Research
|July 15, 2017
Summary
Heavy rainfall can resuspend riverbank sediments, mobilizing fecal pollution indicators like E. coli and bacteriophages. These microbes persist differently, impacting surface water quality and One Health.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Water quality science
- Climate change impact studies
Background:
- Mediterranean rivers face climate change impacts, including extreme rainfall and drought.
- Riverbank sediment resuspension during heavy rainfall is a key process affecting water quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mobilization and inactivation of fecal pollution indicators and microbial source tracking markers from resuspension in Mediterranean river sediments.
- To compare the persistence and transport patterns of bacteria and bacteriophages in river water.
Main Methods:
- Microcosm experiments simulating heavy rainfall events and sediment resuspension in a Mediterranean river.
- Evaluation of the inactivation (T90 values) of six different fecal indicator organisms and microbial source tracking markers.
- Analysis of resuspension and sedimentation dynamics for bacteria and bacteriophages.
Main Results:
- Sorbitol-fermenting Bifidobacterium had a T90 of 4 days, culturable E. coli 11 days, and bacteriophages infecting Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron strain GA17 36 days.
- qPCR-detected E. coli, somatic coliphages, and sulfite-reducing clostridia spores showed T90 values exceeding 42 days.
- Distinct resuspension and sedimentation behaviors were observed between bacteriophages and bacteria.
Conclusions:
- Sediment resuspension during heavy rainfall events significantly mobilizes microbial contaminants in Mediterranean rivers.
- Different microbial groups exhibit varying persistence and transport characteristics, influencing surface water quality assessments.
- Findings are crucial for developing predictive models to manage climate change effects on water quality and uphold the One Health approach.
