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Updated: Nov 1, 2025
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Published on: March 9, 2016
Differentiating Sources of Fecal Contamination to Wilderness Waters Using Droplet Digital PCR and Fecal Indicator
Daniel P Pendergraph1, John Ranieri2, Lochlin Ermatinger3
1The Wilderness Institute, Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana; Human Dimensions Lab, Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana; Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana.
Fecal indicator bacteria like E. coli were found in Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness waters, but human sources were minimal. Always purify wilderness water, as contamination may come from animals.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Wilderness water quality
- Microbial source tracking
Background:
- Human activities in wilderness areas can introduce fecal contamination into aquatic ecosystems.
- Increasing human visitation in the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness raises concerns about water quality.
- Understanding microbial contamination sources is crucial for protecting remote water resources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess fecal microorganism contamination in water sources within the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness.
- To differentiate between human and animal sources of fecal contamination.
- To evaluate the risk posed by microbial contaminants to human health in this popular wilderness area.
Main Methods:
- Quantified total coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli using standard assays.
- Employed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques to identify human-derived fecal microorganisms.
- Analyzed water samples from lake outlets and snowmelt streams.
Main Results:
- Total coliforms were detected in all 21 lake outlet samples.
- Escherichia coli was present at 11 of 21 sites.
- Human feces-derived microorganisms were detected below the limit of detection at most sites, with one exception.
Conclusions:
- Water-borne pathogens like E. coli and human-derived Bacteroides show low prevalence in this wilderness area.
- Widespread detection of total coliforms and E. coli underscores the need for water purification.
- Potential sources of contamination include wild or domesticated animals, with human visitation indirectly influencing contamination via domesticated animals.
