Genetic Microbial Source Tracking Support QMRA Modeling for a Riverine Wetland Drinking Water Resource

Abstract

Graphical Abstract

Have genetic targets for faecal pollution diagnostics and source tracking revolutionized water quality analysis yet?

“…The minimum acceptable levels of faecal sensitivity and specificity depend on the faecal pollution scenario under investigation (such as the relative abundance of the diagnosed faecal pollution sources). These levels can be determined through statistical considerations or catchment-based scenario simulations (Kildare et al 2007 , Reischer et al 2011 , Derx et al 2021 ). A well-selected combination of markers, along with an algorithm that considers the sensitivity and specificity characteristics of the markers, enables more confident source identification compared to an individual marker (Ballesté et al 2020 ).…”

“…Data from GFPD, together with FIO and pathogens, are increasingly used in modelling and simulation. Potential areas of interest include all issues and scales of HRWM research (ranging from faecal marker persistence/dilution models to catchment-based source/sink transport simulations) as well as application types (such as faecal pollution, MST, treatment, and infection- and health risk assessment) as covered in this literature analysis (Dorner et al 2006 , Sokolova et al 2012 , Boehm et al 2015 , Pascual-Benito et al 2020 , Derx et al 2021 ). To highlight the importance, modelling becomes essential, e.g.…”

“…More recently, the modelling approach was extended towards source-specific calibration to multiple faecal pollution sources, using MST markers for humans, ruminants, pigs, and birds. An improved hydrological module (2D hydrodynamic flow, rainfall-runoff, and differential MST decay) allowed comparing external (allochthonous) and internal (autochthonous) faecal pollution sources and their associated infection risks from zoonotic parasites ( Giardia, Cryptosporidium ) for the Danube River (human wastewater input) and its floodplains (animal sources) downstream of Vienna (Derx et al 2021 ). An important result for best management practices is that autochthonous and allochthonous faecal sources during flood and rainfall events contributed pathogen loads with similar orders of magnitude.…”