Identifying the primary sources of fecal contamination along the beaches and rivers of Trinidad

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>The aim of this study was to identify the main sources of fecal pollution at popular beaches and rivers in the island of Trinidad. Escherichia coli enumeration and microbial source tracking (MST) were used to identify the primary sources of fecal bacteria contamination at the sites. Nineteen sites exceeded USEPA water quality standards for safe recreational use. Highest levels of fecal contamination were recorded on the central and west coasts of the island and included Brickfield River (4,839 MPN 100 ml−1), Orange Valley Bay (2,406.6 MPN 100 ml−1) and Chaguaramas Bay (1,921.2 MPN 100 ml−1). MST detected human (HF183) fecal pollution at ∼63%, birds at ∼67%, chicken at ∼36% and cattle (BacCow) at ∼34% of the sites. MST is a useful and rapid method for identifying major sources of fecal pollution in rivers and beaches. In Trinidad water bodies, the main sources of fecal pollution were humans and birds. The large number of sites with elevated levels of fecal pollution detected is particularly alarming and represents a serious public health risk.</jats:p> <jats:p>This article has been made Open Access thanks to the generous support of a global network of libraries as part of the Knowledge Unlatched Select initiative.</jats:p>

Detection of Campylobacter jejuni Presence in Trinidad’s Aquatic Environments

“…These respective fecal inputs are major contributors to the pathogen threats in these water bodies, especially C. jejuni. This pathogen detection study illustrated that many of the sites that were positive for C. jejuni were contaminated with one or more and in some cases all the fecal inputs such as Brickfield fishing bay and Waterloo temple in the sea (Bridgemohan et al, 2020).…”

“…This suggested that while the absolute contamination may appear to be high, the MPN was the better indicator of C. jejuni, as its relative contamination level was intimately linked to the overall MPN, and did not fluctuate due to the changes in other environmental variables. (Bridgemohan et. al., 2020) by region and site type) 1 3…”

“…Prior MST study illustrated elevated levels of fecal contamination, from human and animal sources. MST detected human (HF183) fecal pollution at 63%, birds at 67%, chicken at 36%, and cattle (BacCow) at 34% of the sites ( Bridgemohan et al, 2020). These respective fecal inputs are major contributors to the pathogen threats in these water bodies, especially C. jejuni.…”

“…For dye-based assays, the melt curve analysis was performed to confirm positive detection. All data were analyzed using MINITAB statistical package and applied to test whether E. coli MPN correlates with the presence of C. jejuni and respective fecal inputs based on Bridgemohan et al (2020).…”

“…Previous research has indicated that fecal contamination is widespread among freshwater streams, estuaries, and marine coastlines in Trinidad that are frequently used for recreational, fishing, and agricultural purposes (Bachoon et al, 2010). The sources and origin of fecal pollution across Trinidad were found to be of human as well as non-human origin (Bridgemohan et al, 2020). However, no research has been conducted to assess whether fecal-associated waterborne pathogen such as Campylobacter jejuni is prevalent in their aquatic systems.…”