Illicit Discharge Detection is Going to the Dogs

Reynolds, Scott; Christian, Daniel P.; Reynolds, Karen

doi:10.1061/40976(316)668

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…In 2007, an inaugural dog (Sable) was trained to detect municipal wastewater and detergents (surfactants) to assist with illicit discharge detection (Environmental Canine Services LLC, Vermontville, MI). Initial field tests showed promise when the dog's positive responses were compared to illicit discharge markers measured in field samples (88% average accuracy), but the dog was evaluated on E. coli, surfactants, and ammonia (Reynolds et al, 2008). A second dog (Logan) was trained in 2009, but had not yet been evaluated in the field at the time of this study.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Canine Scent Detection and Microbial Source Tracking of Human Waste Contamination in Storm Drains

Werfhorst

Murray

Reynolds³

et al. 2014

Water Environment Research

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Human fecal contamination of surface waters and drains is difficult to diagnose. DNA‐based and chemical analyses of water samples can be used to specifically quantify human waste contamination, but their expense precludes routine use. We evaluated canine scent tracking, using two dogs trained to respond to the scent of municipal wastewater, as a field approach for surveying human fecal contamination. Fecal indicator bacteria, as well as DNA‐based and chemical markers of human waste, were analyzed in waters sampled from canine scent‐evaluated sites (urban storm drains and creeks). In the field, the dogs responded positively (70% and 100%) at sites for which sampled waters were then confirmed as contaminated with human waste. When both dogs indicated a negative response, human waste markers were absent. Overall, canine scent tracking appears useful for prioritizing sampling sites for which DNA‐based and similarly expensive assays can confirm and quantify human waste contamination.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%