Molecular tools for bathing water assessment in Europe: Balancing social science research with a rapidly developing environmental science evidence-base

Abstract

The use of molecular tools, principally qPCR, versus traditional culture-based methods for quantifying microbial parameters (e.g., Fecal Indicator Organisms) in bathing waters generates considerable ongoing debate at the science–policy interface. Advances in science have allowed the development and application of molecular biological methods for rapid (~2 h) quantification of microbial pollution in bathing and recreational waters. In contrast, culture-based methods can take between 18 and 96 h for sample processing. Thus, molecular tools offer an opportunity to provide a more meaningful statement of microbial risk to water-users by providing near-real-time information enabling potentially more informed decision-making with regard to water-based activities. However, complementary studies concerning the potential costs and benefits of adopting rapid methods as a regulatory tool are in short supply. We report on findings from an international Working Group that examined the breadth of social impacts, challenges, and research opportunities associated with the application of molecular tools to bathing water regulations.

Seasonal persistence of faecal indicator organisms in soil following dairy slurry application to land by surface broadcasting and shallow injection

“…Plot studies are essential to help consolidate understanding and scale up findings from laboratory-based investigations to field and catchment scales ( Winter et al., 2011 ). It is therefore critically important that plot scale studies of FIO persistence are undertaken to complement observations made at smaller scales and to provide evidence of impacts of complex interacting environmental factors on FIO survival ( Oliver et al., 2016a ). However, the current evidence-base of FIO persistence patterns delivered to soils through manure applications is currently limited ( Stocker et al., 2015 ).…”

“…Water used for recreation, drinking or food production (including shell fisheries) is routinely screened for faecal indicator organisms (FIOs) by regulators to track compliance with health related standards and associated legislation ( Pachepsky et al., 2016 , Clements et al., 2015 ). The detection of FIOs in environmental matrices is indicative of faecal contamination and their presence in high numbers can suggest a risk to human health in addition to posing wider economic and environmental threats ( Oliver et al., 2016a , Oliver et al., 2016b , Quilliam et al., 2015 ). The Water Framework Directive (WFD), a significant piece of EU water legislation, was designed to protect and improve the quality of water bodies throughout Europe.…”

Assessment of Spatio-Temporal Variability of Faecal Pollution along Coastal Waters during and after Rainfall Events

“…Faecal pollution of coastal waters around the world impairs water quality and poses a serious health threat by promoting the spread of infectious diseases among humans and marine organisms [1]. A variety of pathways and sources-especially sewer overflows, drainage of stormwater, runoff from farmed and urban areas, leaking of septic systems and Water 2022, 14, 502 2 of 16 sewerage lines-can result in the contamination of coastal and bathing waters with faecal bacteria [2,3]. Monitoring faecal pollution together with various environmental parameters is essential to understand the environmental fate of faecal bacteria and to identify the reservoirs and hotspots that promote the spread of faecal bacteria across the coastal areas, potentially contributing to the prevention or mitigation of their spread to the ocean [4].…”

Bathing Water Quality Monitoring Practices in Europe and the United States

“…Growth or persistence of enteric microbes and FIB in environmental habitats like soil, sediments, vegetation, and fecal matrices have been reported [ 37 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 ]. The contamination of bathing water from such environmental sources could also weaken the relationships between FIB and enteric pathogens and bathing water-related illness episodes.…”

“…The requirement to classify bathing sites means that beach users can access water quality information to help decide which beach to visit. This in turn may incentivize local authorities to do more regarding their management of bathing water environments [ 41 , 63 , 83 , 84 ]. The U.S., in contrast, does not have a provision for classifying and profiling bathing sites.…”