| Description |
The presence of Escherichia coli within a water source can be an indicator of the presence of pathogens that are harmful to human health. Previous studies have shown that Emigration creek has exhibited high levels of E. coli in the past. However, these studies are several years to decades old and did not identify the potential source of E. coli and/or fecal contamination. In this study, samples were taken from four sites throughout the canyon over 8 sampling events from September 15, 2021 to January 22, 2022, were cultured for E. coli, and were compared with EPA water quality standards. Additionally, microbial source tracking using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was conducted to determine a biological source for E. coli contamination. E. coli was enumerated in water samples using the culture plate method. these results showed the presence of E. coli at all sample sites throughout the canyon. Generally, the presence of E. coli decreased the further up the canyon that was sampled. However, sample sites located close to residential areas showed a higher amount than other sites. All collected samples from the study showed that E. coli levels within Emigration Creek are within the EPAs water quality standards for recreational waters. The qPCR analysis showed the presence of human host associated Bacteriodales HF-183 16s rRNA at all sample sites, but a higher amount of HF-183 was measurable in close proximity to residential areas. The dog associated Bacteriodales BacCan 16S rRNA was also measurable in the canyon, typically higher in residential areas, but was detected less frequently than the human fecal markers. This would suggest that further investigation of human fecal sources within Emigration Creek should be conducted. |
