Understanding sources and distribution of Escherichia coli at Lake St. Clair Metropark Beach, Macomb County, Michigan

• DOI: 10.3133/sir20215089
• Publication Date: 2022-01-18T18:21:58Z
• Authors: Lisa R. Fogarty; Jessica A. Maurer; Ian M. Hyslop; Alexander R. Totten; Christopher M. Ke...; Angela K. Brennan
• Keywords: Geological survey

First posted January 18, 2022 For additional information, contact: Director, Upper Midwest Water Science Center U.S. Geological Survey5840 Enterprise Drive Lansing, MI 48911Contact Pubs Warehouse Lake St. Clair Metropark Beach (LSCMB) in Michigan is a public beach near the mouth of Clinton River that has history closures for health concerns. The designated as Great Lakes Area Concern, and park Beneficial Use Impairment closings because elevated Escherichia coli (E. coli) concentrations. Survey, cooperation with Environmental Protection Agency collaboration Department Environment, Lakes, Energy, Macomb County Health Department, Huron-Clinton Metroparks, completed 2-year study to determine sources E. LSCMB. Samples were collected during dry wet weather periods observe sampling sites under different conditions. Nearshore surface water samples biweekly July through October 2018 May September 2019. There 20 along shoreline channel north park. In addition collecting nearshore surface-water samples, from shallow groundwater, lake-bottom material, standing on surrounding recreational area, solids (beach sands detritus), offshore sites. 2019, microbial source tracking (MST) three dates midsummer analyzed human (HF183) bird/waterfowl (GFD) MST markers. concentrations at LSCMB (in order highest lowest concentrations) follows: groundwater nearest water’s edge, organic matter (detritus), beach, water. combination low higher indicate sources, possibly or rather than coming waters. subset analysis did not have enough positive results illustrate trends, but this demonstrated both waterfowl can affect quality LCSMB.