Using microbial source tracking to identify fecal contamination sources in Great South Bay on Long Island, New York

• DOI: 10.3133/sir20225057
• Publication Date: 2022-06-23T16:18:04Z
• Authors: Tristen N. Taglia...; Shawn C. Fisher; Christopher M. Ke...; Natalie Cheung; Ariel P. Reed; Robert J. Welk
• Keywords: Indicator bacteria; Source tracking

First posted June 23, 2022 For additional information, contact: Director, New York Water Science CenterU.S. Geological Survey425 Jordan RoadTroy, NY 12180-8349 The U.S. Survey worked in cooperation with the State Department of Environmental Conservation to assess potential sources fecal contamination entering a part Great South Bay (referred as for purposes this report) near hamlets West Sayville, and Bayport on southern shore Suffolk County Long Island, York. samples are routinely collected by bay analyzed coliform bacteria, an indicator contamination, determine need closure shellfish beds harvest consumption. Fecal other bacteria presence pathogenic (disease-causing) bacteria. However, alone cannot biological or geographical contamination; therefore, microbial source tracking was implemented various contamination. In addition, information such location, weather season, surrounding land use where sample help conveyance land-based water embayment. Analysis revealed that most substantial discharge from sites draining ponds wetlands into tributaries sampled, Brown Green Creeks, particularly during summer months. at drain increased stormwater runoff, which is another Sites high concentrations exacerbated include Creek Culvert Middle Road, Mill Pond Street, Montauk Highway sites. canine Bacteroides (BacCan) marker frequently detected 15 positive detections surface across landscape, followed waterfowl Helicobacter (GFD) 9 human (HF183) 4 (excluding 2 sediment). ruminant (Rum2Bac) not any study. detection frequency BacCan similar all sampling conditions seasons, suggesting influence unrelated events year-round occurrence. 14 16 only 1 receptor samples, suggests likely diluted bay. There amount when comparing condition (wet dry) season (winter summer), time year. Eight were winter, one summer, implicating seasonal avian throughout surface-water sample, wet winter event Mid-Bay site. Three four event, indicating may markers Bay, but overly prevalent.