Analysis of Indicator Bacteria in NJ Dead-end Lagoons. Michael Callaghan Gasbarro Mentor: Dr. Kathryn Goddard

Transcription

1 Analysis of Indicator Bacteria in NJ Dead-end Lagoons Michael Callaghan Gasbarro Mentor: Dr. Kathryn Goddard Delaware Valley Estuary Summit Session 20: January 28, 2015

2 Dead-end Canals or Lagoons Popular design in coastal areas to increase the number of waterfront lots Design inhibits water exchange and promotes stagnation Roughly 40 lagoons between Atlantic City and Cape May Dense concentration of houses and recreational activity increases exposure to contamination from bacterial and chemical sources Storm drains empty into the dead end of many lagoons

3 Storm Water Runoff Bacteria and other pathogens can wash into swimming areas and create health hazards, resulting in beach closures Can carry debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants directly into a wetland, or coastal water Usually it flows untreated, into local water bodies OCNJ Real Estate Group

4 Health Risks Samples that are above the water quality standard indicate water that presents an increased risk of illness. - NJ DEP Cooperative Coastal Monitoring Program Swimming in or contact with polluted water can cause o o o o o o gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain respiratory symptoms sore throat, cough, runny nose, and sneezing eye and ear symptoms including irritation, earache, and itchiness, dermatological symptoms like skin rash and itching flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills. These symptoms are minor most of the time Children and elderly at a higher risk

5 Objectives 1. Determine whether the lagoons were safe for swimming according to EPA standards 2. If levels were elevated, locate possible sources and inform the proper authorities

6 Initial Seven Lagoons Sampled

7 Methods and Testing Procedures Samples were collected from the center of the canals 18 inches below the surface Samples were prepared on m-ei and m-tec agar using membrane filtration according to NJ DEP standards.

8 Background and Standards Enterococci and Fecal Coliforms are indicator organisms They are used to indicate human or animal waste contamination Type of Bacteria Maximum colonies per 100 ml Enterococci 104 They can predict if more serious pathogens are present Maximum levels are the state and federal standards Fecal Coliforms 200

9 Enterococci colonies on m-ei agar. Fecal coliform colonies on m-tec agar. Becton Dickinson and Company

10 Sample Site Numbers

11 Bacterial Levels for Sites 1-10, are within government guidelines 60 CFU/100mL Average Colonies Fecal Coliforms Average Colonies Enterococci Site Number

12 Bacterial Levels for Sites in Sunny Harbor CFU/100mL Average Colonies Fecal Coliforms Average Colonies Enterococci Site Number

13 Redesigned Sample Sites in Sunny Harbor Lagoon

14 Enterococci levels decrease with increasing distance from the storm water outfall 140 Average Colonies Enterococci 120 CFU/100 ml Maximum 104 CFU/100mL Enterococci from a single sample Geometric Mean Sites 1-7 Maximum 35 CFU/100mL Enterococci for a geometric mean Site Number

15 Fecal Coliforms levels decrease with distance from the storm water outfall Average Colonies Fecal Coliforms CFU/100mL Maximum 200 CFU/100 ml Fecal Coliforms from a single sample Site Number

16 Redesigned Sample Sites in Sunny Harbor Lagoon

17 Fall Sampling Sites in Sunny Harbor Lagoon

18 Enterococci in Autumn 2015 decrease with increasing distance from outfall Average Colonies Enterococci 542 CFU/100mL Maximum 104 CFU/100 ml Enterococci from a single sample Arkansas 8 Arkansas 1902 Bay 1 Walnut Site Location

19 Fecal Coliforms in Autumn 2015 decrease with increasing distance from outfall 8000 CFIU/100 ml Average Colonies Fecal Coliforms Maximum 200 CFU/100mL Fecal Coliforms from a single sample Arkansas 8 Arkansas 1902 Bay 1 Walnut Site Location

20 Network of drainage pipes that connect to the outfall located at 1 Walnut

21 Levels of Bacteria from samples collected from the storm drain CFU/100mL E. coli Enterococcus Storm Drain Manhole Sample Sites

22 Conclusions Source of contamination most likely from the drainage are connected to the outfall pipe at the end of lagoon. Contamination is isolated to Sunny Harbor Other Lagoons and Bays were below the standard safe for swimming The residents of this lagoon should be informed by their government of the contamination levels.

23 Residents of coastal communities could unknowingly expose themselves to bacterial contamination by swimming or boating in waters they consider to be their backyard. Significance

24 Future Plans Use Antibiotic Resistance Tests to determine whether a human or animal source Genetic testing of bacteria Work with officials to bring attention to areas not monitored but heavily utilized by the public

25 Questions?