|
||||
Michigan Water Science Center |
Project Chief Sheridan Haack Statewide Water Resources Monitoring Protection of Drinking Water Sources Effects of Land Use on Water Quality
Restoring Natural Flow Regimes Research and Technical Assistance at Contaminated Sites Table of Contents |
The 63rd Street Beach, Chicago, Illinois. Chicago Beaches
The 63rd Street Beach, Chicago, has experienced frequent exceedances of recreational water quality Escherichia coli (E. coli) standards, has a large resident seagull population, and few other potential sources of these bacteria. Enterococci numbers have rarely been determined for this beach. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relation between E. coli and enterococci populations in seagulls and those in water and sediments at the beach.
Conducting DNA fingerprinting of E. coli.
To accomplish this goal, E. coli DNA fingerprints and the responses of enterococci to various physiological tests were used to determine similarities in E. coli isolates from seagull feces, beach water and beach sediments for two dates. Temporal variability in E. coli and enterococci isolates from seagulls was observed. Results indicate that seagulls contribute to E. coli populations in water and sediment at the 63rd Street Beach, but that other sources of these bacteria were also likely.
This study shows the value of bacterial DNA-fingerprinting, combined with other approaches, to determine effective management strategies for Great Lakes beaches. The results will be of interest to scientists, regulatory agencies, and resource managers.
Links to Other Resources:
Beach Monitoring and Forecasting Technologies
EPA-The Office of Science and Technology BEACH WATCH EPA Microbiology NRDC-Testing the Waters 2000
Cooperators:
The Watershed Center - Grand Traverse Bay State of Michigan - Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) |