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DETERMINING THE SOURCES OF FECAL POLLUTION IN THE WATERSHEDS OF PENSACOLA, FLORIDA

Abstract

Pensacola, Florida (USA), has a thriving coastal community that serves many purposes, such as recreation, commerce, shellfish harvesting, and fisheries. However, increasing levels of fecal pollution pose a potential economic constraint and public health danger. Understanding the source and abundance of contaminants in streams represents an important first step for identifying the sources of fecal pollution and methods to mitigate their delivery from the landscape. This study aimed to determine the source of pollution in five highly polluted sites (Bayou Texar Lower, Willard Norris Road Creek, Clear Creek Boat Ramp @ 87, Quinette River Boat Ramp and Pensacola Bay Bridge) in the Pensacola area. DNA was extracted from water samples and then analyzed using PCR-based molecular Microbial Source Tracking techniques to determine the presence of human (HF-183-1), dog (BacCan) and avian (CP1) fecal pollution. In these urban and peri-urban creeks. Human specific fecal bacteria were detected in Bayou Texar Lower, Willard Norris Road Creek and Pensacola Bay Bridge sites. Dog specific fecal bacteria was detected in Willard Norris Road Creek, Clear Creek Boat Ramp and Pensacola Bay Bridge. There was no detection of avian specific fecal bacteria in any of the sites. The detection of human and dog fecal pollution in these coastal areas were attributed to urban developmental activities.

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