Current Methods to Identify Fecal Pollution Sources in Environmental Waters

Fecal pollution is the source of most but not all waterborne pathogens. Testing methods that can distinguish human and non-human pollution are chemical, biological or immunological in nature. These methods are briefly reviewed with a focus on three biological methods - nucleic acid genotyping (e.g., ribotyping), multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) and F+ RNA coliphage serotyping/genotyping.Presentation given by Dr. Thomas Atherholt, Division of Science, Research and Technology, NJ DEP, at the NJ Center for Environmental Indicators (CEI) Annual Meeting at Rutgers University