E. Coli Contamination of a Recreational Watershed in the Ozarks: Field Monitoring and a Mesocosm Experiment

Water quality of the Mill Creek recreation area has been a recent topic of concern with local residents and the Mark Twain National Forest in regard to potential water quality degradation caused by recreation along the trails used for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. An Escherichia coli survey included water and suspended sediment samples throughout the watershed, and sediment samples from experimental mesocosms to measure long term viability. Results from the water sample survey indicated that the Natural Bridge site contained higher E. coli concentrations than its headwaters or downstream sites. Results from suspended sediment samples from this site indicate that E. coli concentration increase with recreational use. A rainfall event of about 2 cm created an increase of E. coli concentrations in the Mill Creek area. Results from the mesocosm study indicated that E. coli can survive outside of the gastrointestinal system in the sediment for over a month