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Detection of spatial fluctuations of non-point source fecal pollution in coral reef surrounding waters in southwestern Puerto Rico using PCR-based assays |
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| Authors: | Bonkosky M Hernández-Delgado E A Sandoz B Robledo I E Norat-Ramírez J Mattei H |
| Institution: | a Department of Environmental Health, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, Graduate School of Public Health, P.O. Box 365067, San Juan, 00936-5067, Puerto Rico b UPR, Department of Biology, Center for Applied Tropical Ecology and Conservation, Coral Reef Research Group, P.O. Box 23360, San Juan 00931-3360, Puerto Rico c UPR-MSC, Microbiology and Medical Zoology Department, P.O. Box 365067, San Juan 00936-5067, Puerto Rico |
| Abstract: | Human fecal contamination of coral reefs is a major cause of concern. Conventional methods used to monitor microbial water quality cannot be used to discriminate between different fecal pollution sources. Fecal coliforms, enterococci, and human-specific Bacteroides (HF183, HF134), general Bacteroides-Prevotella (GB32), and Clostridium coccoides group (CP) 16S rDNA PCR assays were used to test for the presence of non-point source fecal contamination across the southwestern Puerto Rico shelf. Inshore waters were highly turbid, consistently receiving fecal pollution from variable sources, and showing the highest frequency of positive molecular marker signals. Signals were also detected at offshore waters in compliance with existing microbiological quality regulations. Phylogenetic analysis showed that most isolates were of human fecal origin. The geographic extent of non-point source fecal pollution was large and impacted extensive coral reef systems. This could have deleterious long-term impacts on public health, local fisheries and in tourism potential if not adequately addressed. |
| Keywords: | Bacteroides Clostridium coccoides Coral reefs Microbial source tracking Non-point source coastal fecal pollution PCR |
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