Comparative Die-off of Escherichia coli 0157:H7 and Fecal Indicator Bacteria in Pond Water

In situ and in vitro experiments were performed to assess the effects of solar radiation and predation by indigenous microflora on the relative die-off rates of a toxigenic strain of Escherichia coli 0157:H7, commensal E. coli, and fecal enterococci in surface waters from ponds in agricultural water...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environmental science & technology 2011-03, Vol.45 (5), p.1853-1858
Main Authors: Jenkins, Michael B, Fisher, Dwight S, Endale, Dinku M, Adams, Paige
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bacteria
Comparative analysis
E coli
Environmental Processes
Environmental science
Experiments
Feces
Ponds
Predation
Water
Watersheds
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Summary:In situ and in vitro experiments were performed to assess the effects of solar radiation and predation by indigenous microflora on the relative die-off rates of a toxigenic strain of Escherichia coli 0157:H7, commensal E. coli, and fecal enterococci in surface waters from ponds in agricultural watersheds. The objective of these experiments was to discern a mechanism of persistence of E. coli 0157:H7 in surface waters compared to fecal indicator bacteria. Results of these experiments indicated that E. coli and fecal enterococci were affected by both insolation and apparent predation; whereas E. coli 0157:H7 appeared to be resistant to both of these environmental stressors. The number of days to reach 99% die-off (T99-values) for E. coli 0157:H7 was significantly greater than that for the indicator bacteria. The capacity to prolong die-off may be connected to the apparent persistence of E. coli 0157:H7 in surface waters.
ISSN:0013-936X
1520-5851
DOI:10.1021/es1032019