The probability of detecting host-specific microbial source tracking markers in surface waters was strongly associated with method and season.

ABSTRACT: Fecal contamination of surface waters presents significant human health and environmental risks. While many methods for understanding fecal contamination cannot differentiate between human and animal sources, microbial source tracking (MST) marker methods are used to identify fecal sources. To understand how to best employ MST marker data for managing fecal contamination risks, the present study compiled previously collected MST marker data (N = 12,878 samples) from across North America; each sample in the data set had been tested for fecal contamination from one or more of five sources (avian, canine, human, ruminant, swine). Using these data, this study aimed to characterize associations between non-methodological and methodological factors and detection of host-specific MST marke

SUBMITTER: Murphy CM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11792506 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature