Distinguishing between human and animal sources of fecal pollution in waters: a review. (9th February 2009)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tyagi, Punam; Edwards, D.R.; Coyne, M.S.
• Is Part Of: International journal of water. Volume 5:Number 1(2009)
• Page Start: 15
• Page End: 34
• Publication Date: 2009-02-09
• Subjects: bifidobacteria -- bacteriophages of bacteriodes -- fecal sterols -- bile acid -- FC-FS ratio -- F-specific RNA coliphages -- human enteric viruses -- water pollution -- human fecal pollution -- animal fecal pollution -- biomarkers -- natural waters; Water -- Periodicals; Water resources development -- Periodicals; 553.705
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1465-6620

Abstract

This review paper discusses some of the earlier and current methods used to identify the human and non-human sources of fecal pollution in water. It is mainly focused on chemical approaches, i.e., fecal sterol and bile acid biomarkers, to identify the sources of fecal pollution. Findings of our study are in agreement with earlier investigations, that it is unlikely for any single determinant to be useful in all situations but a multiple biomarker approach or statistical analysis of microbial and chemical determinants offer the possibility of identifying and apportioning human and animal fecal inputs to natural waters.