Depth-Dependent Concentrations of E. coli in Agricultural Irrigation Ponds

Microbial water quality surveys of irrigation sources are conducted by measuring the concentrations generic E. coli. The objective this study was to evaluate dependence coli on sampling depth at different times day. Three ponds were sampled in Maryland eleven during growing seasons 2019–2021. Water collected replicates surface (0 cm) and then 50 cm intervals 9:00, 12:00, 15:00. Ponds 1 2 150 cm, whereas Pond 3 only due it having a shallower average depth. An analysis variance test revealed that significantly differed one pond (p > 0.05) but multiple dates. Additionally, time day significant two observation dates across ponds; those cases, increased order 9:00 12:00 This shows measured may substantially differ depending day, these factors should be accounted for monitoring design.