Genetic microbial faecal source tracking: rising technology to support future water quality testing and safety management

Abstract Recent developments in water resource monitoring have increased the demand for reliable identification of faecal pollution sources, also defined as microbial (faecal) source tracking (MST). Standardized indicator bacteria (SFIB) enumeration does not directly support MST, SFIB occur animal and human sources. The aim this study was to rigorously evaluate applicability host-associated genetic MST markers detected by quantitative PCR (qPCR) at representative Austrian resources (ground-, surface-, raw treated wastewater, n = 196 samples) with high importance management sector. Groundwater covered a gradient non- (i.e., deep wells) surface influenced karst shallow wells). In addition, single excreta from humans well livestock wildlife species were collected source-specificity -sensitivity assays. Genetic marker resistance against UV irradiation evaluated on-site ground wastewater treatment installations. Bacteroides -based human- (HF183II, BacHum), ruminant- (BacR), pig-associated (Pig2Bac) qPCR quantification performed concert cultivation E. coli , intestinal enterococci, Clostridium perfringens (SFIB diagnostics). selected makers revealed capacity compartments quantitatively reflected gradient. demonstrated that data can efficiently be combined solve previously unanswered questions safety (e.g., source-targeted catchment protection, hazard assessment, health risk management). Further research development needs are discussed exploit full power technology. conclusion, illustrates molecular diagnostics revolutionize quality testing decades come.