Wade, Christina

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    Detection of human-derived fecal contamination in Puerto Rico using carbamazepine, HF183 bacteriodes, and fecal indicator bacteria
    (2015) Wade, Christina; Otero Morales, Ernesto; College of Arts and Sciences - Sciences; Armstrong, Roy; Morell, Julio M.; Corredor, Jorge; Department of Marine Sciences; Grove, Kurt A.
    Carbamazepine (CBZ) and fecal indicator bacteria were used to detect fecal pollution and its human origins in 17 sites located mostly in coastal areas of Puerto Rico. CBZ was quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Escherichia coli (E.coli) was enumerated using Colilert® enzyme substrate medium and Quanti-Tray®/2000. A quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to detect the human-specific genetic marker, HF183 Bacteriodes. CBZ was detected in 16 sites, including Condado Lagoon, which is a popular recreational area. Average CBZ concentrations ranged from 0.005 μgL-1 to 0.482 μgL-1. In general, CBZ concentrations were lower in less-densely populated areas, which support its use as a more specific wastewater indicator. Elevated E.coli levels (>410 CFU 100mL-1) were detected in 13 sites, and 7 sites were positive for HF183. E.coli and CBZ were significantly correlated (R= 0.485, P value = < 0.05). Higher CBZ concentrations were associated with the detection of HF183 (Mann-Whitney test;U= 42.0; df=7; 1-tailed P value = < 0.05). The widespread detection of CBZ indicates that rivers and streams near the coast in Puerto Rico may be a significant source of pollutants related with human-derived fecal contamination. This was the second study to determine surface water concentrations of CBZ in the Caribbean and the first in Puerto Rico.