Evidence of Avian and Possum Fecal Contamination in Rainwater Tanks as Determined by Microbial Source Tracking Approaches

摘要: ABSTRACT Avian and possum fecal droppings may negatively impact roof-harvested rainwater (RHRW) water quality due to the presence of zoonotic pathogens. This study was aimed at evaluating performance characteristics a feces-associated (PSM) marker by screening 210 wastewater samples from possums (n = 20) range nonpossum hosts 190) in Southeast Queensland, Australia. The host sensitivity specificity PSM were 0.90 0.95 (maximum value, 1.00), respectively. mean concentrations GFD DNA (8.8 × 107 gene copies per g feces) two orders magnitude higher than those (5.0 105 feces). sensitivity, specificity, avian reported our recent (W. Ahmed, V. J. Harwood, K. Nguyen, S. Young, Hamilton, Toze, Water Res 88:613–622, 2016, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2015.10.050). utility markers evaluated testing large number tank 134) Brisbane Currumbin areas. detected 39 134 (29%) 11 (8%) samples, PCR-positive ranged 3.7 102 8.5 liter, whereas 2.0 103 6.8 liter water. results this suggest contamination hosts. has established an association between degradation microbial feces. Based on results, we recommend disinfection water, especially for tanks designated potable use. IMPORTANCE use domestic purposes is globally accepted practice. pathogens been several studies, supporting necessity management potential health risks. sources pollution are unknown. However, application source tracking (MST) identify tank. In study, provide evidence using molecular markers. link