Bacterial fingerprinting to trace source of coliform bacteria during artificial recharge

Frank G. Postillion, David M. Esposito, Patricia A. Rusin, Norval A. Sinclair, Charles P. Gerba

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

This report describes the use of a bacterial 'fingerprint' technique to determine if treated effluent from infiltration beds was the source of coliform bacteria in a nearby well used for drinking water. Phage typing of bacteria is a method which has been used in hospitals to trace the source of infections, since each source usually has a characteristic phage type. Fecal coliform bacteria isolated from local wastewater infiltration basins, a nearby septic tank, and the contaminated well were phage typed. The typing indicated that there was a 17% similarity between the septic tank and the contaminated well, and a 27% similarity was found between the septic tank and the infiltration bed isolates. Finally there was a 52% similarity between the percolation bed isolates and the well isolates. Additional aspects of the subject are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationArtif Recharge Ground Water Proc Int Symp
PublisherPubl by ASCE
Pages220-224
Number of pages5
ISBN (Print)0872627136
StatePublished - 1989
Externally publishedYes
EventArtificial Recharge of Ground Water - Proceedings of the International Symposium - Anaheim, CA, USA
Duration: Aug 23 1988Aug 27 1988

Publication series

NameArtif Recharge Ground Water Proc Int Symp

Other

OtherArtificial Recharge of Ground Water - Proceedings of the International Symposium
CityAnaheim, CA, USA
Period8/23/888/27/88

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering

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