Symonds, E. M., University of South Florida, Saint Petersburg, USA, esymonds@marine.usf.edu
Rosario, K. ., University of South Florida, Saint Petersburg, USA, krosario@marine.usf.edu
Breitbart, M. ., University of South Florida, Saint Petersburg, USA, mya@marine.usf.edu

VIRUSES FOUND IN SEWAGE AND THEIR POTENTIAL TO INDICATE FECAL POLLUTION IN COASTAL WATERS

The presence of pathogenic viruses in coastal environments is potentially an important tool in evaluating water quality and human health risks. Millions of viruses are excreted in fecal matter and bacterial indicators do not correlate with the presence of pathogenic viruses. Enteroviruses have been used to identify fecal pollution in the environment; however, other viruses transmitted via the fecal-oral route could indicate fecal pollution. The purpose of this research is to develop a baseline understanding of the diversity of viruses found in raw sewage and to assess their presence in the environment. PCR was used to detect Adenoviridae, Herpesviridae, Papillomaviridae, Reoviridae, Hepadnaviridae, Caliciviridae, Paramyxoviridae, Tobamoviridae, and Human Picobirnaviruses in viruses concentrated from raw sewage throughout the US and from five marine environments ranging in their exposure to human influence. Adenovirus, Norovirus, Pepper Mild Mottle Virus, and Human Picobirnavirus were detected in raw sewage but absent in the marine environment. This baseline understanding of viruses in raw sewage and the marine environment will enable educated decisions to be made regarding the use of viruses in water quality assessments.

Oral presentation

Presentation is given by student: Yes
Session #:120
Date: 03-03-2008
Time: 08:15