Water Fecal/Sewage Contamination and Microbial Source Tracking

Fecal contamination of natural water sources and reservoirs is a significant water quality concern. The threat to public health comes when surface water is contaminated with fecal matter and can cause illnesses and outbreaks of gastroenteric diseases when they are used for human consumption and recreational activities. Outside of the public health threat, water contamination can also severely affect coastal environments that rely on beaches and swimming areas for their local economy.

Pollution of recreational water is associated with human or animal waste that enters the water in a variety of ways, such as urban and agricultural sources, field stormwater runoff, leaking sewer pipes, sewer overflows, illegal sewer hookups, poorly functioning septic systems, discharge of sewage by boats, livestock and pet waste.

“As a company that serves coast to coast in the continental United States, EMSL knows how important it is to find the source of water contamination to help not only public health and safety, but also local economies,” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “The traditional culture methods used by many regulatory agencies and public health officials to evaluate water quality will determine the detection and enumeration of fecal bacteria but will not provide information on the source of the fecal pollution. That’s where our molecular microbial source tracking (MST) qPCR tests become helpful.”

EMSL’s DNA Laboratory offers the following for molecular MST qPCR tests:

• Test Code M095: Total Bacteroides by qPCR. Broad specificity test for fecal contamination by all warm-blooded animals.
• Test Code M199: Human Bacteroides by qPCR. Human feces/sewage contamination test.
• Test code M410: Bovine Bacteroidales by qPCR. Cow-specific fecal contamination test.
• Test Code M411: Ruminant Bacteroidales by qPCR. Test for fecal contamination by deer, goat, sheep, and other ruminant mammals.
• Test code M412: Swine Bacteroidales by qPCR. Pig-specific fecal contamination test.
• Test Code M414: Canine Bacteroides by qPCR. Dog-specific fecal contamination test.
• Test Code M415: Avian Helicobacter by qPCR. Bird-specific fecal contamination test.

To learn more about MST qPCR testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail