RE: DNA testing, or other analysis

["Shannon Briggs" <briggssl@michigan.gov>]

Agreed, source tracking can have significant costs.  However, there is a wide range of costs for DNA testing and other analyses.  Not all of the tests are beyond the budget of a local beach manager or community.  Several researchers and beach managers are working together to develop affordable approaches to identifying contamination sources.  Some of these approaches include sanitary surveys, routine monitoring, target monitoring, and DNA testing.  In some cases the costs of source tracking saved money in the long run by focusing remediation efforts.

Michigan State University hosted a series of Waterborne Pathogen lectures that are available at
http://www.cws.msu.edu/pathogen_wkshop.htm

Lectures are available on line as well as the white papers and slide presentations.  Please see the lecture given on March 16, 2007: Source Tracking , Dr. Kate Field, Oregon State University and Dr. Troy Scott, Source Molecular Corporation.  The source tracking information is practical and both speakers encouraged the use of sanitary surveys and taking the time to physically inspect the sites being investigated.

We were fortunate that several speakers for the lectures are also authors in the August issue of Water Research which focused the entire issue on Source Tracking.  Please see the website for the table of contents.

Volume 41, Issue 16, Pages 3515-3792 (August 2007)  Identifying Sources of Fecal Pollution
Edited by Stefan Wuertz and Jennifer Field  
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/00431354

One of the articles in Water Research provided a flow chart of a decision tree for how MST studies can assist in decision-making when attempting to meet water quality standards based on bacteria.  This decision tree is provided in Figure 1 of "Quo vadis source tracking?  Towards a strategic framework for environmental monitoring of fecal pollution." by Domingo, Bambic, Edge, and Wuertz.

For more information and an opportunity to talk in person to some of these researchers and other beach managers, please see the web site for the Great Lakes Beach Conference, October 3, 4, 5, 2007 in Traverse City, Michigan  http://www.miseagrant.umich.edu/SOLM2007/

7th Annual Great Lakes Beach Association - Sessions
* Source Tracking
* Rapid Laboratory Methods
* Predictive Models and Coastal Processes
* Health Risks at Beaches
* Sanitary Surveys
* Communication and Notification


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