Microbial Source Tracking in the Manasquan River Estuary: Research Project Summary
Date
2005-06
Date Removed
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Trenton, N.J. : New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science, Research and Technology
Abstract
Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) analysis, one of several new tests developed within the past decade, was
used in an attempt to identify the sources of fecal pollution in the Manasquan River estuary. The estuary is vital
for recreational activities and as a shellfish resource. The test identifies fecal-derived, human- and animalspecific Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria through host-influenced differences in antibiotic resistance. The
estuary contains multiple sources of fecal pollution. At many sites there appears to be an abundance of inputs
from wild animals. This is an ongoing study. The work to date is best viewed as a “pilot project,” providing a tool
to begin to identify sources of E. coli in the estuary. Due to the current limitations of the MAR technology and
the lack of unambiguous source apportionment at most sites, the best use of the data may be to rule out
potential sources of pollution.
Description
Keywords
New Jersey, New Jersey - Manasquan River estuary