IMPACT OF RAINFALL ON ESCHERICHIA COLI CONCENTRATIONS AT BEACHES IN DOOR COUNTY, WISCONSIN
File(s)
Date
2013-04Author
Griesbach, Amanda M.
Advisor(s)
Kleinheinz, Greg
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Rainfall and its associated storm water runoff have been associated with transport
of many pollutants into beach water. Fecal material, from a variety of animals (humans,
pets, livestock, and wildlife), can wash into beach water following rainfall and result in
microbial contamination of the beach. Many locales around the world issue pre-emptive
beach closures associated with rainfall. This study looked at eight beaches located in
Door County, Wisconsin, on Lake Michigan to determine the impact of rainfall on E. coli
concentrations in beach water. Water samples were collected from beach water and
storm water discharge pipes during rainfall events of 5 mm in the previous 24 hours. Six
of the eight beaches showed a significant association between rainfall and elevated beach
water E. coli concentrations. The duration of the impact of rainfall on beach water E. coli
concentrations was variable (immediate to 12 hours). Amount of rainfall in the days
previous to the sampling did not have significant impact on the E. coli concentrations
measured in beach water. Presence of storm water conveyance pipes adjacent to the
beach did not have a uniform impact on beach water E. coli concentrations. This study
suggests that each beach needs to be examined on its own with regard to rain impacts on
E coli concentrations in beach water.
Subject
Escherichia coli - Environmental aspects - Door County, Wisconsin
Beach closures - Wisconsin - Door County
Water pollution
Rain and rainfall - Wisconsin - Door County
Permanent Link
http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/66227Description
A Thesis Submitted In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree of Master of Science-Biology Microbiology