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Bacterial Contamination of Water In Agricultural Intensive Regions of Ohio, USA

Won, Gayeon
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1338163933

Abstract Details

2012, Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, Veterinary Preventive Medicine.
Water related disease outbreaks threaten public health and safety worldwide. In the United Sates, notwithstanding public drinking water systems strictly regulated, acute gastrointestinal illnesses (AGI) are continuously reported to health agencies . In agricultural intensive areas, surface and ground water resources are more likely to be exposed to be contaminated with zoonotic bacteria, given the close proximity to sources of feces from livestock, dairy farms and wildlife. The aim of this dissertation was to determine a role of drinking and irrigation water as a vehicle for the transmission of zoonotic bacteria of fecal origin and the need of risk management in rural areas. First, we investigated the microbial quality of private well drinking water system located in six Townships in northeastern Ohio, regions with high concentration of dairy farms. Water samples were collected in 180 households (summer, 2009) and processed to detect fecal indicative organisms, E. coli O157 and Campylobacter jejuni by using commercial MPN methods and quantitative PCR analysis. Around 46%, 9 % and 4% of wells were contaminated with coliforms, E. coli and E. coli O157 respectively. There were no positives for C. jejuni. Second, current guidelines for microbial irrigation water quality recommended by relevant agencies were evaluated in the regard with their practicality and feasibility to detect water quality deterioration in practical applications. Water samples (n=227) were collected in six surface water sources providing irrigation water to each six farm located in Northeastern Ohio over one irrigation season (Apr to Nov ,2010). Bootstrap analysis was applied to estimate optimal water testing frequency compared to those in current guidelines based on the value of fecal indicators detected in the water samples. Current guidelines for microbial quality of irrigation water imprecisely reflected the quality of water over one irrigation season in the context of sampling frequency recommended in those guidelines. Third, the association of microbial quality between irrigation water and fresh produce during pre-harvest was investigated at 120 farms located in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. Nonparametric correlation analysis and Repetitive-PCR (Rep-PCR) was performed on E. coli from water and vegetables isolated on the same farm in the cross-sectional study to determine statistical association and genetic relatedness respectively. Both statistically and genetically associations were not detected between irrigation water and vegetables. In conclusions, water sources used in agricultural intensive areas which are currently not protected under federal regulation are needed to be managed regarding likelihoods of human illnesses for a drinking purpose. For irrigation water, a practical regulation which can focus on preventing pathogen transmissions between water and fresh produce just prior to harvest, is required to be developed.
Jeffrey LeJeune, PhD (Advisor)
Gireesh Rajashekara, PhD (Committee Member)
Rebecca Garabed, PhD (Committee Member)
Song Liang, PhD (Committee Member)
170 p.
Agriculture; Environmental Health; Environmental Management; Environmental Science; Epidemiology; Microbiology; Molecular Biology; Public Health
Waterborne Disease; Irrigation Water; Drinking Water; Zoonotic Bacterial Pathogen; AGI; Fresh Produce;

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Won, G. (2012). Bacterial Contamination of Water In Agricultural Intensive Regions of Ohio, USA [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1338163933

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Won, Gayeon. Bacterial Contamination of Water In Agricultural Intensive Regions of Ohio, USA. 2012. Ohio State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1338163933.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Won, Gayeon. "Bacterial Contamination of Water In Agricultural Intensive Regions of Ohio, USA." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University, 2012. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1338163933

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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© 2012, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.