Microbial Insights has extensive experience identifying and analyzing microbial contaminants in recreational waters. We have been the industry leader, developing and licensing quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays for microbial source tracking of fecal contamination of surface waters. Our microbial source tracking (MST) assays help you make better informed water quality management decisions by allowing you to identify the source of fecal a contamination source.  Knowing the contamination source, you can implement the most appropriate corrective actions to reduce the fecal input and improve water quality.

ISSUE: Microbial contaminants in U.S. recreational waters are responsible for approximately 90 million illnesses each year, and around 1 in 10 surface waters in the U.S. are believed to pose a risk to human health due to high densities of fecal indicator bacteria.

IMPACT: Fecal contamination is hazardous to human health and can have economic impacts including beach closures and shellfish harvesting restrictions. 

THREATS: Health + Environmental Consequences.

PATH TO RESOLUTION: If you do not know the fecal contamination source, how can you fix the problem? In a typical watershed, contamination of surface waters can be caused by a myriad of potential point and non-point sources containing fecal material from:

  • Humans (sewer leaks, sanitary sewer overflows, septic system failures, stormwater)
  • Dogs and other domestic animals (stormwater, urban runoff)
  • Livestock (confined animal feeding operations)
  • Wildlife

By identifying contamination sources, our microbial source tracking (MST) tools provide the actionable insight and data you need to improve water quality. Our superior customer service will help guide and support you with expert analysis and interpretation every step of the way so you can get the job done.

Microbial Source Tracking

THE MI ADVANTAGE

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CENSUS® qPCR ASSAYS FOR QUANTIFYING INDICATORS OF FECAL CONTAMINATION

TARGETMI CODERELEVANCE / DATA INTERPRETATION
General Bacteroides GenBACOne of the prominent bacterial groups inhabiting the intestinal tracts of warm blooded animals including humans, cattle, swine, horses and dogs. Quantification of total Bacteroides provides a general indicator of fecal contamination.
Total EnterococcusTENTEnterococci, a subset of fecal streptococci, are found in the feces of all warm blooded animals and are believed to have higher survival rates in water than fecal coliforms. As with total Bacteroides, the total Enterococcus assay provides a general indicator of fecal contamination.
Total E. ColiTECOLIThe total E. coli assay also provides a general indicator of fecal contamination.
Human BacteroidesHF183Quantification of genetic markers of fecal Bacteroides from humans.
Ruminant BacteriaBacR, Rum2BacQuantification of two genetic markers of fecal Bacteroides from a variety of grazing animals.
Canada Goose BacteroidesCGBACT-1,2Quantification of two genetic markers of fecal Bacteroides from Canada Geese.
Dog BacteroidesDBACTQuantification of a genetic marker of fecal Bacteroides from dogs.
Seagull CatellicoccusGULL-CATQuantification of a genetic marker of Catellicoccus marimammalium shown to be an indicator of gull fecal contamination.
Human PolyomavirusHPyVsEvidence indicates that more than 70% of humans harbor and shed polyomaviruses in their urine.

Explore Our Molecular Biological Tools (MBT’s) and Site Logic Services

Accurate Quantification of Specific Contaminant Degrading Microorganisms and Functional Genes

EASY STEPS TO PERFORM MICROBIAL SOURCE TRACKING

1) Call us at 865.573.8188 or email at info@microbe.com
2) A friendly member of our team will advise you on the right tools for the job
3) Order and receive your supplies
4) Perform sampling according to our clear and easy protocols
5) Fill out the chain of custody form
6) Send to the nearest Microbial Insights location
7) Receive your unbiased report with actionable data and insight

Questions

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