| Abstract: | High densities of Escherichia coli and enterococci are common in freshwaters on Oahu and other Hawaiian Islands. Soil along stream banks has long been suspected as the likely source of these bacteria; however, the extent of their occurrence and distribution in a wide range of soils remained unknown until the current investigation. Soil samples representing the seven major soil associations were collected on the island of Oahu and analyzed for fecal coliforms, E. coli, and enterococci by the most probable number method. Fecal coliforms, E. coli, and enterococci were found in most of the samples analyzed; log mean densities (MPN ± SE g soil−1) were 1.96±0.18, n=61; 1.21±0.17, n=57; and 2.99±0.12, n=62, respectively. Representative, presumptive cultures of E. coli and enterococci collected from the various soils were identified and further speciated using the API scheme; at least six species of Enterococcus, including Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium, were identified. In mesocosm studies, E. coli and enterococci increased by 100-fold in 4 days, after mixing sewage-spiked soil (one part) with autoclaved soil (nine parts). E. coli remained metabolically active in the soil and readily responded to nutrients, as evidenced by increased dehydrogenase activity. Collectively, these findings indicate that populations of E. coli and enterococci are part of the natural soil microflora, potentially influencing the quality of nearby water bodies. |
| Genre: | Article |
| ProdID: | 70041894 |
| Citation Author: | Byappanahalli, Muruleedhara N.; Roll, Bruce M.; Fujioka, Roger S. |
| Citation Contributing Office: | Great Lakes Science Center |
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| Citation End Page: | 170 |
| Citation Issue: | 2 |
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| Citation Language: | English |
| Citation Larger Work Title: | Microbes and Environments |
| Citation LatN: | 28.4 |
| Citation LatS: | 18.91 |
| Citation LonE: | -154.81 |
| Citation LonW: | -178.31 |
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| Citation Phsyical Description: | 7 p. |
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| Citation Publisher: | Japanese Society of Microbial Ecology |
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| Citation Search Results Text: | Evidence for occurrence, persistence, and growth potential of Escherichia coli and enterococci in Hawaii’s soil environments; 2012; Article; Journal; Microbes and Environments; Byappanahalli, Muruleedhara N.; Roll, Bruce M.; Fujioka, Roger S. |
| Citation Start Page: | 164 |
| Citation Volume: | 27 |
| Citation Year: | 2012 |
| Type: | citation/reference |
| Text: | Evidence for occurrence, persistence, and growth potential of Escherichia coli and enterococci in Hawaii’s soil environments; 2012; Article; Journal; Microbes and Environments; Byappanahalli, Muruleedhara N.; Roll, Bruce M.; Fujioka, Roger S. |
| URL (THUMBNAIL): | http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/thumbnails/outside_thumb.jpg |
| URL (DIGITAL OBJECT IDENTIFIER): | http://dx.doi.org/10.1264/jsme2.ME11305 |
| Date Other: | Thu, 27 Dec 2012 00:00 -0600 |
| Publisher: | Japanese Society of Microbial Ecology |
