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Overview and Methodology for a Study To Identify Fecal Contamination Sources Using Microbial Source Tracking in Seven Embayments on Long Island, New York

Scientific Investigations Report 2021-5033
Prepared in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
By: , , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20215033

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Abstract

Between June 2018 and July 2019, the U.S. Geological Survey collaborated with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to analyze water quality in seven embayments on Long Island, New York, for a study to examine fecal contamination using microbial source tracking. This report documents the approach, methodology, and quality-assurance data used in the study. All samples and field data were collected in accordance with U.S. Geological Survey National Field Manual procedures. Samples were analyzed for host-specific deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) markers, fecal coliform bacteria, inorganic and total organic nitrogen, and stable isotopes of nitrate and ammonium.

Samples for quality control were collected for microbiological analyses at a rate of 1 per 20 environmental samples. A total of 14 blank and 15 replicate samples were collected for DNA markers, 52 sequential field replicates were analyzed by the Public Environmental Health Laboratory of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services and the New York State Department of Conservation Marine Laboratory for fecal coliform, and 7 blank and 7 replicate samples were collected to be analyzed for nutrients. Results from quality-control samples collected throughout the course of the study confirmed that sampling procedures were adequate and did not disqualify any data from analysis.

Suggested Citation

Tagliaferri, T.N., Fisher, S.C., Kephart, C.M., Cheung, N., Reed, A.P., and Welk, R.J., 2021, Overview and methodology for a study to identify fecal contamination sources using microbial source tracking in seven embayments on Long Island, New York: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2021–5033, 8 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20215033.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Site Descriptions
  • Approach and Methods
  • Summary
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Overview and methodology for a study to identify fecal contamination sources using microbial source tracking in seven embayments on Long Island, New York
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2021-5033
DOI 10.3133/sir20215033
Year Published 2021
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) New York Water Science Center, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center
Description iv, 8 p.
Country United States
State New York
Other Geospatial Long Island
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details