Examining Fluorescent Decay Rates For Microbial Source Tracking In South Carolina Blackwater Systems

<p>Richland County, South Carolina, has many watersheds appearing on the EPA's 303(d) list, including the Gills Creek watershed. This study interprets current water quality data within the Gills Creek watershed through the use of intensive target stream sampling for Escherichia coli (E. coli) as well as fluorometric optical brightener analysis to screen for contamination from human wastewater, determine if there are significant relationships between fluorescent decay signals and E. coli contamination, and examine fluorescent decay protocol applicability to blackwater systems.</p> <p> Escherichia coli concentrations within the Gills Creek watershed could be attributed to industrialization around sampling sites, dilution, bacterial settling into lakes and ponds, and precipitation. Optical brightener signals varied greatly among sites and sample dates and showed little influence by environmental factors. Ultimately no association was detected between bacterial concentrations and optical brighteners. </p> <p>Fluorometric analysis of three streams in Richland County indicated that there was no significant difference in the amount of fluorometric interference from organic material in blackwater and clearwater streams. However, the high concentration of detergent solutions used may have prevented an accurate interference signal. </p> <p>Cao et al. (2009) suggested the modified protocol could be used in the in the field as well as in the laboratory, however, the extended time required to complete the protocol may be a deterrent to many. These analyses demonstrated the ability of a shorter duration UV exposure to capture optical brightener fluorescence, allowing a laboratory or field test of a few seconds rather than minutes.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Campus Access Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Environmental Health Sciences

Year

2011

Author dc:creator

• Davis, Francine Rosemarie

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dwayne Porter
• Robin Kloot

• Environmental Health
• Environmental Sciences
• Life Sciences
• Pharmacology, Toxicology and Environmental Health
• Physical Sciences and Mathematics
• fluorescent
• optical brighteners
• water quality
• whitening agent

Statement dc:rights

• © 2011, Francine Rosemarie Davis

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/etd/1117

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarcommons.sc.edu:etd-2118