Analysis of multiple enteric viral targets as sewage markers in coral reefs

Marine Pollution Bulletin
By: , and 

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Abstract

Water and coral mucus samples were collected from throughout the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and the Dry Tortugas for three years and were analyzed for human enteric viruses (enteroviruses, noroviruses, hepatitis A virus and adenoviruses) as conservative markers of human sewage using molecular methods. Of the 100 coral and water samples collected, 40 contained genetic material from one or more human enteric viruses. DNA-based adenoviruses were detected widely, in 37.8% of samples and at 91% of stations, including ‘pristine’ reefs in the Dry Tortugas; however, the detection rate was ⩽12% for the RNA-based enteroviruses and noroviruses (hepatitis A virus was never detected). The disparity between the prevalence of RNA- and DNA-based viruses suggests the need for additional work to determine the utility of adenovirus as marker of human sewage.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Analysis of multiple enteric viral targets as sewage markers in coral reefs
Series title Marine Pollution Bulletin
DOI 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2007.08.001
Volume 54
Issue 12
Year Published 2007
Language English
Publisher Elsevier
Contributing office(s) Coastal and Marine Geology Program
Description 6 p.
First page 1897
Last page 1902
Country United States
State Florida
Other Geospatial Florida Keys
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
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