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The Impact of Climatic Factors on Fecal Coliforms/Fecal Streptococci Ratio Variability. Kellie E. Jones Longwood College Department of Natural Sciences Coauthor: Genii A. Grimsley Faculty Advisor: Dr. David Buckalew. Fecal Coliforms Vs. Fecal Streptococci. FC/FS Source of Pollution.
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The Impact of Climatic Factors on Fecal Coliforms/Fecal Streptococci Ratio Variability Kellie E. Jones Longwood College Department of Natural Sciences Coauthor: Genii A. Grimsley Faculty Advisor: Dr. David Buckalew
FC/FSSource of Pollution Gerba, Charles P., et. al. Environmental Microbiology. New York: Academic Press,1999.
Research Hypothesis FC/FS ratio • During moderate climatic conditions variability decreases • Enhances the application of the ratio as a bacterial source indicator
Method • Collection of water samples • Presumptive test for fecal streptococci • Plate count • Confirmatory tests for fecal streptococci
Presumptive Test • Membrane Filtration • KF Streptococcal Broth • Incubate at 37º +/- 0.5° C for 48 +/- 2 hrs • Perform Plate Count • Calculate FC/FS ratios
Confirmatory Test • Bile Esculin Agar • Incubate at 44.5º C +/- 0.5° C for 18 hrs • Observe Growth
T test Results for November – March vs. September and October Ang 17.0 1.510 0.25>p>0.10 App 1.0 1.281 0.50>p>0.25 App 2.0 0.529 1.00>p> 0.50 Say 5.0 1.560 0.25>p>0.10 Say 8.0 1.237 0.50>p>0.25 Vau 14.0 1.369 0.25>p>0.10
T test Results for November – March vs. September, October, and April (1) Ang 17.0 1.2607 0.50>p>0.25 App 1.0 0.9843 0.50>p>0.25 App 2.0 0.8104 0.50>p>0.25 Say 5.0 1.4487 0.25>p>0.10 Say 8.0 1.3701 0.25>p>0.10 Vau 14.0 1.1762 0.25>p>0.10
T test Results for November – March vs. September, October, and April (2) Ang 17.0 1.77 0.25>p>0.10 App 1.0 0.977 0.50>p>0.25 App 2.0 0.8104 0.50>p>0.25 Say 5.0 1.8448 0.25>p>0.10 Say 8.0 1.3701 0.25>p>0.10 Vau 14.0 1.424 0.25>p>0.10
Discussion • Already see a shift in p values with the addition of April’s data • With more research the critical value could possibly be reached and there may actually be less variability in moderate months • Monthly variation in temperature and precipitation counteract the reliability of the FC/FS ratio
Conclusion We feel that it is important to continue research on the FC/FS ratios because they are the most inexpensive source indicators of non-point bacterial contamination in waterways.