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Subsurface Transport of Cryptosporidium in Soils of Wisconsin's Carbonate Aquifer Region
Author(s) -
Zopp Zachariah,
Thompson Anita M.,
Karthikeyan K. G.,
Madison Fred,
Long Sharon C.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of environmental quality
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1537-2537
pISSN - 0047-2425
DOI - 10.2134/jeq2015.12.0592
Subject(s) - macropore , cryptosporidium parvum , soil water , loam , aquifer , silt , environmental science , groundwater , hydrology (agriculture) , soil science , environmental engineering , environmental chemistry , geology , chemistry , biology , geotechnical engineering , microbiology and biotechnology , mesoporous material , biochemistry , catalysis , paleontology
Cryptosporidium parvum is a waterborne pathogen known to have a significant reservoir in bovine manure. Land‐dependent manure disposal may not result in significant or reliable pathogen attenuation and, therefore, presents a risk for transport of pathogenic Cryptosporidium spp. to groundwater. One factor missing in the existing literature is the role soil characteristics play in affecting Cryptosporidium oocyst transport. Of specific concern in regions with carbonate geology are macropores and other soil structures that contribute to preferential flow. Therefore, research is needed to understand soil type effects and important transport pathways for pathogens such as Cryptosporidium oocysts to drinking water wells. This study investigated C. parvum transport potential in several soils overlying Wisconsin's vulnerable carbonate aquifer and related the soil C. parvum transport to soil series and textural class. Experimental work involved monitoring the transport of Cryptosporidium oocysts through intact soil columns of different soil series under simulated rain conditions. Results demonstrate that a significant portion of C. parvum oocysts will sorb or be physically entrapped in the soil, especially in soil with high clay content. However, silt loam soils with comparatively lower clay content demonstrated an ability to transport oocysts through the soil profile primarily via the first flush of water infiltrating through soil macropores. The rate of oocyst migration in silt loam soils paralleled the bromide tracer front, thus bypassing the soils' ability to strain or adsorb Cryptosporidium oocysts out of infiltrating water. Nevertheless, proper manure treatment and management are necessary to minimize public health risks. Core IdeasC. parvum transport potential was studied in soils overlying Wisconsin's vulnerable carbonate aquifer. Empirical work monitored the transport of Cryptosporidium oocysts through intact soil columns. Transport of oocysts through different soil series was monitored under simulated rain conditions. Results will inform manure treatment and management to minimize parasite transport risks.