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Regional Variations of Bovine and Porcine Fecal Pollution as a Function of Landscape, Nutrient, and Hydrological Factors
Author(s) -
Nshimyimana Jean Pierre,
Martin Sherry L.,
Flood Matthew,
Verhougstraete Marc P.,
Hyndman David W.,
Rose Joan B.
Publication year - 2018
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/jeq2017.11.0438
Subject(s) - environmental science , manure , baseflow , water quality , watershed , hydrology (agriculture) , nutrient , sewage , eutrophication , phosphorus , nitrate , drainage basin , biology , ecology , streamflow , environmental engineering , chemistry , geography , cartography , geotechnical engineering , engineering , organic chemistry , machine learning , computer science
The effects of manure application in agriculture on surface water quality has become a local to global problem because of the adverse consequences on public health and food security. This study evaluated (i) the spatial distribution of bovine (cow) and porcine (pig) genetic fecal markers, (ii) how hydrologic factors influenced these genetic markers, and (iii) their variations as a function of land use, nutrients, and other physiochemical factors. We collected 189 samples from 63 watersheds in Michigan's Lower Peninsula during baseflow, spring melt, and summer rain conditions. For each sample, we quantified the concentrations of bovine and porcine genetic markers by digital droplet polymerase chain reaction and measured Escherichia coli , dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, total phosphorus, total nitrogen, nitrate‐nitrite (NO X ), ammonia (NH 3 ), soluble reactive phosphorus, streamflow, and watershed specific precipitation. Bovine and porcine manure markers were ubiquitous in rivers that drain agricultural and natural fields across the study region. This study provides baseline conditions on the state of watershed impairment, which can be used to develop best management practices that could improve water quality. Similar studies should be performed with higher spatial sampling density to elucidate detailed factors that influence the transport of manure constituents. Core Ideas Spatial transport of two fecal markers occurs as the seasons change and flows increase. Streamflow was the strongest predictor of markers during spring melt and baseflow periods. Watersheds with natural land uses were related to the increase of marker concentrations. Impacted rivers with elevated markers could be identified for further study and remediation.