Analysis of Potential Recreational Water Contamination with Fecal Indicator Bacteria

Coliform bacteria are commonly used bacterial indicators of sanitary quality of foods and water. In this study, they will be used as an indicator of the safety of large bodies of water for recreational purposes. The safety of these lakes will be determined by the presence or absence of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB). The study looked specifically at how the weather and other variables (dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, and conductivity) affect the degree of contamination. Before testing the water for FIB, the water’s dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, and conductivity were measured. Temperatures on collection were also recorded. FIB were then assessed using differential culture techniques. The samples were taken monthly, during different weather conditions. There are six water sources at Lynn University, and three out of those six were chosen based on the level of activity performed in each one. For all the three lakes, assessment of FIB were positive. However, the quantity of FIB in each lake was different based on the month in which the samples were collected, suggesting the effect that the weather might have on the lakes.