The introduction of ultraviolet disinfection of sewage effluent in Jersey has served to focus attention on other sources of faecal pollution responsible for subsequent compliance failures in coastal water quality in St Aubin's Bay. Studies of microbial concentrations (total coliforms, faecal coliforms and faecal streptococci) in streams draining to the bay showed concentrations to be elevated by an order of magnitude or more following rainfall. Detailed monitoring of indicator organisms during hydrograph events showed rapid increases in concentration with flow associated with the rising limb of the hydrograph and transport of suspended solids. Microbial budget estimates suggested that between 42 and 97% of microbial delivery was associated with high flows, which account for just 20% of the total discharge. Budgets also revealed the relative importance of different catchment inputs, revealing the low bacterial input associated with UV treated effluent which provided 48% of the total volume discharged to the bay. Implications for water quality standards are discussed with reference to catchment management planning.
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Research Article|
January 01 1996
Delivery of microbial indicator organisms to coastal waters from catchment sources
Mark D. Wyer;
Mark D. Wyer
*Centre for Research into Environment and Health, The Environment Centre, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, West Yorkshire, UK
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David Kay;
David Kay
*Centre for Research into Environment and Health, The Environment Centre, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, West Yorkshire, UK
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Helen M. Dawson;
Helen M. Dawson
**Acer Environmental, Units 6 and 8 Howard Court, Manor Park, Runcorn, Cheshire, UK
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Gerry F. Jackson;
Gerry F. Jackson
***Public Services Department, States of Jersey, Jersey, Channel Islands
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Frank Jones;
Frank Jones
*Centre for Research into Environment and Health, The Environment Centre, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, West Yorkshire, UK
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Janette Yeo;
Janette Yeo
**Acer Environmental, Units 6 and 8 Howard Court, Manor Park, Runcorn, Cheshire, UK
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John Whittle
John Whittle
**Acer Environmental, Units 6 and 8 Howard Court, Manor Park, Runcorn, Cheshire, UK
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Water Sci Technol (1996) 33 (2): 37–50.
Citation
Mark D. Wyer, David Kay, Helen M. Dawson, Gerry F. Jackson, Frank Jones, Janette Yeo, John Whittle; Delivery of microbial indicator organisms to coastal waters from catchment sources. Water Sci Technol 1 January 1996; 33 (2): 37–50. doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.1996.0036
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