Postponement of swimming events at the Summer Olympics due to high bacteria levels in the River Seine has focused attention on the fecal contamination problems that can occur at recreational sites following a rain. Closer to home, studies have been done at beaches in the Galveston area. This research zeroes in on Enterococcus bacteria, which are used as an indicator of fecal contamination in saltwater systems, in much the same way that E. coli bacteria are used as an indicator organism in freshwater systems.
On August 15, Dr. Terry Gentry, Professor of Soil and Aquatic Microbiology at Texas A&M University, will characterize findings from samples collected by Texas Beach Watch between 2022 and 2023, highlighting how these samples reveal both common and unique genetic markers for enterococci in the recreational waters off Galveston Island. These markers, linked to humans, seagulls, dogs, and coyotes, help us understand the sources of contamination and their impact on our environment.
What: Clean Coast Texas Lunch & Learn Webinar
“Microbial source tracking analysis of recreational waters in Galveston, Texas”
When: Thursday August 15 at 11:00 AM
Where: Online
Register: HERE