1. A multi-indicator approach for identifying shoreline sewage pollution hotspots adjacent to coral reefs.
- Author
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Abaya, Leilani M., Wiegner, Tracy N., Colbert, Steven L., Beets, James P., Carlson, Kaile'a M., Kramer, K. Lindsey, Most, Rebecca, and Couch, Courtney S.
- Subjects
SEWAGE analysis ,BIOINDICATORS ,CORAL reefs & islands ,SHORELINE monitoring ,MARINE pollution ,GEOLOGIC hot spots - Abstract
Sewage pollution is contributing to the global decline of coral reefs. Identifying locations where it is entering waters near reefs is therefore a management priority. Our study documented shoreline sewage pollution hotspots in a coastal community with a fringing coral reef (Puakō, Hawai'i) using dye tracer studies, sewage indicator measurements, and a pollution scoring tool. Sewage reached shoreline waters within 9 h to 3 d. Fecal indicator bacteria concentrations were high and variable, and δ 15 N macroalgal values were indicative of sewage at many stations. Shoreline nutrient concentrations were two times higher than those in upland groundwater. Pollution hotspots were identified with a scoring tool using three sewage indicators. It confirmed known locations of sewage pollution from dye tracer studies. Our study highlights the need for a multi-indicator approach and scoring tool to identify sewage pollution hotspots. This approach will be useful for other coastal communities grappling with sewage pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
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