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A multi-indicator approach for identifying shoreline sewage pollution hotspots adjacent to coral reefs.

Authors :
Abaya LM
Wiegner TN
Colbert SL
Beets JP
Carlson KM
Kramer KL
Most R
Couch CS
Source :
Marine pollution bulletin [Mar Pollut Bull] 2018 Apr; Vol. 129 (1), pp. 70-80. Date of Electronic Publication: 2018 Feb 12.
Publication Year :
2018

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 <superscript>15</superscript> 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.<br /> (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1879-3363
Volume :
129
Issue :
1
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Marine pollution bulletin
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
29680569
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.02.005