Region-Specific Associations between Environmental Factors and Escherichia coli in Freshwater Beaches in Toronto and Niagara Region, Canada
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 15465221 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Johanna Sanchez (0000-0003-2295-3251, Toronto Metropolitan University, corresponding author), Jordan Tustin (0000-0003-4364-8037, Toronto Metropolitan University), Cole Heasley (0000-0002-1780-9856, Toronto Metropolitan University), Mahesh Patel (0000-0001-8001-6499, Toronto Public Health), Jeremy Kelly (Regional Municipality of Niagara), Anthony Habjan (Regional Municipality of Niagara), Ryan Waterhouse (Regional Municipality of Niagara), Ian Young (0000-0003-1799-899X, Toronto Metropolitan University) |
| Year | 2021 |
| Volume | 18 |
| Issue | 23 |
| Pages | 12841-12841 |
| Publication date | 2021-12-06 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601 |
| Publisher | Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3390/ijerph182312841 |
| PMID | 34886567 |
| OpenAlex | W4200519137 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 12 |
Poor freshwater beach quality, measured by Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) levels, poses a risk of recreational water illness. This study linked environmental data to E. coli geometric means collected at 18 beaches in Toronto (2008-2019) and the Niagara Region (2011-2019) to examine the environmental predictors of E. coli . We developed region-specific models using mixed effects models to examine E. coli as a continuous variable and recommended thresholds of E. coli concentration (100 CFU/100 mL and 200 CFU/100 mL). Substantial clustering of E. coli values at the beach level was observed in Toronto, while minimal clustering was seen in Niagara, suggesting an important beach-specific effect in Toronto beaches. Air temperature and turbidity (measured directly or visually observed) were positively associated with E. coli in all models in both regions. In Toronto, waterfowl counts, rainfall, stream discharge and water temperature were positively associated with E. coli levels, while solar irradiance and water level were negatively associated. In Niagara, wave height and water level had a positive association with E. coli , while rainfall was negatively associated. The differences in regional models suggest the importance of a region-specific approach to addressing beach water quality. The results can guide beach monitoring and management practices, including predictive modelling
Biology · Cartography · Escherichia coli · Geography · Hydrology (agriculture · Recreation · Turbidity · Water level · Water quality · Environmental Science · Fecal contamination and water quality · Urban Stormwater Management Solutions · Water Treatment and Disinfection · Ecology
| Highly cited | No |
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