Source Libraries of Fecal Bacteria

Known-source fecal samples were matched to the bacteria found in the streams and estuary to identify the source of fecal-related contamination. Two "libraries" of known source bacteria were used for the project. Scat, pet waste, sewage influent, septage and direct human fecal samples (ten samples, a total of 75 E. coli isolates) from the Webhannet watershed were all analysed for E. coli, and consitituted a local library. A larger pre-existing library created by other regional MST projects (22 sample, total of 317 E. coli isolates). See the table below for the composition of each source library. See genetic fingerprinting results.

Species/sources	Webhannet Watershed	Regional Library (ME & NH)
Cat	--	2
Dog	6	15
Total Pets	6	17
Human	10	14
Septage	17	17
Wastewater	13	55
Total Humans	40	86
Coyote	10	15
Deer	3	41
Grey Fox	3	3
Muskrat	--	3
Racoon	4	28
Red Fox	3	26
Total Wildlife	23	116
Cow	--	30
Horse	--	14
Chicken	--	2
Total Livestock/chickens		46
Cormorant	--	13
Duck	--	4
Goose	--	19
Grouse	2	2
Pigeon	--	2
Robin	--	3
Seagull	--	5
Total Birds	2	48