Microbial
Source Tracking in Two Southern Maine Watersheds
The intent of this project is to further explore
the use of microbial tracking to more closely identify
the bacteria found in pollution source samples, and
attempt to validate a tool that has been developed
for differentiating the sources of fecal pollution
in coastal ecosystems. Initial activities will be
focused in southern Maine where several estuaries
are closed to the harvest of shellfish and sources
of fecal pollution are poorly documented. Once perfected,
this technique can provide regulatory agencies and
municipal officials with more specific clues about
the source of non-point pollution and allow for more
efficient investigation and remediation of those
sources. This will result in significant savings
of resources being used for water quality sampling,
laboratory analysis, pollution source investigation,
and pollution source remediation. Through these investigations,
coastal water quality will improve, resulting in
better ecological health and human health through
safe shellfish and safe swimming beaches.
Maine Sea Grant College Program · 5784 York Complex · The
University of Maine · Orono ME · 04469-5784
Voice 207.581.1435 · Fax 207.581.1426 · umseagrant@maine.edu
