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Molecular tools for bathing water assessment in Europe: Balancing social science research with a rapidly developing environmental science evidence-base |
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| Authors: | David M Oliver Nick D Hanley Melanie van Niekerk David Kay A Louise Heathwaite Sharyl J M Rabinovici Julie L Kinzelman Lora E Fleming Jonathan Porter Sabina Shaikh Rob Fish Sue Chilton Julie Hewitt Elaine Connolly Andy Cummins Klaus Glenk Calum McPhail Eric McRory Alistair McVittie Amanna Giles Suzanne Roberts Katherine Simpson Dugald Tinch Ted Thairs Lisa M Avery Andy J A Vinten Bill D Watts Richard S Quilliam |
| Institution: | 1. Biological & Environmental Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK 2. Department of Geography & Sustainable Development, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9AL, UK 3. Centre for Research into Environment & Health, Aberystwyth University, Wales, SA48 8HU, UK 4. Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK 5. Policy Research Consultant, 1720 Le Roy Ave., Berkeley, CA, 94709, USA 6. City of Racine Health Department Laboratory, 730 Washington Avenue, Racine, WI, 53403, USA 7. European Centre for Environment & Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro Cornwall, TR1 3HD, UK 8. National Laboratory Service, Environment Agency, Starcross, Devon, EX6 8FD, UK 9. University of Chicago, 5828 S University Avenue, Pick 121, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA 10. School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NR, UK 11. Newcastle University Business School, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4SE, UK 12. United States Environmental Protection Agency, Economic and Environmental Assessment Branch, Office of Science and Technology, Office of Water, Washington, DC, USA 13. Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3JR, UK 14. Surfers Against Sewage, Unit 2, Wheal Kitty Workshops, St Agnes, Cornwall, TR5 0RD, UK 15. Land Economy, Environment & Society, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, UK 16. Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Eurocentral, North Lanarkshire, ML1 4WQ, UK 17. Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Stirling, FK9 4TZ, UK 18. Environment Agency, Horizon House, Deanery Road, Bristol, BS1 5AH, UK 19. Keep Scotland Beautiful, Glendevon House, Castle Business Park, Stirling, FK9 4TZ, UK 20. Economics, Stirling Management School, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK 21. School of Economics & Finance, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia 22. UK Water Industry Research Ltd, 8th Floor, 50 Broadway, London, SW1H 0RG, UK 23. Environmental & Biochemical Sciences, James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, AB15 8QH, Scotland, UK 24. Social, Economic & Geographical Sciences, James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, AB15 8QH, Scotland, UK 25. Institute of Environment, Health & Societies, Brunel University, London, UK |
| Abstract: | The use of molecular tools, principally qPCR, versus traditional culture-based methods for quantifying microbial parameters (e.g., Fecal Indicator Organisms) in bathing waters generates considerable ongoing debate at the science–policy interface. Advances in science have allowed the development and application of molecular biological methods for rapid (~2 h) quantification of microbial pollution in bathing and recreational waters. In contrast, culture-based methods can take between 18 and 96 h for sample processing. Thus, molecular tools offer an opportunity to provide a more meaningful statement of microbial risk to water-users by providing near-real-time information enabling potentially more informed decision-making with regard to water-based activities. However, complementary studies concerning the potential costs and benefits of adopting rapid methods as a regulatory tool are in short supply. We report on findings from an international Working Group that examined the breadth of social impacts, challenges, and research opportunities associated with the application of molecular tools to bathing water regulations. |
| Keywords: | Bathing Water Directive Fecal indicator organism Microbial pollution Public perception Recreational water quality Risk communication |
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