Microbial Source Tracker

All the intended analytical work included in the Patagonia Foundation funded study has been completed by Sheffield University and we have a final technical report, along with an accompanying overview report by CRKC.

Findings include that bacteria are present in much higher levels in biofilm samples on the surface of rocks and pebbles than are present in river water samples, constituting potential pathogen reservoirs. DNA analysis identifies the content of faecal bacteria and the proportional contribution of human, ruminant and other sources at the sampling sites above, at and below WwTW outlets.

This points to apparent differences in the degree of treatment at Staveley compared to Kendal works. Amongst the study’s findings is the identification of the potential pathogenic (capable of causing disease) bacterial content in the water samples, though we do not have a gauge of how harmful or benign those might be.

To read more about Investigating Sources of Faecal Pollution and Microbial Risks in the River Kent by Dr Isabel Douterelo Click here