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Molecular tools for bathing water assessment in Europe: Balancing social science research with a rapidly developing environmental science evidence-base
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 14:42 authored by Oliver, DM, Hanley, ND, Neirkerk van, M, Kay, D, Heathwaite, AL, Rabinovici, SJM, Kinzelman, JL, Fleming, LE, Porter, J, Shaikh, S, Fish, R, Chilton, S, Hewitt, J, Connolly, E, Cummins, A, Glenk, K, McPhail, C, McRory, E, McVittie, A, Giles, A, Roberts, S, Simpson, R, Simpson, K, Dugald Tinch, Thairs, T, Avery, LM, Vinten, AJA, Watts, BD, Quilliam, RSThe 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.
History
Publication title
AmbioVolume
45Pagination
52-62ISSN
0044-7447Department/School
TSBEPublisher
Royal Swedish Acad SciencesPlace of publication
NetherlandsRights statement
??Copyright The Author(s) 2015. This article is published with open access at Springerlink.com under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.Repository Status
- Open