TY - JOUR

T1 - Molecular tools for bathing water assessment in Europe

T2 - balancing social science research with a rapidly developing environmental science evidence-base

AU - Oliver, David Michael

AU - Heathwaite, Ann Louise

PY - 2016/2

Y1 - 2016/2

N2 - 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.

AB - 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.

KW - Bathing Water Directive

KW - Fecal indicator organism

KW - Microbial pollution

KW - Public perception

KW - Recreational water quality

KW - Risk communication

U2 - 10.1007/s13280-015-0698-9

DO - 10.1007/s13280-015-0698-9

M3 - Journal article

VL - 45

SP - 52

EP - 62

JO - AMBIO: A Journal of the Human Environment

JF - AMBIO: A Journal of the Human Environment

SN - 0044-7447

IS - 1

ER -