Noble, R. T., Fries, J. S. 2007. Estuarine Sediment Beds as a Reservoir for Human Pathogens: Monitoring Transport of Populations of Enterococi and Vibrio Sp. In the Neuse River Estuary. UNC-WRRI-368. UNC WRRI, Raleigh, NC.

bacteria, estuary, sampling, sediment, monitoring

Monitoring of microbial contamination of inland waters and estuaries usually focuses on the impacts of rainfall as the presumed major source. This study sought to quantify the potential for sediments to represent a significant source of bacterial populations during resuspension events. The results of this study reinforce the importance of high-frequency sampling and coring of surface sediments to complement water quality monitoring, expecially for efforts targeting bacterial groups with potential human health impacts.