Examining the Ability of Enterococci Bacteria to Live in Soils and Sands of the Great Lakes

Project Summary

The EPA has proposed that coastal states, including Great Lakes states, use enterococci counts to assess fecal contamination of beaches and water. The advantages of using enterococci over E. coli or coliforms include their superior survival in sewage, manure, and water. Enterococci have a stronger positive correlation with cases of gastroenteritis reported by swimmers. However, like E. coli, enterococci survive outside of mammal bodies, so populations might reproduce in Lake Superior sand and soil, which this research will determine. The results will help refine enterococci contamination standards that precipitate beach closures. The work will yield tools and approaches applicable to other coastal areas and aid agencies like the EPA, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.