Comparative Evaluation of Molecular and Culture Methods for FIB for Use in Inland Recreational Waters

The goal of this research was to determine how EPA-approved culture-based and qPCR-based methods compare when: a) inhibition caused underestimation, b) target bacteria were viable/non-viable, c) using a variety of different qPCR quantification approaches, d) related to pathogen densities, and e) analyses were performed in multiple laboratories. The results indicate that with appropriate interpretation of the results, real time molecular assays could successfully be used as an analytical tool for in-house plant operation, especially when more rapid results are desirable. The results of this project provide guidance on where qPCR may be successfully applied, how much variability in measurement may be anticipated (within lab, between labs, and as a function of waterbody type), and the relationship of qPCR to culture-based assays. Published by WERF. 360 pages. Online PDF. (2011)

Originally funded as WERF project PATH7R09.