The Coastal Environment and Human Health: Microbial Indicators and Pathogens
Author Information
Author(s): Stewart Jill R, Gast Rebecca J, Fujioka Roger S, Solo-Gabriele Helena M, Meschke J Scott, Amaral-Zettler Linda A, del Castillo Erika, Polz Martin F, Collier Tracy K, Strom Mark S, Sinigalliano Christopher D, Moeller Peter D R, Holland A Fredrick
Primary Institution: Hollings Marine Laboratory, NOAA National Ocean Service, Charleston, SC, USA
Hypothesis
How do microbial indicators and pathogens in coastal environments affect human health?
Conclusion
Research has improved our understanding of how coastal ecosystems impact human health through disease-causing organisms.
Supporting Evidence
- 50% of the world population lives within 100 km of the coast, making coastal health critical.
- Current water quality standards may not effectively indicate the presence of harmful pathogens.
- New detection methods are being developed to better identify pathogens in coastal waters.
Takeaway
This study looks at how germs in the ocean can make people sick and how we can better understand and track these germs.
Methodology
The study reviews various research findings on microbial pathogens in coastal environments and their implications for human health.
Limitations
The study highlights challenges in accurately monitoring and assessing the risks posed by non-point source pollution and the effectiveness of current water quality standards.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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