Presenter: Drew Becker
Authors: Drew Becker
Faculty Advisor: Jennifer Weidhaas
Institution: University of Utah
Previous studies conducted by the State of Utah1 and University of Utah2 students have shown the presence of elevated Escherichia Coliand fecal coliforms present in Emigration Canyon. It is suspected that septic systems along the canyon are leaking into the water body. However, it’s also possible that these elevated levels are the result of wildlife present in the canyon contributing fecal material to the watershed. Elevated levels of fecal coliforms and E. Coli bacteria indicate the likely presence of additional pathogenic bacteria and microbes that pose a serious risk to human health; such as Cryptosporidium, cholera, bacterial transmitted hepatitis,and other organisms that can cause diarrhea and infections. With the increasing human presence in Emigration Canyon, the risk of human infections is more likely. This can occur where the creek runs through individuals’ yards or in public spaces such as Rotary Glenn Park. The purpose of this project will be to determine current E. coli levels in Emigration Creek and use microbial source tracking (MST) to determine the source of contamination. Water samples will be collected from several locations in the canyon. These samples will then be diluted and filtered before being placed in a culture dish filled with modified Mtec agar. This agar results in E. Coli colonies exhibiting a magenta coloration. Samples will be incubated and E. Coli colonies counted. An additional filter sample will be used for MST. Preliminary results show that there are higher concentrations of E. Coli the further downstream samples are collected, with site 1 (lower canyon) having an average of 79 CFU/100 ml and site 4 (upper canyon) having an average of 4 CFU/100 ml. This supports the theory that the source of contamination is coming from septic systems, however MST must be conducted in order to confirm.