Abstract
Introduction. We evaluated periphytic algal and microbial communities to assess the influence of human and cattle impact on Sierra water quality. Methods. 64 sites (lakes and streams from Lake Tahoe to Sequoia National Park, California) were sampled for suspended indicator bacteria and algae following standardized procedures. The potential for nonpoint pollution was divided into three categories: cattle-grazing areas (C), recreation use areas (R), or remote wildlife areas (W). Results. Periphyton was found at 100 of C sites, 89 of R sites, but only 25 of W sites. Eleven species of periphytic algae were identified, including Zygnema, Ulothrix, Chlorella, Spirogyra, mixed Diatoms, and Cladophoria. Mean benthic algae coverage was 66 at C sites compared to 2 at W sites (P < 0.05). The prevalence of E. coli associated with periphyton was 100 at C sites, 25 of R sites, and 0 of W sites. Mean E. coli CFU/gm of algae detected was: C = 173,000, R = 700, W = 0. (P < 0.05). Analysis of neighboring water for E. coli bacteria >100CFU/100mL: C = 91, R = 8, W = 0 (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Higher periphytic algal biomass and uniform presence of periphyton-attached E. coli corresponded to watersheds exposed to summer cattle grazing. These differences suggest cattle grazing compromises water quality.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Article number | 760108 |
| Journal | Journal of Environmental and Public Health |
| Volume | 2012 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 2012 |
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ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
- Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
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Impact of summer cattle grazing on the sierra nevada watershed : Aquatic algae and bacteria. / Derlet, Robert W.; Richards, John R; Tanaka, Lidia L.; Hayden, Curtis; Ger, K. Ali; Goldman, Charles R.
In: Journal of Environmental and Public Health, Vol. 2012, 760108, 2012.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Impact of summer cattle grazing on the sierra nevada watershed
T2 - Aquatic algae and bacteria
AU - Derlet, Robert W.
AU - Richards, John R
AU - Tanaka, Lidia L.
AU - Hayden, Curtis
AU - Ger, K. Ali
AU - Goldman, Charles R.
PY - 2012
Y1 - 2012
N2 - Introduction. We evaluated periphytic algal and microbial communities to assess the influence of human and cattle impact on Sierra water quality. Methods. 64 sites (lakes and streams from Lake Tahoe to Sequoia National Park, California) were sampled for suspended indicator bacteria and algae following standardized procedures. The potential for nonpoint pollution was divided into three categories: cattle-grazing areas (C), recreation use areas (R), or remote wildlife areas (W). Results. Periphyton was found at 100 of C sites, 89 of R sites, but only 25 of W sites. Eleven species of periphytic algae were identified, including Zygnema, Ulothrix, Chlorella, Spirogyra, mixed Diatoms, and Cladophoria. Mean benthic algae coverage was 66 at C sites compared to 2 at W sites (P < 0.05). The prevalence of E. coli associated with periphyton was 100 at C sites, 25 of R sites, and 0 of W sites. Mean E. coli CFU/gm of algae detected was: C = 173,000, R = 700, W = 0. (P < 0.05). Analysis of neighboring water for E. coli bacteria >100CFU/100mL: C = 91, R = 8, W = 0 (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Higher periphytic algal biomass and uniform presence of periphyton-attached E. coli corresponded to watersheds exposed to summer cattle grazing. These differences suggest cattle grazing compromises water quality.
AB - Introduction. We evaluated periphytic algal and microbial communities to assess the influence of human and cattle impact on Sierra water quality. Methods. 64 sites (lakes and streams from Lake Tahoe to Sequoia National Park, California) were sampled for suspended indicator bacteria and algae following standardized procedures. The potential for nonpoint pollution was divided into three categories: cattle-grazing areas (C), recreation use areas (R), or remote wildlife areas (W). Results. Periphyton was found at 100 of C sites, 89 of R sites, but only 25 of W sites. Eleven species of periphytic algae were identified, including Zygnema, Ulothrix, Chlorella, Spirogyra, mixed Diatoms, and Cladophoria. Mean benthic algae coverage was 66 at C sites compared to 2 at W sites (P < 0.05). The prevalence of E. coli associated with periphyton was 100 at C sites, 25 of R sites, and 0 of W sites. Mean E. coli CFU/gm of algae detected was: C = 173,000, R = 700, W = 0. (P < 0.05). Analysis of neighboring water for E. coli bacteria >100CFU/100mL: C = 91, R = 8, W = 0 (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Higher periphytic algal biomass and uniform presence of periphyton-attached E. coli corresponded to watersheds exposed to summer cattle grazing. These differences suggest cattle grazing compromises water quality.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84858270592&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=84858270592&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1155/2012/760108
DO - 10.1155/2012/760108
M3 - Article
C2 - 22505950
AN - SCOPUS:84858270592
VL - 2012
JO - Journal of Environmental and Public Health
JF - Journal of Environmental and Public Health
SN - 1687-9805
M1 - 760108
ER -