Purpose: The objective of this study is to evaluate the microbial quality of agriculture water resources in Alabama and investigate the impact generated by animal agriculture on water quality.
Methods: Water samples and sediment samples were collected from six on-farm ponds located in east central Alabama. These farms differ in size and have different combinations of livestock. Four streams were sampled at the entrance and exit points of each farm to evaluate the impact of animal agriculture. Water samples were processed and plated using the USEPA method 1603 and 3M™ Coliform/E. coli Petrifilms. Sediment samples were homogenized with autoclaved MilliQ water and the suspensions were then processed and plated following the USEPA method 1603.
Results: Results show that sampling times (months and seasons) and sample types (sediment vs. surface water) significantly impacted the E. coli concentration (P<0.05). Sediment samples contained higher numbers of E. coli than surface water. Escherichia coli counts were higher in summer months. Although E. coli concentrations were different between the entrance point and the exit point of each stream, there was no clear indication that animal agriculture generated an impact on water quality.
Significance: The results of this study highlight the importance of establishing MWQP for surface water. Sampling techniques for surface water need to be standardized to avoid impacts generated from the sediment.