Presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in urban streams receiving sewer overflow, Louisville, Kentucky, USA.

Author

Cullen Hunter, University of LouisvilleFollow

Date on Master's Thesis/Doctoral Dissertation

5-2021

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

M.S.

Department

Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies

Degree Program

Interdisciplinary Studies (Individualized Degree), MS

Committee Chair

Sluss, Tamara

Committee Co-Chair (if applicable)

Holm, Rochelle

Committee Member

Holm, Rochelle

Committee Member

Biddle, Donald

Author's Keywords

sewer overflows; Beargrass Creek; SARS-CoV-2; PMMoV

Abstract

Pathogens may enter surface waters as they are shed in human feces and potentially delivered to surface waters via sewer overflows, particularly in the eastern United States. This study examined of the presence of fecal indicators in two forks of Beargrass Creek in Louisville, Kentucky. Surface water grab samples (N=30), sediment samples, water quality, and a paired wastewater surveillance study were analyzed. SARS-CoV-2 was detected in a single stream sample despite ubiquitous presence of the virus within the area in wastewater and consistent evidence of a human fecal indicator. These findings demonstrate the need for more green and gray infrastructure in the watershed to mitigate stormwater-induced overflows and reduce pathogen load to streams.

Recommended Citation

Hunter, Cullen, "Presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in urban streams receiving sewer overflow, Louisville, Kentucky, USA." (2021). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 3635.
https://doi.org/10.18297/etd/3635