Study to Detect Potential Human Fecal Contamination of Recreational Waters at Cole and Ropes Parks

Summary

In this study samples from Ropes and Cole Parks will be collected and processed to the point of colony enumeration as part of the Texas Beach Watch program. From these samples DNA will be extracted and amplified to detect the presence of the enterococcal surface protein (esp) gene implying that enterococci of human origin were present in the water sample. This information will be used to aid in identifying the cause and location of anthropogenic human pollution contributing to poor water quality at these sites and allow for remediation of compounding conditions.