A multi-indicator approach for identifying shoreline sewage pollution hotspots adjacent to coral reefs

MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN

卷:129

Article

Abaya, Leilani M.^1,2  Wiegner, Tracy N.²  Colbert, Steven L.²  Beets, James P.²  Carlson, Kaile'a M.^2,3  Kramer, K. Lindsey^2,4  Most, Rebecca⁵  Couche, Courtney S.^5,6 

[1] Univ Hawaii, Trop Conservat Biol & Environm Sci Grad Program, 200 W Kawili St, Hilo, HI 96720 USA

[2] Univ Hawaii, Marine Sci Dept, 200 W Kawili St, Hilo, HI 96720 USA

[3] Natl Pk Serv, Kaloko Honokohau Natl Hist Pk,73-4786 Kanalani St, Kailua, HI 96743 USA

[4] Hawaii Div Aquat Resources, Pacific Cooperat Studies Unit, 75-308B Kealakehe Pkwy, Kailua, HI 96740 USA

[5] Nature Conservancy, 923 Nuuanu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96817 USA

[6] Hawaii Inst Marine Biol, POB 1346, Kaneohe, HI 96744 USA

关键词: Fecal indicator bacteria;    Hawai'i;    Macroalgae;    Nutrients;    Pollution score;    Stable nitrogen isotopes;   

DOI  :  10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.02.005

来源: Elsevier

【 摘 要 】

Sewage pollution is contributing to the global decline of coral reefs. Identifying locations where it is entering waters near reefs is therefore a management priority. Our study documented shoreline sewage pollution hotspots in a coastal community with a fringing coral reef (Puako, Hawaii) using dye tracer studies, sewage indicator measurements, and a pollution scoring tool. Sewage reached shoreline waters within 9 h to 3 d. Fecal indicator bacteria concentrations were high and variable, and delta(1.)5N macroalgal values were indicative of sewage at many stations. Shoreline nutrient concentrations were two times higher than those in upland groundwater. Pollution hotspots were identified with a scoring tool using three sewage indicators. It confirmed known locations of sewage pollution from dye tracer studies. Our study highlights the need for a multi-indicator approach and scoring tool to identify sewage pollution hotspots. This approach will be useful for other coastal communities grappling with sewage pollution.

【 授权许可】

Free