“Investigating non-point sources of nitrate, microbes, and antibiotic resistance genes in urban Midwestern watersheds”

Studies were carried out in small urban Midwestern watersheds with separated sewer system to quantify the relative contribution of nitrate, microbes, and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) from potential sources. The role of atmospheric nitrate in two watersheds was investigated by comparing concentrations of stormwater nitrate with regional wet deposition and solving an isotope mixing model based on isotopic ratios of nitrate elements. Relative contribution of microbes and ARGs from potential environmental sources were quantified using Bayesian inference based on abundance data. The findings revealed that the stormwater runoff is a major source of contamination responsible for washing off nutrients, microbial loads, and ARGs from impervious surfaces into urban streams. Results from these studies underscore the importance of reducing direct connections between impervious surfaces such as roads or parking lots and urban streams in order to reduce contamination of receiving water bodies in urban watersheds.

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