title: Molecular tools for bathing water assessment in Europe: Balancing social science research with a rapidly developing environmental science evidence-base.
abstract: The use of molecular tools, principally qPCR, versus traditional culture-based methods for quantifying microbial parameters (e.g., Fecal Indicator Organisms) in bathing waters generates considerable ongoing debate at the science-policy interface. Advances in science have allowed the development and application of molecular biological methods for rapid (~2 h) quantification of microbial pollution in bathing and recreational waters. In contrast, culture-based methods can take between 18 and 96 h for sample processing. Thus, molecular tools offer an opportunity to provide a more meaningful statement of microbial risk to water-users by providing near-real-time information enabling potentially more informed decision-making with regard to water-based activities. However, complementary studies concerning the potential costs and benefits of adopting rapid methods as a regulatory tool are in short supply. We report on findings from an international Working Group that examined the breadth of social impacts, challenges, and research opportunities associated with the application of molecular tools to bathing water regulations.
authors.affiliation: Biological & Environmental Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK. david.oliver@stir.ac.uk.
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authors.affiliation: Department of Geography & Sustainable Development, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9AL, UK. ndh3@st-andrews.ac.uk.
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authors.affiliation: Biological & Environmental Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK. melvn233@gmail.com.
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authors.affiliation: Centre for Research into Environment & Health, Aberystwyth University, Wales, SA48 8HU, UK. dave@crehkay.demon.co.uk.
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authors.affiliation: European Centre for Environment & Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro Cornwall, TR1 3HD, UK. lora.fleming@pcmd.ac.uk.
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authors.affiliation: School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NR, UK. r.fish@kent.ac.uk.
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authors.affiliation: UK Water Industry Research Ltd, 8th Floor, 50 Broadway, London, SW1H 0RG, UK. tedthairs@sky.com.
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authors.forename: Lisa M
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authors.forename: Andy J A
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authors.affiliation: Biological & Environmental Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK. richard.quilliam@stir.ac.uk.
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mesh_terms: D004463:Ecology / Q000379:methods; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D005060:Europe; D011998:Recreation; D012942:Social Sciences / Q000379:methods; D014871:Water Microbiology; D014876:Water Pollution / Q000032:analysis*
keywords: Bathing Water Directive; Fecal indicator organism; Microbial pollution; Public perception; Recreational water quality; Risk communication