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A review on microbial contaminants in stormwater runoff and outfalls: Potential health risks and mitigation strategies
Journal article - Review   Open access   Peer reviewed

A review on microbial contaminants in stormwater runoff and outfalls: Potential health risks and mitigation strategies

Warish Ahmed, Kerry Hamilton, Simon Toze, Stephen Cook and Declan Page
The Science of the total environment, v 692, pp 1304-1321
20 Nov 2019
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.07.055
PMID: 31539962
Featured in Collection :   UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
url
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.07.055View
Published, Version of Record (VoR)Open Access (License Unspecified),  Open

Abstract

BMPS Fecal indicator bacteria Microbial source tracking Stormwater WSUD Zoonotic pathogens
Demands on global water supplies are increasing in response to the need to provide more food, water, and energy for a rapidly growing population. These water stressors are exacerbated by climate change, as well as the growth and urbanisation of industry and commerce. Consequently, urban water authorities around the globe are exploring alternative water sources to meet ever-increasing demands. These alternative sources are primarily treated sewage, stormwater, and groundwater. Stormwater including roof-harvested rainwater has been considered as an alternative water source for both potable and non-potable uses. One of the most significant issues concerning alternative water reuse is the public health risk associated with chemical and microbial contaminants. Several studies to date have quantified fecal indicators and pathogens in stormwater. Microbial source tracking (MST) approaches have also been used to determine the sources of fecal contamination in stormwater and receiving waters. This review paper summarizes occurrence and concentrations of fecal indicators, pathogens, and MST marker genes in urban stormwater. A section of the review highlights the removal of fecal indicators and pathogens through water sensitive urban design (WSUD) or Best Management Practices (BMPs). We also discuss approaches for assessing and mitigating health risks associated with stormwater, including a summary of existing quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) models for potable and non-potable reuse of stormwater. Finally, the most critical research gaps are identified for formulating risk management strategies. [Display omitted] • Stormwater has been considered as an alternative water source. • Microbial contamination hinders stormwater reuse. • WSUD is effective in removing pathogens but requires more validation. • QMRA analysis can facilitate decision making and risk management efforts.

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12 Record Views
146 citations in Web of Science
140 citations in Scopus

Details

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
#14 Life Below Water
#3 Good Health and Well-Being
#6 Clean Water and Sanitation

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
International collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Environmental Sciences
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