Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2004

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Esiobu, Nwadiuto

Abstract

A novel, 'near-real' time technique; peptide nucleic acid chemilumiscent in situ hybridization (PNA CISH), was developed and validated for detecting, enumerating and identifying potential indicators (Staphyloccus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) of beach quality. To understand the dynamics of bacterial indicators a plethora of physical, chemical and biological parameters were tested under field and lab conditions. Escherichia coli tagged with green fluorescence protein (GFP) was used to assess the impact of wave energy and rainfall on seawater counts. PNA CISH and plate counts correlated strongly (r = 0.94 to r = 0.86). Temperature, salinity, nutrient availability and predation significantly influenced the survival of indicators. Rainfall and wave energy affected the re-suspension of bacteria from sand onto overlying water. Overall PNA CISH provides a reliable rapid method for beach monitoring. The implications of beach topography and sampling time on the numbers of Clostridium perfringens and other potential indicators are discussed. Data suggest a revision of policy for tropical sandy beaches.

Extent

151 p.

Comments

Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2004.|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2004.

Identifier

FADT13117

Format

pdf

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