TEMPORAL AND SPATIAL VARIATION IN OCCURRENCE OF FECAL INDICATOR BACTERIA (FIB) IN MEADOW LAKE, QUEENS, NEW YORK CITY

A common way to measure the level of water contamination is testing for the presence of Fecal Indicator Bacteria (FIB). FIB such as fecal coliform, Escherichia coli and enterococcus are pathogenic bacteria found in human digestive tracts and fecal matter of domestic and wild animals. When present in elevated concentrations, FIB are associated with high levels of waterborne illness and other health problems (Badgley et al). The purpose of this investigation is to detect the presence of Fecal Indicator Bacteria in Meadow Lake and to determine the extent of contamination. Meadow Lake is a relatively fresh water lake, located in the densely populated area of Flushing, New York. It is a highly significant area of study because it is situated within Flushing Meadows Corona Park; the largest park in Queens County. The primary use of the lake is for recreational purposes, such as boating and fishing, for nearby residents and is home to several different species of birds and fish. No major research has been conducted in this area and it plays a major role on the biodiversity of Flushing. Fecal coliform concentrations were determined using a nutrient based procedure known as the IDEXX method. Physical water parameters were measured on site by YSI multi-probe. For determination of bacterial counts, a sampling and analyzing process was conducted. Water and soil samples were collected from areas where human activity was highly present, then transported to York College and analyzed within 6 hours of collection. E. coli concentrations were detected in levels ranging from 4-201 counts/100mL, while enterococcus concentrations ranged from 30-401 counts/100mL of water. Soil FIB concentrations were detected in levels ranging from 1-5745 and 22-8297 counts/100 mL for E. coli and enterococci, respectively. Periodic water and soil sampling will continue at Meadow Lake to understand the extent of bacterial contamination in the water and soil temporally and spatially.