Micro Source Tracking

Microbial Source Tracking is a process whereby specific sources of fecal contamination in water are determined through the detection of Fecal Indicator Bacteria such as those in the Bacteroides group. Potential sources of fecal contamination include humans, cows, pigs and birds.

When using Molecular Biology techniques, Microbial Source Tracking has the advantage of selecting unique DNA Marker Sequences within the Bacteroides bacteria group that allow for the source of fecal contamination to be identified.

Molecular Biology techniques  which include the extraction of Bacteroides bacteria group DNA, and the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification of unique DNA Marker Sequences, are used to identify the source of fecal contamination from water samples.

The Library Independent methods of Microbial Source Tracking utilized at Helix Biological Laboratory allow for a more rapid determination of the source of fecal contamination in water samples and also offer the advantage of being both highly sensitive and specific.