Presents a state-of-the-art review of the current technology and applications being utilized to identify sources of fecal contamination in waterways. - Serves as a useful reference for researchers in the food industry, especially scientists investigating etiological agents responsible for food contamination. - Provides background information on MST methods and the assumptions and limitations associated with their use. - Covers a broad range of topics related to MST, including environmental monitoring, public health and national security, population biology, and microbial ecology. - Offers valuable insights into future research directions and technology developments.

Recent and forecasted advances in microbiology, molecular biology, and analytical chemistry have made it timely to reassess the current paradigm of relying predominantly or exclusively on traditional bacterial indicators for all types of waterborne pathogens. Nonetheless, indicator approaches will still be required for the foreseeable future because it is not practical or feasible to monitor for the complete spectrum of microorganisms that may occur in water, and many known pathogens are difficult to detect directly and reliably in water samples. This comprehensive report recommends the development and use of a "tool box" approach by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency and others for assessing microbial water quality in which available indicator organisms (and/or pathogens in some cases) and detection method(s) are matched to the requirements of a particular application. The report further recommends the use of a phased, three-level monitoring framework to support the selection of indicators and indicator approaches.Â

The idea of producing a book on the activities of sence of bottom versus surface withdrawal all have microorganisms in reservoirs had its origins in an a bearing on microbial processes. In addition, res article published by the editor in ASM News (De ervoirs are often constructed in areas where there cember 1981, 47:527-531). Many individuals ex are few, if any, natural lakes . In this regard, reser pressed an interest in having the article expanded voirs are also often distinct from natural lakes, and into a book on this subject. Several people were that meteorologic, hydrologic, geo to the extent contacted and asked if they would be willing to logic, and edaphic factors make a difference, reser contribute chapters to the book. The interest dis voir microbiology will also be different. Finally, the played by many persons outside the area of reser creation of a new reservoir offers the sediment voir microbiology was encouraging, as was the in microbiologist a unique opportunity to view the spiration of the contributors themselves. We were transformation of terrestrial environments into subsequently approached by Dr. L. Harold Steven aquatic ecosystems.