Summary of Pilot Study on Fecal Bacteria Sources in Palma Sola Bay
A limited pilot study was recently conducted to better understand potential sources contributing to fecal bacteria levels in Palma Sola Bay. The study used a testing method called Microbial Source Tracking (MST), which identifies genetic material from fecal bacteria associated with humans, birds, horses, and a general category of fecal bacteria. These were the focus of this effort, though they are not the only possible sources.
The study was coordinated with the Suncoast Waterkeeper’s weekly Enterococcus bacteria sampling from August 25 through October 21, 2025. It is important to note that this study does not replace or alter the Enterococcus sampling results or the health advisories issued by the Department of Health. Its purpose was simply to determine whether genetic markers from specific sources could be detected.
A limited pilot study was recently conducted to better understand potential sources contributing to fecal bacteria levels in Palma Sola Bay. The study used a testing method called Microbial Source Tracking (MST), which identifies genetic material from fecal bacteria associated with humans, birds, horses, and a general category of fecal bacteria. These were the focus of this effort, though they are not the only possible sources.
The study was coordinated with the Suncoast Waterkeeper’s weekly Enterococcus bacteria sampling from August 25 through October 21, 2025. It is important to note that this study does not replace or alter the Enterococcus sampling results or the health advisories issued by the Department of Health. Its purpose was simply to determine whether genetic markers from specific sources could be detected.
Key Findings:
- Genetic material from fecal bacteria associated with birds and horses was detected during the sampling period, even when these animals were not visibly present in the area.
- The study could not determine how much each source contributed—only that their genetic material was present.
- Bird-related bacteria is a naturally occurring source and cannot be mitigated.
- Horse-related bacteria can be managed, and efforts are underway to reduce its impact through active waste collection by vendors.
Study Limitations:
- The study did not measure the quantity of bacteria from each source.
- Not all potential sources of contamination were examined.
- A more comprehensive and potentially costly study would be required to identify all sources and develop management strategies.
This pilot study provides valuable insight but is only an initial step toward understanding fecal bacteria sources in Palma Sola Bay.
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