Region-Specific Associations between Environmental Factors and Escherichia coli in Freshwater Beaches in Toronto and Niagara Region, Canada

Johanna Sanchez, Jordan Tustin, Cole Heasley, Mahesh Patel, Jeremy Kelly, Anthony Habjan, Ryan Waterhouse and Ian Young
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Johanna Sanchez: School of Occupational and Public Health, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON M5B 1Z5, Canada
Jordan Tustin: School of Occupational and Public Health, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON M5B 1Z5, Canada
Cole Heasley: School of Occupational and Public Health, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON M5B 1Z5, Canada
Mahesh Patel: Toronto Public Health, Toronto, ON M5B 2L6, Canada
Jeremy Kelly: Niagara Region Public Health, Thorold, ON L2H 0G5, Canada
Anthony Habjan: Niagara Region Public Health, Thorold, ON L2H 0G5, Canada
Ryan Waterhouse: Niagara Region Public Health, Thorold, ON L2H 0G5, Canada
Ian Young: School of Occupational and Public Health, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON M5B 1Z5, Canada

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 23, 1-14

Abstract: Poor freshwater beach quality, measured by Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) levels, poses a risk of recreational water illness. This study linked environmental data to E. coli geometric means collected at 18 beaches in Toronto (2008–2019) and the Niagara Region (2011–2019) to examine the environmental predictors of E. coli . We developed region-specific models using mixed effects models to examine E. coli as a continuous variable and recommended thresholds of E. coli concentration (100 CFU/100 mL and 200 CFU/100 mL). Substantial clustering of E. coli values at the beach level was observed in Toronto, while minimal clustering was seen in Niagara, suggesting an important beach-specific effect in Toronto beaches. Air temperature and turbidity (measured directly or visually observed) were positively associated with E. coli in all models in both regions. In Toronto, waterfowl counts, rainfall, stream discharge and water temperature were positively associated with E. coli levels, while solar irradiance and water level were negatively associated. In Niagara, wave height and water level had a positive association with E. coli , while rainfall was negatively associated. The differences in regional models suggest the importance of a region-specific approach to addressing beach water quality. The results can guide beach monitoring and management practices, including predictive modelling.

Keywords: Escherichia coli; water quality; recreational water; environmental factors; fecal indicator bacteria (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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