Levels of Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes in Alternative Irrigation Water Vary Based on Water Source on the Eastern Shore of Maryland
Chanelle L. Acheamfour, Salina Parveen, Fawzy Hashem, Manan Sharma, Megan E. Gerdes, Eric May, Koriante Rogers, Joseph Haymaker, Rico Duncan, Derek Foust, Maryam Taabodi, Eric T. Handy, Cheryl East, Rhodel Bradshaw, Seongyun Kim, Shirley A. Micallef, Mary Theresa Callahan, Sarah M. Allard, Brienna L. Anderson-Coughlin, Shani Craighead, Samantha Gartley, Adam Vanore, Kalmia E. Kniel, Sultana Solaiman, Anthony Bui, Rianna Murray, Hillary A. Craddock, Prachi Kulkarni, Rachel E. Rosenberg Goldstein, Amy R. Sapkota
Abstract
In the last several decades, Maryland's Eastern Shore has seen significant declines in groundwater levels. While this area is not currently experiencing drought conditions or water scarcity, this research represents a proactive approach. Efforts, to investigate the levels of pathogenic bacteria and the microbial quality of alternative irrigation water are important for sustainable irrigation practices into the future. This research will be used to determine the suitability of alternative irrigation water sources for use in fresh produce irrigation to conserve groundwater.