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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #123981
Title: CRYPTOSPORIDIUM PARVUM DENSITIES OF AN APPALACHIAN KARST SPRING

Author
item Boyer, Douglas
item Kuczynska, Ewa

Submitted to: American Water Resources Association Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/27/2001
Publication Date: 11/12/2001
Citation: Boyer, D.G., Kuczynska, E., 2001. Cryptosporidium parvum densities of an appalachian karst spring. American Water Resources Association Conference, AWAA, Albuquerque, NM. Abstract Proceedings, p. 191.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Karst land makes up 18 percent of the land area of Appalachia, but accounts for more than one third of the agricultural production of the region. Karst groundwater resources are important drinking water sources for the small farm families and rural communities of the region. The intricate mix of surface water and groundwater in karst terrain leads to concern about pathogen transport through karst aquifers. Cryptosporidium parvum oocyst densities in a spring draining a karstic agricultural watershed were studied. Cryptosporidium oocysts were present in 57 percent of water samples collected throughout the year. Oocyst densities ranged from 0 per L to 250 per L. Cryptosporidium is not generally considered a problem in ground water, but this study indicates that Cryptosporidium is readily transported through karst groundwater systems.