About Us

At present, Source Molecular offers tests that can identify and quantify fecal contamination from 13 host sources — Human, Cattle, Swine, Gull, Goose, Chicken, Dog, Elk, Horse, Bird, Beaver and Ruminant.

The following are examples of reports describing projects that Source Molecular was involved in:

1. The Gallatin Local Water Quality District (GLWQD) in Montana collected 60 water samples in 2013 from four Bozeman Creek monitoring stations for E. coli bacteria. During September sampling, additional samples were collected and sent to Source Molecular for MST analysis for human and dog. The GLWQD wanted to understand the source(s) of elevated E. coli bacteria in Bozeman Creek. Each sample was analyzed for one dog fecal biomarker and three human fecal biomarkers. MST results suggest human sources are major contributors of fecal pollution to Bozeman Creek, but additional data is needed. The GLWQD noted that the MST results from one sampling event are not conclusive and therefore further MST monitoring is needed in order to craft an appropriate remedy to the problem. Bozeman Creek MST Project

2. We also helped the San Juan Watershed Group with their Microbial Source Tracking project. They collected weekly water samples from 5 sites on the Animas and San Juan Rivers from April to October in 2013 and 2014. They wanted the water samples to be tested for Human, Cow, Ruminant (deer, elk, cows, sheep), and Bird bacteria sources. In 2014, they sampled the rivers for E.coli and the presence/absence of 5 bacteria source groups. In their final MST report, they concluded that Human and ruminant fecal contamination was found at all 5 sites tested and that human source bacteria is a bigger problem on the San Juan than on the Animas.SJWG’s Microbial Source Tracking Study

3. Atkins, the consultant for Charlotte County in Florida, sent us samples from the combined monitoring they were doing on Sunshine Lake/Sunrise Waterway. Specifically, they sent us storm water samples in July and August 2014. We found traces of dog and human bacteroidetes in the August storm water samples. The study is still ongoing. Atkins has recommended that Charlotte County perform an additional assessment to determine what other sources are responsible for the high levels of bacteria in the waterway. Tasks Atkins has performed related to the Sunshine Lake/Sunrise Waterway Study as of October 23, 2014 and Atkins Revised Interim Report dated August 21, 2014.

4. The Red Lake Watershed District in Minnesota reported having high E. coli concentrations at some of its long-term monitoring sites. In June 2014, the District tapped us to help them identify if humans or animals were the source of the fecal pollution. At both sampling events, traces of bird fecal matter were consistently detected at the Mud River and Red Lake River sites. The District noted that it made sense at the Red Lake River monitoring sites because of the large numbers of cliff swallows that live under the bridge near Voyageur’s View Campground. Also, high E. coli concentrations seem to occur most frequently when the birds are present, especially during the month of June. Monitoring continues as well as collecting samples for MST analysis. Red Lake Watershed District Monthly Water Quality Report for June 2014

5. Upon the recommendation of one of our regular clients, the City of Manhattan Beach sought our help in March 2014 in analyzing the bacteria they found in Well 11A located in Redondo Beach, California. They wanted to know if the bacteria were a product of human fecal contamination. The samples they sent us tested negative in all five tests for human-associated bacteria. This prompted the City of Manhattan to move on and they later determined that the bacteria are likely a product of environmental factors in the groundwater aquifer. Because the City of Manhattan was able to properly eliminate their suspects, they were able to craft a plan that calls for chemical treatment and mechanical well head rehabilitation services to get rid of the bacteria.

6. Geosyntec Consultants conducted the San Diego River Dry Weather Microbial Source Tracking Study to, among others, identify fecal sources in County MS4 outfalls. The laboratory of the City of San Diego, which performed membrane filtration, sent us samples in April and June 2014. Geosyntec wanted the samples to be analyzed for human, dog, horse, ruminant, cow and pig bio-markers. Some samples tested positive for humans and dogs. Geosyntec noted that the human markers were observed in networks that had homeless encampments. Geosyntec recommends additional monitoring to further confirm the results.