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Applications of Microbial Source Tracking in the TMDL Process

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Abstract

The US Environmental Protection Agency’s Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) program is frequently cited as a primary driver in the development of microbial source tracking (MST) techniques. As MST techniques continue to mature, it is prudent to identify those areas where further MST-related research is most likely to contribute to the efficient development and implementation of bacterial TMDLs. The objectives of this chapter are to review the basic phases in the TMDL process, to describe current applications of MST within these stages, to identify research needed to increase MST application, and to discuss opportunities for the expanded use of MST data within the TMDL process.

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Benham, B., Krometis, LA., Yagow, G., Kline, K., Dillaha, T. (2011). Applications of Microbial Source Tracking in the TMDL Process. In: Hagedorn, C., Blanch, A., Harwood, V. (eds) Microbial Source Tracking: Methods, Applications, and Case Studies. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-9386-1_14

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