Abstract
The pathogen indicator organism means pathogen associated non-pathogenic microorganisms for easier identification of the contamination. The pathogen indicator organisms can be used for estimating the impacts of non-point source pollution as their concentration is flow rate dependent. This study aims to determine the concentration of the pathogen indicator organisms in the Geum River basin and to understand the impacts of the non point source pollution on the water quality. In this study, total coliform, fecal coliform, andEscherichia coli concentrations were monitored at eight sites in the Geum River Basin. Total coliform concentration showed a high correlation with the flow rate, and a tendency of higher concentration for more agricultural land use in a monitored area. From the analysis of the relationship between flow rates and contaminant loads or concentration, two curves explained the relationships for the low flow and high flow conditions, respectively. Load duration curves were developed to estimate the impact of non-point source pollution on the water quality. From the load duration curve analysis, it can be understood that the water qualities of the Geum River are affected by non-point pollution significantly compare to the magnitude of point source pollution.
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Kim, G.H., Yur, J.H. Effects of the non-point source pollution on the concentration of pathogen indicator organisms in the Geum River Basin, Republic of Korea. KSCE J Civ Eng 8, 181–187 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02829118
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02829118