Abstract:
Analysis of microbe diversity in freshwater resources and nearshore seawater samples
of Upolu Island was performed to investigate the distribution of harmful bacteria. For this, 124
samples were collected from 23 river systems, two volcanic lakes, and 45 locations inside and
outside the barrier reef of Upolu Island, Samoa. Physicochemical parameters for general water
quality, detection of coliform bacteria and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing were performed on all
samples. Fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) testing indicated a wide distribution of coliform bacteria
in all sampled freshwater sites with evidence of fecal coliform in most locations. Importantly,
evidence of coliform bacteria was found in most seawater samples inside and along the reef, apart
from those samples taken ~20 km offshore. Illumina 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing of the V4
hypervariable region confirmed the presence of various types of harmful bacterial species, namely
from the Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcae, Streptococcaceae, and Vibrionacea families. By combining
the sensitivity of FIB testing and next-generation sequencing, we were able to show the extent of
potential contaminations in fresh and seawater samples and simultaneously identify the potential
pathogenic bacterial genera present. The wide distribution of potential harmful bacteria from river
runoff or direct sewage dumping has an impact on human health, leading to many skin and intestinal
diseases, and is potentially detrimental to coral reef community health.
