Does Land-Use Associate with Escherichia coli Pollution in Karst Springs? A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Objective: The presence of Escherichia coli bacteria in karst springs, influenced by land cover conditions and land use activities in rainwater catchment areas, indicates a decrease in water quality. The study aimed to describe the effect of land use on Escherichia coli contamination in karst springs. Methods: This was a narrative review retrieving studies from Scopus and PubMed databases. The keywords used are pollution, Escherichia coli, land use, and karst springs. Of the 52 studies identified in the search phase, ten studies were eligible for inclusion in this review. Results: The concentration of Escherichia coli increases with increasing rainfall in all types of land use, such as forested land, mixed garden land, residential land, and grazing or livestock land. Factors that cause concentration Escherichia coli does not meet water quality standards due to feces from wild animals, feces-contaminated fertilization, construction of non-water impermeable septic tanks, and feces from livestock grazing. Conclusions: Repairing septic tanks and sewage in areas with high population density may reduce Escherichia coli contamination. Further research is needed to formulate strategies and policies for managing springs in the karst areas.

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