High-resolution multi-parameter monitoring of microbial water quality and particles at two alpine karst springs as a basis for an early-warning system

Abstract Karst aquifers are important resources for drinking water supply and very vulnerable to contamination. Microbial concentrations at karst springs, in particular, often vary quickly over a short period of time. In this study, the response microbial quality particle-size distribution two alpine springs rainfall events was investigated test validate parameters that can be used as early-warning systems fecal At both total organic carbon, (especially small particle fractions), load show good correlation indicator bacteria E. coli therefore real-time contamination springs. addition conventional bacterial determination methods, β-D-glucuronidase activity, which measured near real-time, novel parameter event scale, (GLUC) activity shows an additional For studied when they peaks turbidity particles, these suitable early warning system because occurs during secondary peak parameters. These results highlight vulnerability demonstrate applicability advanced measurement techniques detecting is especially given time-consuming nature detection methods.