Water-Quality and Management Implications of Nutrients and Pathogenic Microorganisms in Popular Geothermal Hot Springs within Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks

Both Naegleria fowleri and Legionella have been found in hot springs around Grand Teton National Park (GRTE). In spite of the potential health hazards, there has not been any additional research to further confirm the presence of these pathogens or others in popular GRTE hot springs, identify the time of year when they are prevalent, or identify the geochemical/physical factors that influence their presence. Understanding the factors that influence the existence of N. fowleri and Legionella in northern states has been a focus of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in recent years (www.cdc.gov). Furthermore, Kemble and others (2012) determined that temperature was not the only risk to consider regarding the presence of N. fowleri; other factors they found worth considering include the presence of suspended organic matter and sediment. Other studies have noted correlations between density of amoebae populations and both high densities of bacteria (Wellings et al., 1979) and high concentrations of phosphorus (Lyons and Kapur, 1977). A more intensive study integrating microbiology and geochemistry could provide a better understanding of the risk factors involved with soaking at these geothermal areas. This is the next generation sequencing on the samples.