Comparative evaluation of decay characteristics of commonly used genetic faecal markers crAssphage and Bacteroides in complex river water microcosms
Recent Publication
Genetic markers are used worldwide to better assess faecal contamination in rivers. A team of KL researchers has now systematically investigated for the first time how two of these markers - crAssphage and Bacteroides - degrade over time in complex river water. The experiments showed that both markers initially degrade quickly, but then significantly more slowly, with crAssphage remaining more stable under all conditions. In addition, the effect of different filter methods on detection was tested, which provides important information for practical use. As PCR-based analyses are gaining in importance worldwide, this knowledge helps to better classify the measurement results.
Steinbacher, S., Leifels, M., Kolm, C., Lindner, G., Demeter, K., Kirschner, A., Derx, J., Linke, R. B., Sommer, R., & Farnleitner, A. (2026). Comparative evaluation of decay characteristics of commonly used genetic faecal markers crAssphage and Bacteroides in complex river water microcosms. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, 2026(271), Article 114713. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114713
Dr. Mats Leifels
Scientific Staff (PostDoc)
Department of Water Quality and Health
Ass. Prof. DI Dr. Claudia Kolm Bakk
Scientific Staff (PostDoc)
Department of Water Quality and Health
Assoc. Prof. PD Mag. Dr. Alexander Kirschner
Scientific Staff (Sen. PostDoc)
Department of Water Quality and Health
Univ.-Prof. PD Dr. Andreas Farnleitner MSc
Head of
Department of Water Quality and Health