ReviewMolecular markers for identifying municipal, domestic and agricultural sources of organic matter in natural waters

- Molecular markers to determine sources of organic matter in waters is reviewed.
- Human and animal wastes are distinguishable by fecal sterols and bile acids.
- Artificial sweeteners identify input of human wastewater.
- LC-MS should facilitate analysis of molecular markers in environmental studies.

Molecular markers can be used to determine the sources of organic pollution in water. This review summarizes progress made during the last two decades in identifying reliable molecular markers to distinguish pollution from sewage, animal production, and other sources. Two artificial sweeteners, sucralose and acesulfame-K, are sufficiently stable to be molecular markers and easily associated with domestic wastewater. Waste from different animal species may be distinguished by profiling fecal sterols and bile acids. Other markers which have been evaluated, including caffeine, detergent components, and compounds commonly leached from landfills are discussed.