Temporal genetic variability and host sources of Escherichia coli associated with fecal pollution from domesticated animals in the shellfish culture environment of Xiangshan Bay, East China Sea

► The host-origin library developed by (GTG)5-PCR could be used to shellfish water MST. ► Fecal pollution of Xiangshan Bay arose from multiple sources of agricultural wastes. ► High level of E. coli concentration in shellfish water increases the health risk. ► Annual changes of E. coli host sources affect distribution of zoonotic pathogens.