Coprostanol as an indicator of fecal pollution

Abstract
Coprostanol is a fecal sterol formed by microbial reduction of cholesterol in the intestines of man and higher animals. The fact that this sterol is ubiquitously present in the feces of man and is excreted at the rate of about 1 g/capita/day has prompted investigators to suggest the use of this sterol as an indicator of fecal pollution. It has been found to be particularly useful in problem situations such as toxic or heated effluents and seawater environments where the use of the usual indicator bacteria is suspect. This review discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using coprostanol as an indicator sterol, details the results of numerous field studies, and examines the future prospects for this pollution indicator.

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