Pathogen populations in
estuarine areas are dynamic, as they are subject to multiple natural and
anthropogenic challenges. Heavy rainfall events bring instability to the
aquatic environment in estuaries, causing changes in pathogen populations and
increased environmental sanitation and public health concerns. In this study,
we investigated the effects of heavy precipitation on the occurrence of
pathogens in the Puzi River estuary, which is adjacent to the largest inshore
oyster farming area in Taiwan.