Microbial Approaches, Tools and Risk Models
Understanding seasonal precipitation and temperature impacts on both survival and transport of pathogens are key issues. In addition, the unique features of the various lakes and their shorelines and the differences in model outcomes are being examined. These models will be coupled with larger scale models of the Great Lakes transport system to examine impact to nearby water supplies. Impact on groundwater supplies is also of concern in some areas. The ultimate goal is to predict human health risks based on urbanization, housing characteristics, soil characteristics, shore characteristics, water supply type and climate. Advances in microbiology have led to the ability to better define the microbial hazards, the sources, transport, exposure and potential risk. The MSU and USGS team of microbiologists have been involved in the development and application of methods for environmental samples including water, groundwater, wastewater and sediments to measure bacteria, protozoa and viruses that will be used within the Center.
