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Research Project:
Assess Levels of Pathogenic E. Coli in the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers
Location: Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory
Project Number: 1265-12630-003-10
Project Type:
Memorandum of Understanding
Start Date: Jul 01, 2004
End Date: Jul 01, 2009
Objective:
The objectives of this research are three-fold: (i) to detect and quantify pathogenic Escherichia coli (e.g. E. coli O157) in the Potomac and Anacostia rivers, and (ii) to develop a fecal source tracking approach with respect to the upstream fecal contamination problem in the Anacostia River, and (iii) to monitor water quality on fecal coliform in the downstream portion of the Anacostia River and the Potomac River.
Approach:
Samples of the Potomac and Anacostia River water will be obtained by the AWS staff or AWS volunteers. These samples will be analyzed for pathogenic E. coli using immunological and genetic methods previously developed by USDA scientists. Staff from the AWS will perform testing in regards to fecal coliform and other parameters for their survey. ARS will provide the use of its laboratory equipment to AWS. AWS will supply reagents for parameters of their own testing. Participation in the partnership by the Anacostia Watershed Society is contingent upon the ability to obtain funding for this program from outside sources in order to satisfy the financial obligations incurred by AWS for this program.
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Last Modified: 01/14/2009
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