E. Coli Contamination of a Recreational Watershed in the Ozarks: Field Monitoring and a Mesocosm Experiment
Department
Biological Sciences
Major
Biological Sciences
Research Advisor
Niyogi, Dev
Advisor's Department
Biological Sciences
Funding Source
Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experiences (OURE)
Abstract
Water quality of the Mill Creek recreation area has been a recent topic of concern with local residents and the Mark Twain National Forest in regard to potential water quality degradation caused by recreation along the trails used for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. An Escherichia coli survey included water and suspended sediment samples throughout the watershed, and sediment samples from experimental mesocosms to measure long term viability. Results from the water sample survey indicated that the Natural Bridge site contained higher E. coli concentrations than its headwaters or downstream sites. Results from suspended sediment samples from this site indicate that E. coli concentration increase with recreational use. A rainfall event of about 2 cm created an increase of E. coli concentrations in the Mill Creek area. Results from the mesocosm study indicated that E. coli can survive outside of the gastrointestinal system in the sediment for over a month.
Biography
Edna Armstrong is a junior at Missouri University of Science and Technology. She is iGEM’s treasurer and fundraising chair. She is schedule to graduate in the Fall of 2015. She plans to continue her education in medical school.
Research Category
Sciences
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Location
Upper Atrium/Hall
Presentation Date
15 Apr 2015, 9:00 am - 11:45 am
E. Coli Contamination of a Recreational Watershed in the Ozarks: Field Monitoring and a Mesocosm Experiment
Upper Atrium/Hall
Water quality of the Mill Creek recreation area has been a recent topic of concern with local residents and the Mark Twain National Forest in regard to potential water quality degradation caused by recreation along the trails used for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. An Escherichia coli survey included water and suspended sediment samples throughout the watershed, and sediment samples from experimental mesocosms to measure long term viability. Results from the water sample survey indicated that the Natural Bridge site contained higher E. coli concentrations than its headwaters or downstream sites. Results from suspended sediment samples from this site indicate that E. coli concentration increase with recreational use. A rainfall event of about 2 cm created an increase of E. coli concentrations in the Mill Creek area. Results from the mesocosm study indicated that E. coli can survive outside of the gastrointestinal system in the sediment for over a month.
Comments
Joint project with Morgann Kleeschulte