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Objectives
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Establish fluorometric methods to detect and
quantify fluorescent whitening agents (FWA)
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Validate the fluorometric method against established
sewage indicator bacteria in the laboratory and actual field
conditions; and
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Develop a plan for a system to rapidly alert
managers for the threat of sewage in swimming water.
Methodology
We will use fluorometric and chromatographic methods in the
laboratory for the quantitative determination of FWAs in sewage and
ambient water followed by the collection and analysis of field samples
for FWAs using fluorescence and E. coli using membrane filtration
and QPCR.
Rationale
The rational for our project is the need for a) simple and
inexpensive tools for identifying human sources of waste using chemical
markers because of health risks and to meet remediation and regulatory
targets and (b) real time measurements on water quality that can make
needed decisions on beach closures on Lake Michigan significantly more
accurate and timely. |
