Fecal contamination of local bodies of water
Project Description
Local lakes and streams will be surveyed for indicators of fecal contamination, Escherichia coli particularly. Classic culture techniques will be used to detect E. coli. If detected, we will attempt to determine the source of the contamination (human, cow, wild animal, etc.) by characterization of the E. coli isolates. Techniques might include polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of ribosomal and other genes, sequencing of ribosomal and other genes, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and Southern blotting or phage typing.
Background Needed
Familiarity with microbiological and molecular biology techniques would be useful but not essential. Techniques will be learned during the project.