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Chauret continues water quality research
January 27, 2005 | |||||
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KOKOMO, Ind.—IU Kokomo biology student Marley Griffin of Galveston and Associate Professor of Microbiology Christian Chauret, Ph.D., are continuing their research on E. coli 0157-H7, a dangerous bacterial contaminant that can be found in Indiana rivers and creeks. Working under an Indiana University Undergraduate Research Summer Institute (URSI) grant in 2004, Griffin and Chauret tested two different methods to detect this E. coli in surface sources of drinking water. "Once the different bacteria are isolated, we perform genetic comparisons of them," Chauret said. "Very far down the road, this knowledge can lead to detecting the origin of a bacterium and possible preventative or disinfection methods." The work continues Chauret's many years of studying E. coli and other microorganisms in surface water and advising communities on how to detect and deal with contaminants in these sources of drinking water. He also worked last year with three utilities in Indiana checking the quality of their water distribution systems. "We were looking at biofilms (colonies of bacteria, algae, and fungi on water surfaces), effective concentrations of disinfectants, patterns of water quality affected by seasonal changes, and other factors," Chauret said. The systematic scientific study of contaminants in sources of drinking water only started in the early 1990s, Chauret said. "We used to just treat whatever water came into a municipal drinking water plant. But, once you know a bacterium is in your watershed, then you can do something about it." In April, Chauret will present some of his findings at the Indiana conference of the American Society for Microbiology. Last November, he spoke at the American Water Works Association's Water Quality Technology conference in San Antonio, Texas, attended by some 1,500 drinking water regulators and water treatment plant managers. His presentation covered emerging problems of E. coli O157:H7 and the disinfection of this bacterium, "A lot more is known about E. coli in foods than in water," he said. Chauret sees possible links of water contaminants to the "strange weather patterns" the United States has experienced in recent years. "A lot of rain creates more run-off of manures and chemicals from fields, and overflows of sewage systems. This can contaminate wells," he said. Overall, he said, water quality in the Midwest is good. "The United States' main water concerns are shortages in the south and southwest, as well as along the eastern seaboard, in states such as New Jersey, where the population is dense," he said. Professionals concerned with water quality are seeking solutions to the shortages, he added. "Southern communities are talking about using highly treated wastewater for non-consumption purposes, such as watering golf courses."
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