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Establish basic scientific understanding of factors that influence bacteria transport, growth, and die-off in Texas streams.
APPROACH: Provde samples of runoff water and streambed sediments for determination of bacterial numbers and rowth and die-off mechanisms. The sample will be collected from a site that we currently operate with cooperation with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
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As of 2006, 197 water bodies in Texas were impaired because they did not meet bacteria criteria established by the State to protect contact recreation use (freshwater and saltwater) and/or oyster water use. This project was designed to provide the scientific basis called for by the Texas Bacterial Taskforce. Specifically, this project is monitoring the survival, growth, re-growth, and die-off of E. coli under different environmental conditions and monitoring re-suspension of E. coli in streams. Baseflow water and streambed sediment samples were collected on March 17, April 20, and May 1, 2009.