FATE AND TRANSPORT OF MANURE-BORNE PATHOGENIC MICROOGANISMS

Objective 1: Determine dominant environmental parameters and processes involved in the fate and transport of manure-borne coliform bacteria at field and watershed scales in a hydrological context. Develop predictive models of the fate and transport of manure-borne coliform bacteria at field and watershed scales. Objective 2: Determine prevalence and diversity of pathogenic E. coli and Salmonella in watersheds with different land uses (urban/suburban, forested, animal agriculture) in the mid-Atlantic area. Measure airborne dissemination and survival of pathogenic bacteria and endotoxin from manures, compost, and wastewater treatment plant sludge. Evaluate methods combining immunological and genetic techniques for detection of water-borne pathogenic E. coli.