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<OL> <LI> Develop functional relationships between vertical vs. surface pathogen transport and environmental parameters. <LI> Assess impact of vegetative buffer strips, riparian zones, and wetlands on transport. <LI> Determine rates and extent of pathogen transport/dispersal and survivability in pasture, crop, and vegetable production systems. A<LI> ssess importance of animal, avian, and insect vectors on pathogen transport/dispersal and levels in water and aquatic species. <LI> Improve and validate transport models.
Rates and extent of pathogen and/or fecal coliform vertical and surface transport will be investigated as a function of slope, soil texture/structure, vegetation, and rainfall duration/intensity using field lysimeters. Studies will be conducted at various watersheds and field sites to assess pathogen and/or fecal coliform transport and survivability in pasture, crop, and vegetable production systems, and to assess the impact of vegetative filter strips, riparian zones and/or wetlands on surface transport. The significance of vectors (animal, avian, insect) as agents of pathogen dissemination will be examined and their impact on pathogen levels in water and aquatic species determined. Initial target pathogens include Cryptosporidium parvum and Listeria monocytogenes; additional pathogens will be examined as time and resources permit. Quantitative methods will be compared/evaluated, including immunological and PCR technologies. Based on a synthesis of information, pathogen transport and dispersion models will be developed and validated.