Determining the Potential for Harm to Human Health From Bacteria Found on Lake Superior Beaches

Project Summary

This project builds on previous Sea Grant research to identify the sources of high levels of bacteria on several Lake Superior beaches. While these sources are currently being identified, the potential for harm from the bacteria has not been determined.

This project will determine the pathogenicity (ability to cause diseases) of E. coli (Escherichia coli) and other bacteria present on two beaches in Duluth using new, high-throughput robotic technologies. The researchers will examine bacterial and sediment samples for the presence of genes that come from harmful bacteria. They will also determine whether the presence of these genes vary over short time scales. This will help the researchers learn whether there's a relationship between environmental factors and the level of harmful bacteria in waterways.

The results will be useful for pollution control, wastewater treatment facilities, and state health department personnel, and will have widespread application for other coastal areas of the Great Lakes. Results from these studies could lead to better wastewater release and remediation practices, and to more informed health advisories.