Course

ENVR-450 Senior Inquiry Seminar

Document Type

Student Paper

Publication Date

2016

Disciplines

Biology | Environmental Microbiology and Microbial Ecology | Genetics | Microbiology

Description, Abstract, or Artist's Statement

This study explores the process of designing a molecular method to detect fecal contamination in the urban watersheds of Rock Island and Moline, Illinois. These urban watersheds are known to contain high ammonia levels and total dissolved solids based on previous studies. Additionally there is concern about the aging combined sewer and storm water system. Therefore, these watersheds are thought to have poor water quality including fecal contamination. Existing molecular methods used for detecting fecal contamination require a considerable amount of resources in the laboratory. Our goal was to design a molecular method that requires fewer resources and can continue to be used in laboratories at Augustana College. We will describe the method we have developed and discuss preliminary results.

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